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Diploma Update (February 2015)

We believe that ACM should be accessible to every talented young person, regardless of their financial circumstance. The immersive music education environment we offer here is for everybody and not just for the privileged.

We are therefore pleased to announce a 50% reduction in our September 2015 Diploma course supplement for Under 19s, from £1,200 to £600.

We will put in place payment plans to spread this cost over the academic year and furthermore, will make available a series of Scholarships, Bursaries and other mechanisms that have the potential to remove the supplementary charges altogether.

These mechanisms include rewarding those who successfully complete their Diploma and progress onto our Degree programmes by providing a £600 Bursary against any applicable fees.

For those students already enrolled onto our September 2015 Diploma courses at the original price, we will automatically reduce the amounts payable.

Read more about the BTEC Diploma and your course options at ACM:

About the ACM Diploma
ACM offers a 1 year Diploma where entry starts straight from GCSEs, and on completion is equivalent to 2 x A Levels. Following the Diploma, a student wishing to study further is eligible to apply to attend a Degree course or a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).

All ACM Diploma students get access to a host of fully cross-discipline tutorials, pro workshops and masterclasses from industry professionals. They study in state-of-the-art facilities supported by industry professional tutors and by ACM’s Industry Link.

ACM can boast a 95.8% retention rate for the music diploma in 2011/12 (i.e. students completing the course), which is significantly higher than the national average. Of these students 92% achieve their Diploma.

What are BTEC Diplomas?
ACM’s BTEC Level 3 Diplomas (BTEC Nationals) are written by the world-wide leader in vocational education, Pearson (formerly Edexcel), under the titles Music and Music Technology. The Music and Music Technology syllabus provided by Pearson and delivered here at ACM is the same syllabus covered by all other institutions in the UK for these subjects at this level. On top of the syllabus, we lay the highest quality of ACM teaching and learning matched with an unparalleled student experience, including world-class facilities, a highly regarded teaching faculty made up of working music professionals and Masterclasses from music industry legends.  Equivalent in standard to A levels, they provide specialist knowledge, understanding, skills and qualifications for learners who have a clear line of sight to their future career and are planning to progress through to higher education or employment upon graduation. They’re suitable for students aged 16 and over.  For more information on the BTEC qualification in general, you can visit the Pearson Website.

What Higher Education options are available to students upon completion of their BTEC Diploma at ACM?
Our BTEC Diplomas in Bass, Drums, Guitar, Vocals and Music Production give students the opportunity to obtain 240 UCAS points, which is the equivalent of 2x A grades at A-Level.  This internationally recognised qualification opens doors to studying all kinds of subjects (not just limited to music) at all kinds of Universities, from a Russell Group University in the UK through to specialist institutions the world-over.  These institutions don’t just consider grades, which is why the Further Education Achievement Report we provide each and every one of our students (serving as a record of their extra-curricular achievement and activity, as well as an academic reference) makes ACM a good choice for those wanting to study Music now, whilst keeping their options open for the future.  Of course, as a specialist provider of music industry education, we hope that our Diploma students choose to continue their studies with us here and progress onto one of the many industry-led Degree programmes we offer at ACM.

What about the importance of language, literacy and other kinds of life skills?

Do BTEC Students at ACM purely study Music?
ACM is an esteemed provider of music industry education and we put great effort into ensuring our programmes and courses at all levels generate well-rounded graduates that are suited to continuing education or employment, according to their preference.  That said, aside from the academic, personal and professional skills taught as part of BTEC Programme itself, we support our students by delivering further tuition in language/literacy, mathematics and business studies throughout their time with us.  Study of these non-qualification modules is also documented on the Further Education Achievement Report we provide each and every one of our students (serving as a record of their extra-curricular achievement and activity, as well as an academic reference they can use upon graduation).

Download the Full Time ACM Prospectus 2015/16 PDF to find out more about studying an ACM Tour Production Diploma & the course entry requirements.

Music Performance Diploma

Guitar // Bass Guitar // Drums // Vocals
The ACM Diploma is designed to give students a broad, practically focused experience that illustrates the skills and knowledge needed for both further study and a sustainable career in professional music.

Through lectures, practical workshops, lessons and discussion based seminars, students get multiple opportunities to refine their knowledge base and develop as individual musicians.

As well as developing the musical skills, students will also develop the analytical, time management, rehearsal and interpersonal skills needed to be a fully rounded and employable professional.

Download the Full Time ACM Prospectus 2015/16 PDF to find out more about studying an ACM Performance Diploma & the course entry requirements.

To find out more information about ACM’s Diploma course options for September 2015, get in touch with ACM’s Admissions Team by telephoning 01483 500 800 or emailing enquiries@acm.ac.uk.

Music Production Diploma

Diploma Music Technology //

The ACM Music Production Diploma is a practical, industry related course concentrating on the skills required to start a career in the music business. Taught by music industry specialist and professional producers, the Diploma gives students one of the most rounded and intensive practical programmes currently available.

Students have access to ACM’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the MIT suite, the recording studio complex, the pre and post studios, networking areas and the Library and Resource Centre.

Students will be expected to work on a variety of music-based projects, construct a portfolio of different styles of music, record live instruments and singers and put together professional presentation packs.

In addition to lectures, students are expected to undertake individual and group practice and get involved with the numerous extra curricular and Industry Link opportunities.

The Diploma provides the foundation needed for starting out in a career in the music industry or for further study at Degree Level.

Download the Full Time ACM Prospectus 2015/16 PDF to find out more about studying an ACM Tour Production Diploma & the course entry requirements.

To find out more information about ACM’s Diploma course options for September 2015, get in touch with ACM’s Admissions Team by telephoning 01483 500 800 or emailing enquiries@acm.ac.uk.