Course Overview
This course can be taken as an A Level option.
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
This exciting and practical music course is designed for those who want to take their performance skills to the next level while gaining valuable experience of the music industry. Whether you’re an instrumentalist or vocalist, this course will develop your musical ability, creativity and confidence through hands-on learning and real-world projects.
You will explore a wide range of musical styles, improve your technical performance skills, work collaboratively with others, and gain an understanding of the music industry’s structure and expectations. This course is ideal for aspiring session musicians, performers, songwriters or anyone aiming to progress to higher-level study or work in the creative industries.
Topics may include:
- Music composition
- Ensemble performance
- Professional practice in the music industry
- Music theory in practice.
Assessment Methods
This course is assessed through a combination of practical assignments, written work, and performances. All units are internally assessed and externally moderated by Pearson.
Assessment includes both individual and group work, and you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your musical development through live performances and project-based work. The majority of this qualification will be completed prior to your exams for your other subject choices, allowing you to focus on achieving your full potential on your entire study programme.
Progression Options
The Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level and can be studied alongside two other Level 3 qualifications. It provides an excellent foundation for progressing to university-level study, or a career in the music and performing arts industries.
Past students have gone on to study music at higher education institutions or entered the industry as freelance performers, session musicians, music technicians, or arts administrators. The course also supports progression into apprenticeships in creative media and live events.
Entry Requirements
You will need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and ideally music or a related subject, or a Merit or above in a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification.
A basic level of performance ability on your chosen instrument or voice is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.