CertHE Music Business

The CertHE Music Production and Sound Engineering course is the equivalent of year 1 of our 3-year degree programme. On successful completion of this course, you can continue studying our 3-year degree programme.

If you’re looking to work in A&R, artist, branding or venue management, considering setting up your own label, or even working as a distributor or publisher, this course will provide you with the knowledge and opportunities to make your goals become a reality. The programme is designed and taught by industry professionals who have worked with the most prominent labels (Virgin (EMI), Mercury Records, Universal and Sony Music) and artists (Basement Jaxx, Blue, Atomic Kitten, Robert Plant, and Natalie Imbruglia) in the industry.

You will learn: History of the Music Industry, Recording & Distribution, IP & Copyright, Music & Artist Management, Music Publishing, Professional Development.

Point Blank classes are small to ensure you receive ample 1-2-1 time with your lecturers. Our studios are located in Shoreditch—a global hub of London music venues and bars. We strive to create a creative ecosystem at Point Blank and encourage students with different backgrounds to network and collaborate, building connections for the future. Please note that this degree programme is subject to validation by Middlesex University.

Book a tour of our brand new 30,000 square foot campus including our SSL studios, student performance hub and Pioneer DJ studios shown below. Apply now to be one of the first to step into this exciting new world of music creation! 

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On our higher education programmes, students take part in a variety of intimate lectures (up to 16 students) and workshops. When not attending these sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently. Independent learning is about taking control of your work, finding out what you need to know and deciding how you are going to study.

During this time, you can take advantage of:

• Our award-winning Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with bespoke downloadable resources to support your lectures.
• Our state-of-the-art facilities and private practice spaces across two buildings.
• 1-2-1 Tutorials with lecturers to help you focus on your assignments.
• Studio Lab Time with support staff (up to five per week depending on availability) to help you with your technical set up and assignments.
• Extra workshops with music industry professionals.
• Our Open Mic Nights and pointblank Choir.

A degree course consists of academic levels 4, 5 and 6. Each level consists of 120 credits. Each module is worth 20 credits and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module (4 hours of lectures and 6 hours of independent learning).

Assessment is how we gauge your success on a course. You will be expected to take part in the following types of assessment during this course:

1. Exercises – these are designed to give you feedback on your performance and to help you improve as you study at pointblank.

2. Assignments - these are designed to measure what you have achieved during a module and therefore the grade you will be awarded.

To make it possible for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the best of their abilities, students will be asked to produce work in varying formats depending on your course including compositions, creative projects, written work, reports, performances, presentations, 1-2-1 discussions, recordings and timed music industry-based briefs.

Point Blank has a reputation for having genuine roots in the music industry and has used this insider knowledge to define and shape their programmes in a fast-moving sector. The programmes are innovative in both delivery and content and manage to harness the unique individuality and industry experience of each lecturer.  - Kwame Kwaten Director of A&R Point Blank recordings / Ferocious Talent CEO / Co Director Cre8ing Vision & Ultimate Seminar / Brits diversity board Co chair /Mobo Trustee / Record Producer / Vice Chairman of Music Managers Forum (MMF)

First and foremost, we are looking for people who can demonstrate a) their passion for music and b) an ability to successfully complete a Higher Education programme. Where conditional offers are made, typical offers will be set from:

• A Level: CC
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP
• We also accept T Levels and do consider a wide range of Level 3 and comparable international qualifications.

If you don't have formal qualifications, don't worry, applicants without formal qualifications may still be considered on the strength of relevant prior learning and experience. We will initially assess your personal statement which should detail any previous study or relevant experience in music. Then the Admissions Team will look at the merits of each application by taking the following evidence into consideration: predicted or previously attained grades, examples of work and relevant work experience. Applicants who do not meet the typical entry requirements may also be asked to attend an interview. Click here for more information on our entry requirements, international qualifications and how to apply.

Being an undergraduate student involves two main expenses: tuition fees and living costs. Students can either choose to pay for their course privately, or alternatively, all of our higher education programmes are eligible for Student Finance loans. Eligible students may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the full course fees. This will be up to £9,250 per year for courses with standard delivery, or up to £11,100 per year for courses with accelerated delivery. In addition, eligible students may be entitled to a maintenance loan of up to £12,382 per year. The amount of maintenance you can apply for will depend on your circumstances. EU students are not eligible for the maintenance loan. For students wishing to pay privately, we have a number of payment plans available, including annual and termly instalments.  Click here for more information on fees and funding options available. 

All students will gain membership to the Music Managers Forum (MMF) - the largest representative body of music management in the world.