BTEC Level 5 HND in Music and Audio Production

The new BTEC Higher National qualifications in Music are designed to address an increasing need for high quality professional and technical education pathways at Levels 4 and 5, providing students with a clear line of sight to employment or progression to further higher education study.
BTEC is one of the world’s most recognised applied learning brands, engaging students in practical, interpersonal, and thinking skills, for more than thirty years. BTECs are work-related qualifications for students taking their first steps into employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities. BTECs provide progression into the workplace either directly or via study at university and are also designed to meet employer’s needs.
You will be taught by lecturers who have extensive experience of the industry and its many facets. They are also current practitioners so you will receive the most up to date instruction from leading figures in their field.

As a student on this course, you will have access to 1:1 pastoral support via our student support team, technician support and state of the art industry standard equipment which includes:

1. Music Recording Studios with Pro Tools Ultimate 12 including the AVID Plugin Bundle featuring a flagship Audient ASP4816 Recording console.

2. Behringer UMC interfaces in all computer suites for 2 channel recording.

3. 5.1 Genelec Surround mixing suite running UAD plugins as well as a Universal Audio Apollo Audio Interface and digital MIDI controller.

4. Mac editing suites running Pro Tools 12, Logic Pro X and equipped with M Audio USB keyboard controllers and the Native Instruments Komplete bundle.

5. A Live performance space with industry standard live digital mixers including a full backline with amplifiers by Fender and Vox.


The course will consist of 120 credits delivered through 8 units. There are a wide range of units to suit individual expectations and musical taste, from mandatory units to recording, mixing, editing, live sound and sequencing within industry leading software Pro Tools. A breakdown of units can be viewed below.

-Advanced Sound Engineering
-Advanced Synthesis & Processing
-Composing to a Brief
-A & R
-Developing As An Artist
-Working In Music Education
-Creative Research Project

For students who have recently been in education, the entry requirements are for you to have at least one of the following: • 48 UCAS Points • Level 3 qualification in Music (A Level, BTEC or Similar) • GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution • Foundation Diploma in Music • Related work experience • An international equivalent of the above. Mandatory requirements: • GCSE Grade 4 or Above in Both English and Maths However, for students who are looking to retrain and may not have any of those qualifications above, will be subject to interview. A keen interest within the creative industries is essential, and a portfolio of work would be beneficial. Please note that entry criteria may vary quite significantly between courses at the same level. This is to take account of the specific skills needed for success on particular courses, the length of the course and the requirements for progression to the next level. Entry criteria are given as a guide, and the exact requirements in order to obtain a place on a particular course will be confirmed following attendance at a Welcome Event/Interview. In addition to the entry qualifications listed, the offer of a place on the course is subject to the outcomes of initial assessment, which will be taken at the College as part of the admissions process. Please note that entry criteria may vary quite significantly between courses at the same level. This is to take account of the specific skills needed for success on particular courses, the length of the course and the requirements for progression to the next level. Entry criteria are given as a guide, and the exact requirements in order to obtain a place on a particular course will be confirmed following attendance at a professional interview.

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs. Your work will be continually assessed throughout the year with written assignments, presentations, practical experimentation, and portfolios of work.

How to Apply for a Higher Education Course at CRC

There are 3 ways you can apply for your chosen course:

1) Apply online direct from this course page.
Click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page by the course information. By clicking this button, you will be taken to our online application system. This system will ask you to create a new account if you have not created one previously. Once you have created an account you can apply for the course.

2) Apply through UCAS
When you have found your chosen course on the UCAS website, you can apply directly from UCAS. You will need to have created a UCAS account if you do not have one already to apply.

3) Editable HE application form
If you are unable to use the above ways to apply, you can also apply by filling in our downloadable HE Application form. This can be downloaded by visiting this page.

All forms will need to be returned to our admissions team at, The Admissions Office, Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2QT.

For further assistance please contact our Admissions Team at