Entry requirements
- A minimum of three passes at National 5 level or equivalent
- Successful completion of Music & Sound (SCQF Level 5)
- For those returning to education, life skills and experience may allow entry.
Why take this course?
This course allows you to hone your craft, whether in composing, songwriting, or live performance, and to immerse yourself in music production, musicianship and the business side of the industry including working within the community.
Collaborating with fellow students, you will not only develop your own skills but also gain insights from a diverse pool of talents and perspectives. This course is a gateway to turning your passion for music into a thriving career.
What you will experience
This course is designed to allow you to develop a foundation for progression to further study and to provide skills and knowledge appropriate to the music industry. You will:
- Produce music with industry standard equipment in our custom-built studios
- Take part in competitions and have the opportunity to perform live in the community.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
A list of materials will be sent to you before the start of the course.
What you will get
SQA units in Music at SCQF Level 6.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 15 March 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
Student Stories
Dean Melville
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Music
“There are so many standout moments from my time on this course! During my time at NESCol, I can say I have performed in Aberdeen’s top music venues including the Lemon Tree, Krakatoa, and Drummonds. It’s so great that the college can offer people of all ages those kinds of opportunities. “
Read more about Dean's story
Matthew Mcguigan
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Music
“The College provides many opportunities to collaborate and create with others that share your passion. It’s a fantastic social and educational experience.”
Read more about Matthew's story
Nathan Batchu
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Acting & Performance
“The lecturers at NESCol are incredible and have a level of professionalism where they keep it friendly but prepare you for the real world of acting.”
Read more about Nathan's story
Fraser Thomson
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Acting & Performance
“I couldn’t imagine a better college experience. The range of skills and types of acting you’re taught forces you out of your comfort zone and propels your confidence.”
Read more about Fraser's story
Lucy Parfitt
Music, Sound Production & Drama
Performing Arts: Drama
“I’ve really enjoyed my course, it’s great to focus on drama rather than everything, like when you’re at school.”
Read more about Lucy's story
Nairn Milne
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Music
“When I came to see the facilities at Aberdeen City Campus and spoke to staff who told me about the course content and the opportunities it could provide, applying was a no-brainer!
Definitely do it! You’ll make friends for life and have a great experience!”
Read more about Nairn's story
Poppy Wishart
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Music
“My lecturers were just fantastic, I cannot thank them enough for what they’ve taught me but also for how supported they made me feel. Their belief and encouragement of me as a singer songwriter has been invaluable and truly helped build my confidence to bring me to where I am today.”
Read more about Poppy's story
Abigail Underwood
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Acting & Performance
“I’m very grateful to NESCol for all they have given me and being named SQA Award winner is the icing on the cake.”
Read more about Abigail's story
Arwen Scott
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Music
“NESCol gave me the confidence boost that I needed to go on and continue my study of music. The course was interesting and I really enjoyed the combination of learning in both popular and classical music, the broad range of subjects we studied was great. Coming to College allowed me to focus on the subject I love the most.”
Read more about Arwen's story
Katie Grant
Music, Sound Production & Drama
HND Acting & Performance
“The lecturers are industry experienced and maintain a high standard which really gives you that extra push you need as a school leaver. My lecturers went above and beyond to help me in any way they could and I know that they still would today.”
Read more about Katie's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
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Duration 1 year
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Course Code C00019
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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