1 or 2 years
UAL (University of the Arts London)
Immerse yourself in an industry-led dynamic course, perfect for aspiring pop, rock, jazz, and folk musicians.
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Percent of all categories inspected by Ofsted were deemed to be "OUTSTANDING" during our most recent inspection, placing HCA among the highest achieving education providers in the county. Find out more.
Level 2 offers an opportunity to build out your foundation in your subject area for a year, before moving on to Level 3.
This might be due to experience, or GCSE grades - and it is possible to move between the two levels after you've started, if you don't feel like the fit is right for you.
The Level 3 courses for Post-16 students are a two-year qualification certified by the UAL Awarding Body.
There are three key passing grades at Level 3: Distinction (168 UCAS points), Merit (120 UCAS points) and Pass (72 UCAS Points). A Distinction is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level.
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)
To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.
Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject.
To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
We also offer a 1 year Level 2 diploma course, that allows you to enter in at a lower entry point to gain experience and confidence before moving onto the 2 year Level 3 Extended Diploma course. See more information further down the page.
A solid grounding in music theory, voice, and improvisation.
Develop your skills through hands-on practice.
Learn how the music industry operates with insights from visiting practitioners, workshop leaders, and regular visits to professional gigs and shows.
Enhance your abilities in performance and composition.
Take on the challenge of devising, planning, promoting, and staging your own music performance or production.
Work at a professional-level recording studio based at the Royal National College.
The tutors have been incredibly helpful - they are always there to offer support, and the studio sessions were great. We formed our band 'Barcode' here in our first year and will continue gigging in Bath. It wouldn't have happened without HCA.
Jack Draper and Elliot Askey, who are both going onto study at Bath Spa University
This is a practical course where you will learn by doing what you love. Our focus is on developing the real world skills you will need to progress in the industry, through experience and live briefs with industry partners.
We do not embrace traditional exams, instead choosing to assess your progress using performances, journals and logbooks, practical assessments and evaluations.
Hereford College of Arts has a diverse mix of students, including people with different learning styles and needs. We have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Find out more here.
English and Maths are an integral part of the course.
If you do not yet have the necessary grades (Grade 4/C or above) you will get additional teaching and support to study for either a GCSE or functional skills qualification, depending on your prior GCSE grades.
The Study Skills team at HCA is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. This support includes extra provision for those who:
Study Skills support is currently delivered through specialist English, Maths or EAL sessions, as well as provision for students focusing on their coursework. The team aims to support learners in setting their own targets in order to develop their independence and achieve their full potential throughout their chosen course of study.
All students also have access to scheduled drop-in sessions for support for all areas including coursework, English and Maths, study skills, EAL, information, advice and guidance. Find out more here. (Insert link)
Studying music at an arts specific college means you benefit from spaces and equipment designed to help you reach your full potential within the industry.
Our post-16 courses offer an outstanding foundation to pursue a career in the creative industries and beyond.
Every year students progress onto degree courses at some of the top arts and stage schools in the UK, or go on to study other subjects from Medicine to Marketing.
You can apply at any point during the year directly to HCA. We receive a high number of application across our four subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.
Find out more here.
Once you have completed the online application form we will write to you and invite you to attend a face-to-face interview or audition.
We will also send you some guidance to help you prepare - but the main aim of your interview is to give us the chance to get to know you, and for you to get a feel for the course team.
We schedule interview/audition in blocks to give you a chance to meet some of the other students who will be starting the course with you.
At HCA we want you to apply happy. The application process doesn't need to be scary. Remember, we are looking for your passion and potential - not perfection. And we are here to help every step of the way so you feel comfortable through the process.
Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 years)
Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject.
To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)
To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.
We are passionate about access to outstanding education. Every student comes to us at a different point in their journey. Students have a broad range of subject area experience, academic qualifications and personal circumstances.
One way to ensure you get the most out of the course is by making sure you start in the right place.
All our curriculum areas offer a Level 2 entry, which will provide you with an outstanding foundation in the subject before moving on to the two-year Level 3 course.
You can start at Level 2 with lower GCSE grades (outlined above), or limited experience in the arts.
The fees for the additional Level 2 year is funded by the Government in the same way, so you won’t have to pay additional course fees at any point in your diploma studies.
Course leads will make a recommendation based on results - as well as meeting you and talking to you - if they think you would benefit from starting your studies at Level 2.
There is always some movement between groups early on in the first term, as you find your own level within the college.
Almost all of our students progress from Level 2 onto our Level 3 courses - with many going on to thrive, and go on to study a degree after their diploma.
You can get your application started online today. Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.
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Term | Enrolment |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Wednesday 28th August - Wednesday 4th September |
Term | Autumn Term |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Thursday 5th September - Friday 20th December |
Term | Half Term |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November |
Term | Spring Term |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Tuesday 7th January - Friday 11th April |
Term | Half Term |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Monday 17th February - Friday 21st February |
Term | Summer Term |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Monday 28th April - Friday 4th July |
Term | Half Term |
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Dates (2024 - 2025) | Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May |
Everything you need to know about applying to HCA - and starting the next stage of your journey as an artist
Apply nowChat to students. Tour the campus. Drop in on some free workshops. Our Open Days are a great way to get a feel for what makes HCA special.
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