Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Music
Qualification summary
The National Certificate in Music is to provide learners with a comprehensive programme of learning in Music. The qualification covers a variety of practical music making skills as well as the opportunities to study historical contexts. The qualification can lead into either a level 4 Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Music Practice or provide the points required to allow access to Higher Education courses such as degrees and foundation degrees. The vocationally related qualification entails project work and a requires and understanding of the music industry therefore allowing learners access to work. The revised BTEC National certificate in Music has updated units and revised content where appropriate. The performing arts sector sees continual change in terms of techniques and technology used in all areas and particularly in those that involve the technical pathways. Further information has been added to each of the units in terms of a unit abstract and also in relation to the delivery and assessment strategies. More detailed information in each of these sections will allow tutors to offer a more informed approach to the implementation of the individual units and therefore also to the complete qualification. The vocational context of the qualification is provided through the core units and additional optional units such as The Music Freelance World and the Sound and Music Industry. The vocational nature of the qualification is underlined through links to the relevant Sector Skills Council who have approved the specification.
Qualification details
VRQ - Vocationally-Related Qualification
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
The qualification can lead into either a level 4 Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Music Practice or provide the points required to allow access to Higher Education courses such as degrees and foundation degrees.
Armed Forces Musician
Classical Musician
Music Composer
Music Conductor
Music Publisher
Music Teacher
Music Therapist
Popular Musician
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09 Arts, Media and Publishing
Awarding a qualification grade
The qualification grade will be calculated through the aggregation of points achieved through the successful achievement of individual units. The number of points available will be dependent on the unit grade achieved and the size of the unit as determined by the stipulated guided learning hours.
For the calculation of a qualification grade for a BTEC National a learner must:
• complete all designated units
• achieve a minimum points score of
- 72 points for a National Certificate
• achieve a pass (or above) grade for units with a combined total of
- 600 guided learning hours for a National Certificate
Unit points
Pass = 6 points
Merit = 12 points
Distinction = 18
There are 4 core units:
Music and Society
Music Project
Planning a Music Project
The Sound and Music Industry
Learners then choose 8 units from the specialist unit bank