Qualification details

Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology

Qualification summary

The National Certificate in Music Technology is to provide learners with a full-time programme of learning in Music Technology. The qualification covers a variety of practical music making skills such as sequencing and recording as well as the opportunities to study historical contexts, acoustics and engineering. The qualification can lead into either a level 4 Higher National Diploma in Music Production or provide the points required to allow access to Higher Education courses such as degrees and foundation degrees. The revised BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology 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; such as this course. New technological developments and professional practice have been included within the specification. 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

500/1363/4
3
VRQ - Vocationally-Related Qualification
Accreditation start date:
01/09/2007
Operational start date in centres:
01/09/2007
Accreditation end date:
31/08/2010
Certification end date:
31/08/2013
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 Diploma in Music Production or provide the points required to allow access to Higher Education courses such as degrees and foundation degrees.
Music Composer
Music Industry Promotions Manager
Music Publisher
Music Teacher
Sound Engineer (Recording Industry)
Sound Engineer (Theatre)
Sound Technician
  • 09 Arts, Media and Publishing
    • 09.1  Performing Arts
720
PP/PM/MM/MD/DD
Portfolio of Evidence
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
Learners follow four core units:

Creating a Music Product
Music Sequening OR Sound Recording Techniques
Planning a Music Recording
The Sound and Music Industry

Learners then take 8 additional units from the unit bank
  • 01 -  BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology Core units
    Learners must complete 4 of the 5 units here. They may choose between 'Music Sequencing' and 'Sound Recording Techniques'.
  • 02 -  BTEC National Certificate in Music Technology optional specialist units
    Learners must complete 8 optional specialist units