The Two Year Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) consists of the first two years of the BMus programme, and is also validated and awarded by Thames Valley University.

The DipHE remains a popular choice for musicians wanting professional vocational training but who may not want to dedicate three years to their study.

This course is also ideal for those who wish to enter higher education but do not possess all the necessary qualifications to start at degree level.

You will still learn to play to a professional standard and will be capable of dealing with most live and studio situations. At the same time, you will develop arranging, programming, and composition skills.

Providing you pass the first two years of study,  you may decide to complete the third year of the degree. This will perfect your playing and technical skills, refine your arranging and composition abilities and give you a broad knowledge of the music business.

Full course structure

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally have:

•        100 points at ‘A’ Level (must include 1 completed ‘A’ Level), or equivalent (for the DipHE)

         or

•        The One Year Drumtech OTC/OCN Diploma in Popular Music Performance

          and

•        Five GCSEs grades A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent
•        Drum performance at Grade 8 standard*
•        Sight Reading at Grade 6 standard*
•        Music Theory at Grade 6 standard*
•        Music Aural at Grade 6 standard*

* These are guidelines only - applicants are expected to be at this standard, but are not required to have passed the exams.

Please note that mature students (over 21) will be considered on an individual basis. Because of the specialised nature of the programmes, it is essential that a high level of competence and experience in pop music performance is demonstrated at audition. Applicants with a background in classical music but little experience in pop styles may not be considered appropriate. We accept applications directly to Vocaltech or prospective students may also apply through UCAS.

A member of the admissions team will contact you to schedule a practical audition.

Funding

The DipHE is designated for mandatory funding. You may be eligible for a grant for your course fees (unless you have received an educational grant before or you are not a EU citizen) and will be able to apply for a maintenance grant and a student loan. You should contact your Local Educational Department’s ‘Students Awards Section’ for further details.

If you are not eligible for a mandatory award, you may apply for a Career Development Loan from the Department of Education and Employment through Barclays, the Co-Operative Bank or the Bank of Scotland. Another alternative is to look for a grant-making trust which may contribute towards course fees. Your local library will have details of such charitable institutions.

EU students can apply through their Local Education Authority for Tuition Fee Loans, Higher Education Maintenance Grants and Maintenance Loans. International students should contact the admissions team by email at info@drum-tech.co.uk or by telephone on +44 (0) 208 749 3131 for details about course fees.

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