Level 3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Ashford College

Application Limits - You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

This course is the perfect for aspiring producers, engineers and creators who want to work in today’s music and audio industries. You’ll work in our industry level recording studio and live room as well as have access to our Mac suites which are equipped with the editing software Logic Pro. While the course is primarily production and technology focused, there are many opportunities for live performance, collaboration, and developing your confidence as a musician. This course is suitable for students who have completed the Level 2 qualification or have an impressive portfolio of work. You should also have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths.

On this course, you’ll develop on your creative ear and explore a wide range of technical production skills. Our supportive staff, who have industry experience, will support you to build a strong portfolio that reflects your personal interests, whether that’s music production, engineering, composition, DJing, or live performance. Throughout your qualification, you’ll have full access to the College’s professional standard recording studio, high-quality instruments and iMac editing suites. Key modules on the course include: • Music production techniques in Logic Pro • Studio recording, mixing and mastering • Microphones, signal flow and audio engineering • Sound design and sampling • Live sound and event setup • Understanding the modern music industry, including distribution, royalties and self-release platforms • Developing professional skills such as branding, project budgeting, promotion and preparing for freelance work • Music theory and composition for modern genres • Collaborative projects, performance opportunities and portfolio development • How to manage creative projects from concept to final output Alongside your studies, you’ll complete a tailored work experience placement with a leading industry specialist. Our dedicated Industry Liaison Officers will match you with a placement that supports your interests and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a result.

All assessment is completed through coursework. You’ll complete a series of creative projects across the year, developing your skills while meeting UAL qualification criteria. There are no written exams – instead you’ll produce practical outcomes, research, experiments, reflections and a final major project.

This course is suitable for students who have completed the Level 2 qualification or have an impressive portfolio of work. You should also have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths. Once your application is submitted, you will be invited in to attend an application day in which you will be required to complete a music task to show us your practical and creative skills. You will also be required to present your portfolio/audition. This helps us to determine the right course for you. If you have not yet achieved 4/C grade in English and/or Maths, you may have the opportunity to complete the course over two years. This will give you time to develop skills in your chosen area and improve your English and Maths skills.

During this course, you will build a strong portfolio that reflects your personal interests, and you will finish a confident musician/producer. This will prepare you for your next steps in the creative sector. Many of our learners have enrolled at university or entered the industry after completing their course. One on our Level 3 learners, Jack, headed to the specialist music production school, The Abbey Road Institute. He commented: "College has been an incredible experience, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. The studio access has been a huge advantage. I’ve grown so much during my time at Ashford. My Tutors have always been helpful, supportive and always on hand to talk so I owe them a lot of gratitude.”