We like cookies!

By selecting ‘I like cookies too’, you are allowing Point Blank Music School to use cookies. We use cookies to collect your device and browser information to tailor our marketing activities for your benefit and to help with the functionality of our website. Please visit our privacy policy (see cookies policy) for more information and to understand how we use your data for required purposes.

I like cookies too!

Manage my preferences

CertHE Music Production & Sound Engineering (Online)

Learn how to create cutting edge music

Apply Now

Point Blank Online Open Days - Register Now!

We host regular Open Days for our online school where you can find out more about our courses, attend a free masterclass, and chat to our staff to find out more.

Overview

This course is the equivalent to year one of a degree course.

This programme is designed for those who are looking for an in-depth introduction to music production. You’ll be taught and guided by industry professionals who’ve worked with the likes of Pharrell Williams, The Chemical Brothers, Swedish House Mafia and many more. If you’re looking to start a career as a music producer, recording engineer, film/TV composer, or sound designer then this is the perfect introduction to your journey. 

You will learn: Music Production (Logic or Ableton), Music Composition, Sound Design, The Music Industry, Sound Engineering, and Production Styles.

Key Info

Duration 1 Year
Available start dates 2024 2025
  • 8 April
  • 30 September
  • 14 April
  • 6 October
UCAS code WW58
Download Undergraduate Prospectus
Have questions? Check the FAQ's for quick answers.
Employment Rate Of all Point Blank students who graduated in 20/21, 97% were employed or in further study.

Learn more about studying online at Point Blank

Track breakdown of 'Feel the Love' with Rudimental

Take a tour of our Online Courses with our Course Advisor Luc Bennette

Hear from our students about studying online at Point Blank

Modules

Your Online Learning Experience

As part of your course you will get access to a range of Online Learning features to help you in your studies. We've enhanced our exclusive 1-2-1 sessions in order to provide you with individual time to speak to your lecturers and share your projects so you can get advice and guidance on specific areas of your assignments. You’ll get advice on your 1-2-1 tutorial exercises, course materials, academic assistance and carer/industry tips, and be able to ask any questions you want. You'll also benefit from our purpose-built Virtual Learning Environment, which allows you to connect with the wider Point Blank community, and study at the time and place that suits you.

Learn more about our 1-2-1 private tutorials with lecturers via Zoom

Learn music production from the comfort of your own home with our online courses

Take a tour of our Online Courses with our Course Advisor Luc Bennette, as he covers some key questions about studying online

Teaching and Learning HE Online

On our higher education/degree programmes you will be taught through a variety of masterclasses and regular 1-2-1 Tutorials with your lecturer and support sessions. When not attending these sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently. Independent learning is about taking control of your work and deciding what you need to know and deciding how you are going to study.


During this time you can take advantage of:

  • Our award-winning Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with bespoke downloadable resources and video content to support your lectures.
  • Studio Lab Time - personal support from our Studio Lab Assistants on your work.
  • Masterclasses and workshops with music industry professionals.

A degree course consists of academic levels consisting of 120 credits. Each module is worth 20 credits and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module (lectures, 1-2-1s and independent learning).

Assessment

Assessment is how we gauge your success on a course. You will be expected to take part in the following types of assessment during this course:


1. Exercises – these are designed to give you feedback on your performance and to help you improve as you study at Point Blank.

2. Assignments - these are designed to measure what you have achieved during a module and therefore the grade you will be awarded.

To make it possible for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the best of their abilities, students will be asked to produce work in varying formats depending on your course including compositions, creative projects, written work, reports, performances, presentations, 1-2-1 discussions, recordings and timed music industry-based briefs.

EXPERT LECTURERS

Mark Brocklesby Advanced Recording & Mixing

Mark runs Big Smoke Studios and is a recording engineer, mix engineer, musician, producer and lecturer with over 20 years of professional experience and industry practice.

Ellie Lawson Music Industry

Championed by Ellen Degeneres once she signed to Atlantic Records in the USA, Ellie has had a 5-year sponsorship with Quicksilver, as well as achieving many top-10 Beatport Trance releases.

Linton Bennett Music Composition

Linton aka Stepz composes/produces for Dido, Warren G, All Saints, Jamelia & Imogen Heap to name a few. He’s been active in the music industry for 3 decades and signed to Motown in the US.

Max Heyes Sound Engineering/Mixing

Credits include Paul Weller, Oasis, Primal Scream, Jamiroquai and Massive Attack. Co-produced The Doves #1 album 'The Last Broadcast'. Mixed Primal Scream's 'XTRMNTR'. Helped develop La Roux.

Julian Peake Intro to Production

Julian has scored global hit records as one half of Stretch & Vern and Reflekt & has written for Kylie Minogue, Little Boots & Dirty Vegas as a Sony/ATV-signed writer.

Nick Hunt Sound Engineering

Producer/Engineer/Sound Designer with over 30 years of experience. Worked with Dave Stewart at The Church. Credits include Gary Barlow, Gene, Warm Jets, Placebo, Boy George, D’Influence amongst many others.

Career Opportunities

  • Music Producer
  • Recording Engineer
  • Mix Engineer
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound Editor
  • Music Arranger
  • Film/TV Music Composer
  • Remixer
  • Artist/Performer
  • Singer/Songwriter
  • Studio Manager
  • A&R/Label Manager

I have been really impressed with everyone I have come into contact with at Point Blank. The mix of self-study and live instruction is very well done and find that I am armed with enough new tools in each class to enjoy my new work each week. My tutor's enthusiasm and knowledge and ability to communicate with students has been outstanding. It is a big thing to "pay" for an online course, but you have delivered value far more than my expectations! I look forward to doing more courses with Point Blank in the future. - John, online student

Entry Requirements

First and foremost, we are looking for people who can demonstrate a) their passion for music and b) an ability to successfully complete a Higher Education programme. 

Where conditional offers are made, typical offers will be set from:

  • A Level:  CC
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MPP


If you don't have formal qualifications, don't worry, applicants without formal qualifications may still be considered on the strength of relevant prior learning and experience.

We will initially assess your personal statement which should detail any previous study or relevant experience in music. Then the Admissions Team will look at the merits of each application by taking the following evidence into consideration: predicted or previously attained grades, examples of work and relevant work experience. Applicants who do not meet the typical entry requirements may also be asked to attend an interview. 

Click here for more information on our entry requirements, international qualifications and how to apply.

Global Alumni

Madam X

DJ, label head, club impresario. Mixing grime, techno, bass, garage, Madam X is adept at playing huge crowds or 100-cap basements. Hosts shows on Radio 1, Rinse & NTS. She is multi-faceted and unique.

Pete Tong

Godfather of Dance Music and long-time friend of Point Blank Pete Tong, founder of BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix and worldwide DJ superstar, learned Native Instruments Maschine with the team here in London.

Goldie

We taught Goldie something he didn't know already - Ableton Live! The legend drops in from time to time & recently invited PB students to a VIP drum recording session at Assault & Battery studios.

Claude VonStroke

Dirtybird boss Claude says: "I took a class with Point Blank in Ableton Live. It was awesome learning bass production!" The bass don was recently voted the No.1 DJ in USA! Watch him review PB above.

Aluna Francis

Aluna Francis is half of AlunaGeorge. She studied production at PB before taking off to chart success with 'You Know You Like It' & No.1 hit 'White Noise' with Disclosure. Check out her awesome video.

Leona Lewis

Everyone knows Leona from X Factor. Before she won it, Leona wowed her fellow students on our Singing Course. "Her talent was obvious" said her instructor, "and her success thoroughly deserved."

Patrick Topping

'The World's Biggest Tech House Producer!' Secured three Beatport #1s: ‘Get Beasty’, ‘Forget’ & ‘Voicemail’. Also owns two DJ Awards & DJ Mag’s ‘Best Tune’. Championed by Pete Tong & Annie Mac.

Arjun

With 1,500,000 Facebook followers, Sri-Lankan born Arjun is a South Asian pop superstar. His single ‘I’ll Be Waiting” charted at #1 on iTunes India and spent 30 weeks on the BBC Asian Download Chart.

Spoony

Spoony is a legend in UK dance music having brought garage to the masses in 2000 as part of the Dreem Team. He's since gone on to become a staple on Five Live but proved he's always learning by enrolling at PB!

Fees & Funding

Fees
£6,000 per year
£2,000 per term

Being an undergraduate student involves two main expenses: tuition fees and living costs. Students can either choose to pay for their course privately, or alternatively, all of our higher education programmes are eligible for Student Finance loans. Eligible students may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the total tuition fee (please note that Student Finance maintenance funding is not normally available for distance learning courses). For students wishing to pay privately, we have a number of payment plans available, including annual and termly instalments. Click here for more information on fees and funding options available. 

Free with Course

Point Blank students in this program enjoy a range of free software and exclusive discounts including but not limited to:

  • Free Ableton Live software (worth £539) 
  • 70% off Eventide plugins
  • 50% off NI Komplete & Roland Cloud
  • 35% off Waves
  • 30% off Spitfire Audio
APPLY NOW!

Contact us

National Student Survey (NSS) Results

APPLY NOW!