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CertHE Songwriting

Take your first steps to becoming a Songwriter

Apply Now

START YOUR DEGREE IN APRIL 2024

Apply now to join the number 1 music production institution in the UK.

Overview

The CertHE Songwriting course is the equivalent of year 1 of our 3-year degree programme. On successful completion of this course, you can continue studying our 3-year degree programme.

Do you dream of writing the perfect song? Are you an artist who wants to develop your style and musical identity? Our songwriting programme will provide you with the platform to write, create, produce and market your music - all delivered by industry professionals who have worked with the likes of Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna. This course is for anyone looking to become a songwriter, music producer, vocal producer, songwriter for film/TV, composer among many other occupations within the industry.


The course will instil the basic principles of songwriting before developing a variety of advanced techniques reflecting industry standard practice, such as stylistic composition and production, the art of lyric and melody writing, including the importance of collaboration and writing to a brief. Learning will also include Music Production (Ableton Live & Logic Pro), Vocal Production, Mixing & Audio Recording, Composition Techniques, Music Industry, Branding & Marketing.

You will learn: Music Production (Ableton Live or Logic Pro), Songwriting Principles, Audio Recording, Music Composition, Songwriting Styles.

Point Blank classes are small to ensure you receive ample 1-2-1 time with your lecturers. Our studios are located in Shoreditch—a global hub of London music venues and bars—and include industry-standard, state-of-the-art technology, from microphones to mixing desks. Please note that this degree programme is currently subject to validation by Middlesex University.

Key Info

Duration 1 Year
Available start dates 2024 2025
  • 8 April (Limited availability)
  • 30 September (Limited availability)
  • 13 January
  • 14 April (Limited availability)
  • 6 October (Limited availability)
Weekly timetable 2 classes per week. Please check the FAQs below for more details.
UCAS code SWC1
Download Undergraduate Prospectus
Have questions? Check the FAQ's for quick answers.

How to Write, Record and Produce Your Own Vocal Tracks with Lily McKenzie

Ski Oakenfull and Phil Ramocon explain how to sing the harmonies in Pharrell's Happy

Track breakdown of 'Feel the Love' with Rudimental

R&B sensation, Zion Foster joins us for an exclusive PB masterclass

Modules

Teaching & Learning

On our higher education programmes, students take part in a variety of intimate lectures (up to 16 students) and workshops. When not attending these sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently. Independent learning is about taking control of your work, finding out 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 to support your lectures.
  • Our state-of-the-art facilities and private practice spaces across two buildings.
  • 1-2-1 Tutorials with lecturers to help you focus on your assignments.
  • Studio Lab Time with support staff (up to five per week depending on availability) to help you with your technical set up and assignments.
  • Extra workshops with music industry professionals.
  • Our Open Mic Nights and Point Blank Choir

A degree course consists of academic levels 4, 5 and 6. Each level consists of 120 credits. Each module is worth 20 credits and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module (4 hours of lectures and 6 hours of independent learning).

Expert Lecturers

Carroll Thompson Singing

Iconic British reggae singer who's also recorded with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Sade & more. Signed to Virgin as solo artist. Scored several Top 40 hits & No.1 on UK Reggae Chart with 'I'm So Sorry'.

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.

Phil Ramocon Singing/Composition

Ivor Novello & Grammy-winning musician/songwriter. Legend who's worked with Steve Winwood, Jamelia, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and more. Co-wrote 'Buffalo Stance' with Neneh Cherry.

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.

Bridget Amofah Music Industry

Lead vocalist with Rudimental, played Glastonbury and Jools Holland. Replaced KT Tunstall in Oi Va Voi, also worked with The Nextmen, Basement Jaxx & The Earlies.

Anna Lakatos Music Production

Musician, singer and trained audio engineer, specialising in object-based 3D sound for motion picture and commercial music production. Anna is an Ableton Certified Trainer and NI Product Specialist.

Roberta Bruno Singing

Known as 'BB', Roberta has trained in singing for more than 15 years. She's a highly regarded vocal coach in both the UK and EU, with her own breakthrough method in developing voices.

Career Opportunities

  • Songwriter
  • Artist
  • Singer
  • Rapper
  • Producer
  • Arranger
  • Engineer
  • Musical Director
  • Media Composer for Film, TV & Radio (incl. jingles) 
  • Music Publishing
  • Artist Manager
  • A&R
  • Music Consultant

I learned so much from this programme and my lecturers were absolutely amazing. I came from not knowing much about production and mixing to gaining a full understanding of all the tools necessary to make a record. I have used all the resources I learned… it was challenging, which is exactly what I needed to push me out of my comfort zone. - Antoine, BA (Hons) graduate

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
  • We also accept T Levels and do consider a wide range of Level 3 and comparable international qualifications.

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.

Alumni

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.

Izzy Bizu

Izzy cites Amy, Adele & Ella as heroines and has a freshness to her sound (reverby guitars, handclaps, gospel piano) which you’ll love. We’re so proud we helped hone her craft  at PB!

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."

Lola Saunders

Singing course student Lola Saunders is the second Point Blank graduate to go on to perform on the famous X Factor stage. The first? One of the most famous winners of all time – Leona Lewis.

Anthony Touma

Lebanese-French singer-songwriter Anthony Touma attended our Singing Course in 2016. Since graduating, Anthony has gone on to sign with Universal Music and release his international debut single, ‘Walk Away’.

Basheba

Basheba has received backing from SBTV, Afro Punk, Mobo & Vevo and radio support from BBC London, Radio 1, Radio 1 Xtra, Kiss FM & Capital Xtra. She has also been featured on MTV UK & US.

Fees & Funding

Fees (UK)
£9,250 payment in full
£3,083 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 full course fees. This will be up to £9,250 per year for courses with standard delivery, or up to £11,100 per year for courses with accelerated delivery. In addition, eligible students may be entitled to a maintenance loan of up to £12,382 per year. The amount of maintenance you can apply for will depend on your circumstances. EU students are not eligible for the maintenance loan. 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. 

Discounts

Point Blank students enjoy a range of exclusive discounts including but not limited to:

  • 50% off NI Komplete, Ableton Live & Roland Cloud
  • 30% off NI Kontrol & Maschine
  • 25% off Adam Audio & Focusrite
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Contact us

In partnership with Middlesex University

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