UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution
3. University School/Centre
Accrington and Rossendale College
Burnley College
Kendal College
School of Film, Media and Performance
4. External Accreditation
none
5. Title of Final Award
FdA Music
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time & Part-time
7. UCAS Code
Burnley College – W301, campus code B
Kendal College – W301, campus code K
Accrington and Rossendale College is direct application
only, not through UCAS
Music
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
FHEQ descriptors
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
October 2010
11. Aims of the Programme
The specific aims for the FdA Music course are:



to develop creative music skills to a level appropriate to enter the industry;
to develop compositional and technique-based expertise applicable to creative working situations;
to develop transferable skills applicable to management and administrative positions.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods at level 4
A. Knowledge and Understanding at Level 4
A1.1 Recognise and define core values within production processes and presentation. MU1103
A1.2 Identify key aspects of contemporary music, its contexts, cultural origins and historical
development. MU1104
A1.3 Recognise the various elements which contribute to professional working practice. MU1105
A1.4 Identify and describe the creative and technical processes evident in your own work and that of
others MU1102
A1.5 Explain the origins of turntablism and its cultural roots MU1107
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition, critical and contextual study.
B. Subject-specific skills at Level 4
B1.1 Use key techniques appropriate to traditional and contemporary musical instruments and
media. MU1103
B1.2 Contribute to the construction of recording and production pieces. MU1103
B1.3 Describe the key processes to translate production/compositional ideas from the initial stimulus
to the realisation of a product MU1101
B1.4 Perform//contribute to a live musical event, including both solo and ensemble work MU1102
B1.5 Perform a DJ set to a live audience MU1107
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition, critical and contextual study.
C. Thinking Skills at Level 4
C1.1 Use the critical and contextual language general to cultural events and specific to performance.
MU1104
C1.2 Apply investigative methods within a research based project. MU1104
C1.3 Show the findings of research through presentations and academic writing. MU1104
C1.4 Identify and apply methodologies and strategies necessary in the production of creative work
MU1101
C1.5 Demonstrate within your own work your understanding of the links between theory and practice
MU1101
C1.6 Plan a DJ set with appropriate consideration for how that set fits into the night as a whole
MU1107
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition critical and contextual study.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development at Level 4
D1.1 Show understanding of safe operational procedures in the use of performance and production
related materials. MU1103
D1.2 Apply marketing strategies to your own work and the work of others. MU1105
D1.3 Identify essential requisites for effective presentation. MU1105
D1.4 Identify effective teamwork strategies MU1101
D1.5 Plan and organise a personal role within a programme of study MU1102
D1.6 Work as part of a group to present the findings of research into the origins of turntablism
MU1107
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition critical and contextual study.
Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods at level 5
A. Knowledge and Understanding at Level 5
A2.1 Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary music, its contexts, cultural origins and historical
development. MU2104
A2.2 Demonstrate an awareness of the critical and contextual language general to cultural events
and specific performance. MU2104
A2.3 Demonstrate an understanding of the links between theory and practice MU2101
A2.4 Demonstrate knowledge of applications of traditional and contemporary musical instruments
and media MU2103
A2.5 Explain the application and impact of new DJ technologies MU2107
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition, critical and contextual study.
B. Subject-specific skills at Level 5
B2.1 Produce work suitable for public presentation. MU2106
B2.2 Identify methodologies and strategies necessary in the production of original work MU2101
B2.3 Create a live performance of music combining traditional and technological instruments and/or
compositional processes MU2102
B2.4 Construct studio recording and production pieces MU2103
B2.5 Work with other musicians to plan a live event that incorporates turntablism with other
technologies and instruments MU2107
B2.6 Perform as a turntablist within a group of musicians MU2107
B2.7 Perform a variety of scratching techniques in a live setting MU2107
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition, critical and contextual study.
C. Thinking Skills at Level 5
C2.1 Engage with and evaluate the intentions of practitioners from a wide range of disciplines.
MU2104
C2.2 Employ strategies to enable the accurate critical evaluation of effective working processes, the
effect of final product and the strengths of individual technical ability. MU2105
C2.3 Formulate strategies to facilitate the realisation of creative ideas MU2101
C2.4 Analyse the creative and technical processes and products of self and others MU2102
C2.5 Identify and apply professional values to all aspects of the production process and
presentations MU2103
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition critical and contextual study.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development at Level 5
D2.1 Predict and assess the reception of work by a range of different audiences. MU2104
D2.2 Define key structures and roles within the creative industries. MU2105
D2.3 Identify the essential requisites for effective presentation. MU2105
D2.4 Recognise the various elements that contribute to successful professional working practice.
MU2105
D2.5 Produce presentations and written work, appropriate to both academic and work-based
contexts. MU2105
D2.6 Manage and administrate the presentation of work within the public domain. MU2106
D2.7 Apply negotiating skills to resolve technical, creative and personal issues. MU2106
D2.8 Apply professional values to all aspects of the production process and presentation. MU2106
D2.9 Translate production/compositional ideas from the (clients) initial stimulus to realisation of a
product MU2101
D2.10 Identify effective teamwork strategies and the capacity of the team: exploit these to create
within a disciplined and profession environment MU2101
D2.11 Plan and organise a personal programme of study with non-negotiable deadlines and within
set financial constraints MU2102
D2.12 Apply safe operational procedures in the use of performance and production-related
equipment MU2103
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across modules at both levels, the following teaching and learning events occur:
 Lectures
 Work-related/based learning
 Case studies
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Technical guidance
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Action learning sets and role play
 Practice placements
 Research placements
 Supervision groups
 Student – initiated projects
 Formative and peer assessments
Assessment methods
Across all modules and at all levels, the assessment of these learning outcomes occurs through a
synthesis of invention, composition critical and contextual study.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 5
Level 4
14. Awards and Credits*
Module
Code
MU2101(L5)
MU2102(L5)
MU2103(L5)
MU2104(L5)
MU2105(L5)
MU2106(L5)
MU2107(L5)
Module Title
Workshop 2
Performing Skills 2
Production Skills 2
Music in Context 2
Creative Industry Practice 2
Major Project
Turntablism 2
Credit
rating
40
10
10
20
20
20
20
MU1101(L4)
MU1102(L4)
MU1103(L4)
MU1104(L4)
MU1105(L4)
MU1107(L4)
Workshop 1
Performing Skills 1
Production Skills 1
Music in Context 1
Creative Industry Practice 1
Turntablism 1
40
20
20
20
20
20
FdA Music 240 credits
inc. 120 credits @ L5 and
120 credits @ L4
Pass grade awarded when
APM for counting modules
is 40% or above and below
60%
Merit grade awarded when
APM for counting modules
is 60% or above and below
70%
Distinction grade awarded
when APM for counting
modules is 70% or above
Foundation Certificate in
Music Studies 120 credits
@ level 4 or 5
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a key aspect of all the performing arts courses at
UCLan. PDP is integrated within all modules and across the totality of study. One aspect of PDP
is that students on all University courses in the UK are required to complete a Progress File. The
Progress File is a personal document that helps you to define and focus your educational and
professional aims and goals; it will assist you to consider how you can engage with the learning
opportunities your course offers to achieve your personal career and professional objectives.
The intention behind PDP and the Progress File is to allow you:
1. to consider your achievements, and to establish a good working methodology – you
evaluation of the success of work-based learning is especially important;
2. and your tutors to understand how and why you produced the work we have assessed and to
guide you to replicate success or to avoid mistakes;
3. to set personal goals and monitor their achievement – this applies to all you learning and
modules, but is particularly relevant to area related to work-based learning.
All FdA degrees include, as a key component, Work-based Learning (WBL). For your course we
include within the syllabus for virtually all modules some aspect of WBL and there are aims and
learning outcomes in each module that can be achieved through this types of learning. We tend to
use the term work-related learning (WRL) during level 1 study, because many of the projects you
will be engaged in will be set up by your tutors – these projects simulate a working environment,
but unlike placements and other types of work-based learning (WBL), is not real work
environment, but offer an experience that prepares you for this and allows you to evaluate your
strengths and weaknesses and to set goals based on these. Work-related learning is the
transitory step between education and employment and so the projects will be as challenging as
anything you might experience in a true working environment. During level 2 the emphasis shifts
to WBL and you will be encouraged to work in venues other than the college, as well as setting up
your own WBL projects. These could include working alongside established practitioners or it
could be a project that you set up yourself, maybe with other students on the programme – there
is flexibility within your modules and the component assignment for groups of students to engage
in quite different projects.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic
qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study.
These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to
entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you
should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Entry on to this and all other performing arts courses within the programme area is through audition.
Additionally we will normally expect applicants to evidence a number of the following:

experience of public performance preferably including original material;

two ‘A’ levels, at least one of which is in Music or a performing arts area;

BTEC National Diploma in Music, Music Technology, Performing Arts or similar;

GNVQ Advanced in a performing arts subject;

experience of the professional or amateur work in a sphere related to music;

extra-curricular activity, such as rock bands, DJ-ing, brass bands, school or youth orchestra,
community theatre participation, etc.
1.1
The minimum general entry requirements for the courses within this proposal are the same as for all the
University’s degree programmes (as outlined in the Undergraduate Prospectus). As a broad guide, we
normally expect students to have achieved a set tariff drawn from ‘A’ level, BTEC ND, or GNVQ (level
3) or an equivalent qualification in relevant areas. Equally, we welcome students with qualifications in
other subjects, but who have shown a significant commitment to music making. Equivalent
qualifications will be considered towards meeting the general entry requirements.
Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will be
equally considered. If you have not studied recently you may be required to undertake an Access
programme. For details of those offered by the University please contact Course Enquiries, tel: 01772
892400.
.
17. Key sources of information about the programme





www.uclan.ac.uk
www.performingartscourses.co.uk
UCAS/Trottman guides
FdA Music factsheet
UCLan prospectus
Level
Module
Code Module Title
4
MU1101
(L4) Workshop 1
Core (C)
Knowledge and
Comp or
Understanding
Subject-specific Skills
Option
(O)
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5
MU1102
(L4) Performing Skills 1
O
MU1103
(L4) Production Skills 1
COMP
MU1104
(L4) Music in Context 1
COMP
MU1105
(L4) Creative Industry Practice 1
COMP
MU1107
(L4) Turntablism 1
O
Thinking Skills
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
X
Comp
X
Other skills relevant to
employability and personal
development
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X X
X
X X
X
X
X
Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
X
5
Level
Module
Code Module Title
Core (C) Knowledge &
Understanding Subject-specific Skills Thinking Skills
or
Option
(O)
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
MU2101
(L5) Workshop 2
C
MU2102
(L5) Performing Skills 2
O
MU2103
(L5) Production Skills 2
O
MU2104
(L5) Music in Context 2
C
MU2105
(L5) Creative Industry Practice 2
C
MU2106
(L5) Major Project
C
MU2107
(L5) Turntablism 2
O
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12
X
X
X
Other skills relevant to
employability and personal
development
X X X X
X X X
X X X
Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks