Falmouth University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The Integrated Foundation Year course supports access to higher education. It will help you build the core and specialist skills you’ll need for degree-level study. It focusses on the development of relevant and sustainable skills required by musicians and entrepreneurs of the 21st century. If you are taking on a subject that you are yet to study in depth, have been out of education for while or just need some support in preparing to study at a higher level, then the Integrated Foundation Year course could be for you. You will have the chance to explore your creativity, expand professional skills, improve study skills, and develop a deeper knowledge of the area you want to study. The degree course for today’s independent, self-motivated musicians. If you’re a dedicated musician with the commitment to making a life in music, then the BA(Hons) Professional Music (Performance) at WaterBear is the degree course for you. It’s designed to motivate you to reach your music goals and realise your full potential. It focusses on what’s really important – the creation of high-quality music and great live music performance. And like all degree courses at WaterBear, it gives you the perfect blend of artistic freedom alongside practical strategies to forge a solid career in music. For musicians in today’s music industry, it’s all about developing a broad range of skills to build a sustainable and resilient career. You may be a multi-instrumentalist looking to improve in one or more different areas, or you might just want to focus on your primary instrument or voice. No problem. You’ll be able to access a wide range of content, resources and tuition to suit your individual needs. All online content from our full range of courses is accessible to everyone, so you can tailor your own learning journey. This course is taught at WaterBear in Sheffield, and awarded by Falmouth University.
Modules
This course is designed to include an introductory one year lead-in programme prior to starting your specialist degree. In the The Integrated Foundation Year you will study core modules that focus on music and industry practice. It is embedded as part of the BA(Hons) Professional Music degrees, preparing you for progression to degree-level study. The course encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal development. You will study technical skills, how to think and work creatively in a collaborative environment and how to apply your skills practically. You will develop critical thinking and research skills and develop a wider understanding of popular music and its importance culturally and contextually. Whether you are a music performer, songwriter, audio producer, electronic artist, DJ or music business entrepreneur. You will improve your technical abilities and develop your specialism. You will be working individually and collaboratively to create and present your creations in a group environment to develop live performance techniques, be it music or presenting ideas. You will explore style and genre and develop a wider knowledge of music as a source of income with a focus on what it means to have a DIY approach, including the use of technology in developing brand. Overall, this course is about preparing you to be part of the 21st century music industry. The degree is built on three fundamental elements – your music, your career and your projects. It deals with what really matters in music and the industry. It will expand your options and push you to deliver high-quality music and great live music performance. Every week, you’ll hone your instrumental / vocal techniques, stylistic knowledge, improvisation and stagecraft, and expand your creative repertoire. You’ll be performing live on stage in working music venues with other WaterBear musicians and artists. And you’ll learn all you need to know about the realities of being a professional musician in today’s music industry. There are also regular networking events, masterclasses, collaboration and work opportunities so you can build your all-important contacts list. This course has been specifically designed for: · Vocalists · Guitarists · Drummers · Bassists · Multi-instrumentalists Every musician at WaterBear has their own story to tell and their own path to follow. We provide a supportive, safe environment for you to experiment and create. You'll also develop a tailored career plan to support your personal goals and ambitions. Year Two Modules: Your Music Performance Your Music Industry Original Music Performance Your Strategy Year Three Modules: Your Style Your Events Innovation in Music Performance Innovation in Music Business Year Four Modules: Specialist Report Your Working Life Professional Project Course structure and modules may change as part of our regular review processes. Any changes affecting students’ expected programme delivery are communicated in advance.
Assessment method
For the Integrated Foundation Year, module assessment methods will vary depending on the subject matter and will include a blend of practical and written assessment, and portfolio submission.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W320
- Institution code:
- F33
- Campus name:
- WaterBear, Sheffield
- Campus code:
- L
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
International applicants
We regret that this course is not available to international applicants who would require a Student Visa. If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Through the award of international scholarships, we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. For details of our international scholarships, and how to apply for them, please visit our website at www.falmouth.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 - 120 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
T Level - P - M
If you are able to demonstrate relevant, current, equivalent experience instead of formal qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Please contact our Applicant Services team before applying, for advice regarding your individual experience and eligibility. If you are an international applicant and require a Student visa to study in the UK, you must have a recognised English language test approved and vouched for by the University at the appropriate level. Our Applicant Services team can help you with any general questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests. For more specific advice, we recommend you also consult UKCISA http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
WaterBear, Sheffield
Unit 4, Gatecrasher
49 Eyre Lane
Sheffield
S1 4RB