Course summary

Across the dynamic Cert HE Songwriting and Artist Development course, you’ll develop your songwriting and performance skills and start defining your identity as a creative artist, supported every step of the way by ICMP’s expert tutors. This groundbreaking one-year course covers a host of modern genres, from hip-hop, R’n’B, grime and drill to indie, rock and pop. Whether you’re a solo artist, rapper, band frontperson, acoustic singer–songwriter or something else entirely, you’ll be introduced to different aspects of contemporary songwriting, covering a range of styles, themes, genres and writing methods. During the year, you’ll regularly engage with peers on the course’s ‘sister’ programme – the Cert HE Songwriting and Production – as well as ICMP entrepreneurs and musicians across different degrees. As you progress through the year, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of both songwriting and live performance, while learning to analyse your own work and that of your peers through ‘A&R-style’ feedback sessions and small group discussions. You’ll spend your time at ICMP being inspired by the UK's best songwriters, musicians and creative artists – ICMP’s highly successful tutors – who all have extensive careers in both higher education and music. You’ll also be encouraged to take part in regular songwriting and performance events – such as ICMP’s renowned Songwriters’ Circle nights – plus masterclasses and visits from music industry representatives. Upon completion of the Cert HE Songwriting and Artist Development course, you’ll have developed the beginnings of your first professional songwriting portfolio, and will have built the skills and creative flair to confidently showcase your music live. You’ll be more than ready to show off your talents as a writer–performer in the music industry or, if you’d prefer to continue your studies, you can head straight into the second year of ICMP’s BA (Hons) Songwriting and Artist Development or BA (Hons) Songwriting and Production degree to further develop your talents as a vibrant writer–performer.