Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) in Performance & Recording

L5 Level 5
Full Time
16 September 2025 — 23 May 2027
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

Would you like to increase your versatility as a performing and recording artist? Are you a performing artist or singer songwriter who wants to become a professional musician?

This course has been developed in response to current demands from the music industry. It aims to develop your skills as a performer and writer, along with your technical knowledge and to give you essential industry know-how that can help you to build your music career.

You will have access to an impressive range of technical facilities and studios. This includes professionally equipped suites with the latest industry software, a recording studio and surround sound mixing suite making it one of Cardiff’s best audio complexes.

Following the successful completion of the DipHE, you can progress to the BMus(Hons) Music Performance & Recording Top-up course also run at the College, to achieve a full honours degree.

What you will study

One half of this course will focus on performance and stagecraft, while the other will cover:

  • song writing and arrangement
  • studio recording, mixing and production
  • management, PR and promotion

Our goal is to help you develop as a musician, performer and band leader, while giving you a solid understanding of marketing, PR and promotion. Not only will you have individual tuition on your chosen instrument throughout the course, you will also benefit from practical workshops and sessions dedicated to stagecraft, recording, mixing, production and musical direction. 
Led by experienced tutors who are actively practising in the music business, you will study the following modules:

Year 1 (level 4):

  • Performance for Recording
  • Recording Theory
  • Recording Practice
  • Situated Performance
  • Songwriting and Arranging

  • Understanding Creative Industries 

Year 2 (level 5)

  • Performance Artistry
  • Recording Music
  • Leading in Performance
  • Research Methods for Performance and Recording
  • Understanding Music Publishing
  • Plus one optional module from either Business Skills for the Music Industry or Music Teaching and Pedagogy. 

Our location, close to the vibrant music scene in Cardiff, provides unique opportunities for placements, work experience and networking. We will also encourage you to collaborate with other musicians and artists at CAVC so you will be able to apply your skills in a variety of live situations, working with performers in a range of genres

Terms and Conditions

Click here to find out more

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £7,500.00

Entry requirements

  • 72 UCAS tariff points from either; A levels and Welsh Bacc : DDD; BTEC L3 Extended Diploma: Merit, Merit, Pass; BTEC L3 Diploma: Distinction
  • In addition a Grade 6 performance on your stated first instrument, or voice, alongside grade 5 music theory or a pass at BTEC Unit 27 (music theory and harmony) If you do not hold these grades, but feel you are at the required standard, you can still apply for this course. Your suitability will be determined through an audition which you will be required to attend. The audition will be informal and will also include a relaxed interview.
  • Plus, three GCSE’s to include Maths and English (or equivalent) Candidates without a level 3 Music qualification are required to provide a portfolio.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis. Level 5 (year 2) entry: To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

16 September 2025

End date

23 May 2027

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

15 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

PCCC5F03
L5

Qualification

Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) in Music Performance & Recording

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Career prospects & further study

£5.2 billion

The music industry is worth £5.2billion to the UK economy and has a workforce of 190,000 (UK Music 2019).

Successful completion of the DipHE programme will precipitate entry to the level 6 BMus (Hons) Music Performance & Recording ‘Top Up’ Programme delivered at CAVC.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE