Like all BIMM courses, the diploma has been designed to reflect the current music industry landscape, equip students with the skills required to approach the diverse range of career paths currently available and, ultimately, to help them establish a sustainable career in the music industry.
We’re sure you have lots of questions about our course, so we thought we’d include answers to some of the more likely ones below. So here goes…!
What will the Foundation Diploma in Music Business prepare me for?
The programme will equip you with comprehensive, flexible, up-to-date and well-rounded skill sets that will enhance and facilitate your future career development. You’ll be working closely with the BIMM Dublin performance students – many of whom are busy playing on the live music circuit and recording music – and you’ll be equipped with the skills needed to pursue employment as either a full-time music employee or self-employed music entrepreneur.
What facilities and services will I have access to?
As a Music Business student, you’ll have access to the facilities and opportunities on offer at BIMM Dublin, such as guest Masterclasses and one-to-one tutorials. You’ll be taught by our highly skilled tutor team of established music business professionals who are actively working as managers, label owners, promotion, music supervisors for film, creative industry entrepreneurs, performers, songwriters and producers who are all keen to share their enviable knowledge with you.
You’ll also be able to use state-of-the-art equipment for both live and recording work, as well as the high-tech hardware and software required for digital marketing and asset creation.
Diploma students have unlimited access to group tutorials and clubs, such as the Keyboard Club, Business Club and Double Bass Club, to name just a few. You can also book up to 9 career tutorials to discuss your goals within the music industry with our tutors and staff members, and pastoral tutorials can be arranged with our onsite Student Services team to help you deal with any personal issues you may have during your time at BIMM Dublin.
Will I be involved in the same opportunities as BIMM’s degree students or will Music Business students have their own opportunities?
Both. All Music Business students can audition to perform or be involved in the production of End of Term Gigs alongside students on the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music and the Diploma in Professional Musicianship. Music Business students are also encouraged to submit demos or be involved in the process of the recording, production, distribution and promotion of The BIMM Album, as well as access to career industry tutorials and Masterclasses.
How many hours will I have each week on my timetable?
The Diploma in Music Business will take place over 4.5 hours per week scheduled over one day. The timetable for 2023/24 entry will be confirmed upon enrolment.
Will I take classes with the Professional Musicianship or Music and Audio Production students?
Music Business students won’t share classes with other BA or diploma courses, but there will be plenty of opportunities to meet fellow BIMM Dublin students through networking events and gigs. All Music Business students are encouraged to audition for gigs such as Live & Lyrical, End of Term Gig and Diploma Gig alongside students on the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music and CPD Diploma in Professional Musicianship. Music Business students will also be provided with opportunities to assist with the promotion, organisation and running of all college gigs and events.
What are the minimum entry requirements for this course?
The minimum entry requirements for the Diploma in Music Business is the successful completion of one module at QQI Level 5. This is equivalent to one subject at Leaving Certificate level. The minimum grade accepted at Leaving Certificate is 1O6 (formerly one Ordinary Level D3). Applicants must be 17 on 1st January in the year of entry.
Overseas students, where English is not their native language, must meet a minimum English language requirement of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
All applicants must also attend an interview to determine eligibility for the course. Interviews for the Diploma in Music Business will take place throughout the summer. Please note that all correspondence is carried out by email.
If I don’t pass my interview for Music Business, can I apply for the Diploma in Professional Musicianship or Music and Audio Production?
Yes. Applications for these courses can be made directly to the college. All applicants are subject to the minimum entry requirements and audition/interviews for these courses.
Can mature students apply?
Mature students are very welcome to apply to BIMM! Applicants must be 23 on 1st January in the year of application to be classified as a mature student. The primary entry criteria for consideration will be an interview.
Are international students accepted?
International students are very welcome to apply for this course. If English is not your native language, a minimum English language requirement of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent must be attained. Please note that as this is a part-time course, non-EU students are required to investigate the visa requirements for part-time study in Ireland before applying.
Please note as this is a part-time course, NON-EU students are required to investigate the visa requirements for part-time study in Ireland. Further information can be found at http://www.inis.gov.ie/.
What are the course fees?
The fees for the course are €2,450 and are payable upon enrolment. A deposit of €300 will be required to secure your place.
Can I pay the fees in instalments?
The balance of the course fees can be paid with a one-off payment or our Finance Team will be happy to discuss a payment plan with you upon enrolment. A monthly instalment of €390 per month is required until the course fee payment is complete.
Can I get a grant?
Unfortunately, as the Diploma in Music Business is a part-time course, students are not eligible for grants or funding from Student Universal Support Ireland, but you may wish to make use of our monthly payment plan.
Can I apply to the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music after the completion of this course?
The BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music is a four year full-time degree validated by Technological University Dublin. Students choose to study one of 5 streams: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals or Songwriting. Graduates of the Foundation Diploma in Music Business can apply for the BA(Hons) in Commercial Modern Music. Applicants must meet the audition requirement for their chosen stream on this course.
The minimum entry requirements for the course are 2H5s and 4O6s in any Leaving Cert subject plus the required entry points for this course. Applicants can achieve up to 600 points in their audition to combine with their Leaving Cert points towards this course. The primary entry requirements for mature applicants All academic requirements are reviewed by TU Dublin.
The Diploma is validated by BIMM Institute at the equivalent of Level 6 on the Irish NFQ. ( Graduates achieve 60 CATS credits at UK Level 4 which if the equivalent of 30 ECTS credits at Level 6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications).
Equivalent qualifications that will be considered from EU applicants can be viewed at: www2.cao.ie/downloads/documents/Guidelines-EU-EFTA.pdf
All Irish and EU applications must be made through the CAO at www.cao.ie/apply.php using the course code TU 961.
Applications open from November and close at 5.15pm on 1st February each year. BA (Hons) Commercial Modern Music is no longer a restricted course, and late applications are open via the CAO until May 1st.
How can I apply to the Diploma in Music Business course?
All applications can be made via the BIMM Dublin Admissions Team. To request an application form, email them at [email protected] or call +353 1 5133 666. The completed form can be returned via email to [email protected]. We encourage all prospective students to apply before 5pm on 1st July each year.
Once you’ve applied, we’ll contact you with the details of your interview and will give you at least 10 days’ notice of your scheduled interview time.
International applications are welcome and Skype interviews can be arranged if applicants are unable to attend an interview.
Any further questions?
We hope this blog post answers any questions you may have about BIMM Dublin’s new Diploma in Music Business, but if you still require further information, or would like to find out how BIMM Dublin can connect you to the music industry, contact our Admissions Team today at [email protected], call +353 1 5133 666 or book to attend one of our upcoming Open Days.
