Like all courses at BIMM, the diploma has been developed to introduce students to a range of different music industry career paths, provide them with a tangible knowledge of the current music industry environment and, ultimately, help them establish a sustainable career in the music industry.
You’ve probably got loads of questions about our course, so we thought we’d answer them here in one easy-to-access blog article. So without further ado…
What will the Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production prepare me for?
The programme will prepare you for either further study in music or apprentice-level entry into the workplace in a range of industries, in areas as diverse as music production, audio engineering, audio for games, post-production, corporate audio, pro-audio sales and audio system installation. The teaching staff at BIMM Dublin have strong links with industry, which provides you with unparalleled access to the workplace. You’ll be made aware of opportunities in the wider audio landscape, and will gain the knowledge necessary to specialise in any audio-related sector.
What facilities and services will I have access to?
As a Music and Audio Production student, you’ll have access to the facilities and opportunities on offer at BIMM Dublin, such as one-to-one tutorials and guest Masterclasses. You’ll be taught by our highly skilled team of lecturers, who are actively working as performers, songwriters, producers, music supervisors for film and creative industry entrepreneurs, and are all keen to share their vast music industry knowledge with you.
You’ll also be able to use BIMM’s state-of-the-art music production equipment including our Mac suite with industry-standard audio production software such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Logic DAWs.
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 and Audio Production students have their own opportunities?
Both. All Music and Audio Production 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 Foundation Diploma in Professional Musicianship. Music and Audio Production students are also encouraged to submit demos for The BIMM Album and will be provided with opportunities to assist with its in-house recording. Access to career industry tutorials and Masterclasses will also be available.
How many hours will I have each week on my timetable?
The Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production will take place over five hours per week, scheduled over one day. Your timetable will be confirmed upon enrolment.
Will I take classes with the Professional Musicianship or Music Business students?
Music and Audio Production 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 and Audio Production students are encouraged to audition for performance events such as Live & Lyrical, End of Term Gig and Diploma Gig alongside students on the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music and Foundation Diploma in Professional Musicianship. Music and Audio Production students will also be provided with opportunities to assist with the in-house recording of college-wide projects.
What are the minimum entry requirements for this course?
The minimum entry requirements for the Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production 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 isn’t 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 Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production will take place from throughout the summer. Please note that all correspondence is carried out by email.
If I don’t pass my interview for Music and Audio Production, can I apply for the Diploma in Professional Musicianship or Music Business?
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 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 €330 per month is required until the course fee payment is complete.
Can I get a grant?
Unfortunately, as the Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production 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 Diploma in Music & Audio Production are welcome to apply for the BA(Hons) in Commercial Modern Music. Applicants must meet the audition requirement for their chosen stream on this course and the minimum academic requirement for this course.
The BIMM Institute Diploma in Music & Audition Production does not meet the minimum entry requirement for this course. Graduates of this course may wish to apply to the BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music based on previous qualifications achieved.
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 criteria for mature applicants is audition only. 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. As this is a restricted course, late applications are not accepted.
How can I apply to the Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production 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. Please bring along any relevant material which demonstrates your experience in music and audio production.
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 Foundation Diploma in Music and Audio Production, 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.
