The course is split into 3 units, Unit 1 The Creative Entrepreneur, Unit 2 The Creative Practitioner and Unit 3 The Creative Enterprise.

Semester 1 Unit 1 The Creative Entrepreneur
This unit introduces you to the requisite enterprise skills that are necessary to kick-start a creative music-based business venture. You will deliberate how you can position and brand your creative enterprise business in a fiercely competitive marketplace while gaining an appreciation of your chosen sector’s policies. You will examine business models, and will develop skills in project management, copyright laws, fundraising and budgeting, pitching proposals, marketing and social media. You will also develop a secure working knowledge of health and safety standards and the associated legislations.
Unit 2 The Creative Practitioner
This unit will provide you with the opportunity to define your enterprise ambitions by providing the necessary time and space to research and develop creative ideas. You will position and contextualise creative music concept within a distinctive area of contemporary practice and will conduct case studies in order to identify and distinguish market competitors directly operating within your chosen field. You will also cultivate your networking skills and start building a database of contacts as you start to engage with the industry

Semester 2 Unit 3 The Creative Enterprise
This unit requires you to develop, formalise and present a sustainable creative enterprise business plan. You will take control of your own professional development by independently initiating a feasibility study, which will support and inform an in-depth enterprise business plan. The business plan will outline all the budgetary, legal, branding, marketing and health and safety requirements while also contextualising your own music practice within the wider industries.

If you are a band, solo artist, producer, or would like to take your music career to the next level, then the Commercial Music Enterprise course will equip you with the skills to do this. You will run a record label whilst developing your own talent, managing others, or taking on a production role. This is a hands-on application of your skills to enable you to develop enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. Opportunities include: · Development, recording and release of original material · Access to professional quality rehearsal and recording studios · Career guidance from experienced music practitioners · Marketing, budgeting and business development for the music industry · Set up your own label/company · Develop links within the local and national music industr.y

You will be assessed through a range of practical and written assignments. The form of assessment on the course will assist you as you progress either into higher levels of vocational learning or to related academic qualifications.

You will need to provide your own specialist musical instruments, excluding drum kit and keyboards. A pair of headphones and a data drive are essential. Access to specialist software onsite for a wide variety of applications.

UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise

Applicants must have a level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC or UAL) in a relevant creative or performance-based subject and a grade 4 in English Language. Alternatively, applicants may be accepted based on relevant industry experience. There will be an audition process.

Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College in the following circumstances:

• If the course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and they have given us permission to offer it at no cost to you and live in the WMCA area.
• If the course is part of the ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ government scheme and you are unemployed or working for a low wage.
• If the course is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) / WMCA and you meet certain criteria (such as this being the first qualification of this type and level you are studying, or unemployed, or working for a low wage).

Your personal circumstances and the funding available to you will be discussed at enrolment, if would useful if you bring evidence including proof of income / benefits; proof of age (i.e. driving licence); prior qualifications.

English & Maths: If you have not previously achieved GCSE grade C or above in English and/or maths, you can study these for free.