Diploma courses
We offer a series of highly vocational diploma courses to start your journey in music. Study a one or two-year course at one of our esteemed UK colleges and turn your passion into your dream career.
Each diploma course provides a solid foundation of musical knowledge and all you need to develop your skills and progress in your chosen field. Our industry-led diplomas are the perfect springboard for starting your career or continuing your studies with an undergraduate music degree.
Key facts
Industry-led and 100% relevant.
Well-balanced classes – a mix of theory and practical study.
World-class lecturers.
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities.
1-year or 2-year full-time study options available.
The perfect step before studying one of our undergraduate degree courses.
Why choose a BIMM diploma?
We offer something other places can’t: the chance to experience what life in the music industry is really like.
For us, it’s all about industry networking and collaboration. We connect our diploma students to regular music business experiences to prepare you for your industry career from the get-go. These include:
- Masterclasses hosted by internationally renowned guest artists
- End-of-term gigs
- A&R panels
- The annual BIMM album
- Work experience opportunities
We also have a dedicated Careers Team and a career planning and support programme. This provides you with ongoing opportunities within the creative industries, such as work placements, festival work experience, internships, CV advice, job hunting and more.
Level 3 Extended Diploma
If you’re thinking about studying music at college, this is the course for you.
Equivalent to three A-levels, our Extended Diploma provides a brilliant grounding for understanding modern music and the fast-moving industry surrounding it – while pushing your discipline to the next level.
You’ll receive expert tuition in playing your instrument, songwriting or music production while steadily building your confidence. Our diploma course will turn you into a high-level music professional in control of your own career path.
- How long? Two years with one-year exit options
- Which discipline? Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals), Songwriting or Music Production
- What next? Continue your studies with one of our industry-led undergraduate degree courses
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance
Level 3 Extended Diplomas are available to study at the following BIMM Institute locations:
Level 2 Diploma
This course is a solid introduction to the modern music industry and the ideal launch point for exploring your passion and developing your craft.
On this one-year course, you’ll receive expert tuition in playing your instrument or honing your vocal abilities. You’ll also build your live performance skills and collaborate with fellow aspiring musicians.
- How long? One year
- Which discipline? Guitar, Bass, Drums or Vocals
- What next? Continue your studies with our Level 3 Extended Diploma (Music Performance, Songwriting, or Music Production) or eventually study one of our undergraduate degree courses.
Level 3 Diploma (London Only)
If you’re after the chance to study in the music capital of the world, our one-year practical and vocational Level 3 diploma is a perfect choice.
Taught at our BIMM Institute London college, this course offers hands-on training and a broad overview of virtually every aspect of modern musicianship. And you can choose from three disciplines.
You’ll explore technique, performance skills, musicianship, and music theory for our Popular Music Performance and Songwriting courses. For our Music Production course, you’ll develop your style, improve your technique and get yourself noticed by the industry. Whichever discipline you choose, this course will make you the well-rounded professional the industry needs.
- How long? One year
- Which discipline? Popular Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals), Songwriting or Music Production
- What next? Continue your studies with one of our industry-led undergraduate degree courses
Level 3 Diploma in Popular Music Performance
Many of our successful alumni began their journey to success by studying one of our BIMM diploma courses. Take a look at who’s making waves in the industry after starting with a diploma course.
BIMM Manchester Songwriting diploma graduate Syd Minsky-Sergeant started indie electronic band Working Men's Club whilst studying alongside fellow BIMM students Giulia Bonometti and Jake Bogacki.
Session guitarist Aaron Forbes joined us for a diploma and Commercial Music Performance degree. He has since gone on to work with an amazing range of artists, including Fuse ODG, Mabel, Dave, Stefflon Don, Jonas Blue, Not3s, Madison Beer and Liam Payne.
Julia Bardo is an Artist Development Diploma in Songwriting graduate and is currently creating a buzz throughout the industry. In January 2021, she was crowned one of the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards winners, representing her home country of Italy. Her debut EP Phase came out in March 2020 via Wichita Recordings, the label that previously represented Bloc Party and The Cribs.
At BIMM Brighton, our diploma courses are run at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, with specialist facilities for our diploma students. We caught up with Vocals student Paris Gibson about why she chose to join us.
"The diploma is a lot condensed into one year, but the progress I made last year as an artist is probably more than the five years before put together." We spoke to diploma student Martha Phillips about what first drew her to BIMM –and how our diploma course helped her achieve her goals.
"The diploma course helped me by giving me the basic knowledge and tools to become a music industry professional." Will Hurn tells us why he decided to study our diploma course and what it is about it that he'd recommend.
Level 2 and Level 3 Extended Diploma FAQs
- How many hours of study are there in the diploma courses per week?
- What are the admissions criteria?
- What If I don’t achieve a C/4 in my GCSE Maths and English?
- What are the fees for these diploma courses?
- Can I continue with an undergraduate degree after a Level 2 or Level 3 Extended Diploma course?
How many hours of study are there in the diploma courses per week?
All BIMM Institute Extended diploma courses are full-time and run over two years. The Level 2 Diploma is a one-year course. Lessons take place Monday-Friday with 16.5 hours of timetabled lessons during the week. This allows you time for independent study and to take advantage of tutorials and rehearsals.
What are the admissions criteria?
All applicants will first be required to attend an audition/interview in their discipline of choice.
- Level 3 Extended Diplomas require 5 GCSEs at C/4, including English Language and Maths or 4 GCSEs at C/4 inc. English or Maths on the condition that the other is retaken during the duration of the course
- Level 2 Diploma applications are considered on their own merits, but generally, a basic awareness of music notation (i.e guitar tab or chord charts, or treble and bass clef) and performance equivalent to Grade 2 standard are required, which will be determined during an audition.
We will review all applications on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your qualifications and audition.
What If I don’t achieve a C/4 in my GCSE Maths and English?
Our entry criteria for all Level 3 diploma courses is 5 GCSEs at a minimum grade of 4, including English Language and Maths. However, we realise things don’t always go to plan, so there may be an opportunity to retake GCSE English and Maths exams alongside your Extended Diploma, at the discretion of the Further Education team. We will review this once we have received your GCSE results.
What are the fees for these diploma courses?
Diplomas are free for UK students aged 18 years and under, providing funding requirements have been met. If studying for a two-year diploma, you may be eligible for Financial Support through our educational partnership with New College Swindon. Find out more about diploma fees here.
Can I continue with an undergraduate degree after a Level 2 or Level 3 Extended Diploma course?
Successful completion of a two-year diploma course allows further study on a music degree at BIMM Institute. We also have a dedicated Careers Team to advise you of your options throughout your time with BIMM.
Level 3 Diploma (London Only) FAQs
- How many hours of study are there for the London diploma courses?
- What are the admissions criteria?
- What are the fees for the London diploma courses?
- Can I continue with an undergraduate degree after a London diploma course?
How many hours of study are there for the London diploma courses?
All BIMM London diploma courses are full-time and run over one year. Lessons take place Monday-Friday and will have 16 hours of timetabled lessons during the week. That means you have plenty of time for any independent study or to take advantage of rehearsals and tutorials.
What are the admissions criteria?
Level 3 Diplomas (London only) require five GCSEs at a minimum grade of C/4, including English Language and Maths, and Grade 4-6 equivalency playing skills for the Popular Music Performance Diploma. Overseas students where English is not their native language must meet a minimum English Language requirement of IELTS 6.0, with no lower than 5.5 achieved in each band. Alternative English qualifications may be accepted and should be sent to admissions to verify.
What are the fees for the London diploma courses?
UK and Irish students pay £6,950 per annum (£500 deposit required). EU and International students have a different range of fees that depend on eligibility for a scholarship. Find out more about London diploma fees here.
Can I continue with an undergraduate degree after a London diploma course?
Yes! Successful completion of our one-year London diploma course will gain you a RSL Level 3 Diploma qualification. This allows further study on one of our market-leading undergraduate degree courses. Our dedicated Careers Team is on hand throughout your studies to advise you of your options.
Any questions?
For questions on how BIMM Institute can prepare you for a career in music, or if you’d like more information on how to apply, please contact our Admissions Team on 0344 2 646 666 or email [email protected].
