Level 3 Diploma in Music Business (Record Label)

Level 3 Diploma in Music Business (Record Label)

SQA code: GK37 57  
Ofqual code: 601/5045/2
Total Qualification Time: 420
Guided Learning Hours: 240
Credit value: 42

The Level 3 Diploma in Music Business (Record Label) will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as marketing, publishing and contracting in the music industry.

The qualification includes: producing promotional material; identifying new opportunities and revenue streams; understanding how artist agreements and contracts work; identifying and recommending music with commercial potential; record label identity and branding; monitoring music press coverage; and understanding the impact of emerging technology on the music industry.

This qualification has been developed in partnership with Creative & Cultural Skills to ensure it meets the needs of the industry.

It may be available through employers, training providers and colleges in England and Wales.

Rationale and purpose of this qualification

This qualification is aimed at those who are in work and are looking for recognition of their prior learning and experience.

Its primary purpose is to confirm the learner's occupational competence to work as a marketing or publishing assistant in the music industry. As a work-related, competence-based qualification it provides confirmation to employers and industry managers that the learner has the skills and knowledge needed to meet the nationally recognised standard to carry out the role.

Learners who achieve this qualification can use it to gain employment, to progress in the industry, or to work towards another qualification (see Progression).

Objectives

The qualification is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • preparing learners to progress to another qualification
  • meeting relevant programmes of learning
  • Supporting a role in the workplace
  • confirming knowledge, understanding and skills

What does this qualification cover?

As this is a competence-based qualification, learners will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through either on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.

To achieve the whole qualification, learners need a minimum of 39 credits. They must complete five mandatory units plus eight optional units from the qualification structure. (See Qualification content and delivery tools)

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is suitable for:

  • learners with no prior experience
  • apprentices
  • school leavers
  • adults returning to education
  • learners who have completed a qualification in a relevant discipline at level 2 Certificate in Music Business (Marketing and Promotion)
  • individuals who wish to start their own business
  • workers who need the qualification to meet legislative requirements
  • people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • individuals who wish to start their own business

It is mainly taken by individuals employed or seeking employment as:

  • an assistant who works with artists and repertoire: with responsibilities such as identifying and recommending music with commercial potential; identifying development and repertoire opportunities for artists; and planning budgets for artists
  • a music publishing assistant: with responsibilities such as registering musical works for publishing and copyright compliance; and contributing to the preparation and management of artist agreements and contracts work
  • a radio plugger: with responsibilities such as the plugging of music, delivering presentations on the value of the product; and organising promotional events for the music industry events co-ordinator or administrator
  • a marketing/promotions assistant or assistant publicist: with responsibilities such as monitoring music press coverage; marketing and selling new and back catalogue music releases; marketing and selling music releases; supporting the identity, brand and characteristics of record labels and their artists; and negotiating with music outlets

Entry

Entry to the qualification is at the discretion of the centre. Learners may find it helpful if they have already completed the Level 2 Certificate in Music Business (Marketing and Promotion). 

Apprenticeships

This qualification is a mandatory component in the Level 3 Music Business Apprenticeship in England (as detailed in SASE).

Progression

The Diploma in Music Business (Record Label) can lead to employment within the music business industry, particularly when it is taken as a component of a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Music Business.

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Qualification structure

The qualification requires the learner to complete seven mandatory units (credit value 24) and a minimum of four optional units (credit value 18).

Please refer to the qualification structure (116 KB) for more information.

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How to assess

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each unit specification gives detailed information on the assessment criteria, assessment (evidence) requirements and guidance on instruments of assessment for the unit.

The qualification is assessed by completing a portfolio of evidence which details what the learner has completed at work. This can be gathered through observation, professional discussion, witness testimony or supporting documentary evidence. The assessor can work alongside the learner to confirm that they have met the requirements of the qualification and that they are therefore competent in their role.

Competence is displayed through the assessor observing the learner demonstrate that they carry out their normal work activities competently and to the industry standard and comply with current legislation and company procedures.

The assessment process will ensure that the learner can complete the tasks that they have been directed to undertake and that they can interpret the instructions correctly. They will demonstrate that they can select the appropriate resources for the tasks and can complete them within the given timescales and specifications.

Learner portfolio

Assessment strategy/principle