Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C)* including English and maths
- An appreciation of and a passion for live events with a level of practical experience and/ or a Level 2 qualification in the subject area
Fees & funding:
Visit our fees & funding page for more information
How to apply:
When you're ready to apply, there's a few ways to start the process.
- Apply online - Start your application now!
- Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
- Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day
Introduction to the course
On this college course you’ll be peeling back the curtain of the concert and events industry; from how to be a live sound engineer, lighting tech and operative. Exploring PA systems, lighting equipment and advanced techniques in stage lighting, as well as how to work behind the scenes with staging, as a guitar tech/roadie and stage management.
You’ll also gain experience in event planning, production management and event theory, providing you with the skills to not only work on an event as a technician, but also be part of organising and running events. Your skills will be put into practice on your own events and productions and you will have the opportunity to work at some of the East Midlands’ largest festivals and events.
100% of students on this course feel the teaching they receive is of a good standard. (QDP Student Survey Results 2022)
You’ll learn:
- Advanced live sound techniques
- PA system rigging
- Advanced lighting and projection skills
- Event management skills
- The structure of the live events industry
- Freelancing skills
What you'll study
You’ll be introduced to the technology used in the events industry. This includes live sound techniques and lighting operation along with how to safely set-up professional industry equipment. You’ll also receive an introduction to the theory of the events industry and study the variety of roles available.
For this term you will be putting your newly learnt techniques in event production into practice - planning and working on 3 distinct events in your own production teams (solo artist show, gameshow and full band show). These small closed-door events will help build confidence in your production practice and allow you to experiment with different techniques while providing you a taste of professional gigs and events.
This term you’ll be working towards your own real-life staged event, putting on professional shows to your own invited audience. You’ll pull together your own production team and develop an understanding of the production roles within the industry. This term is all about doing it for real by organising, planning and executing a full staged production.
This term focuses on advanced production techniques that lead to running Confetti’s main student event of the year: The Confetti Christmas Party! This event is held at our very own venue (Metronome) in Nottingham and will allow you to experience large sound and lighting consoles in a professional environment. You will also be preparing for live broadcast live lounge sessions with Confetti’s performance students.
During this term you’ll be following on with your broadcasted live lounge sessions as a production operative. We will also be embarking on a personal project, where you have total freedom with investigating advanced production technologies that you are interested in, creating and experimenting with content that make you more employable.
In the final term you’ll be studying the specialist area of the events industry that you see yourself working in, working on personal promotion to prepare you for a career in the events industry. You will also be working on your own large-scale selection of events within Nottingham’s events scene.
Maths & English
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
On this course you’ll have access to:
- Confetti's contemporary Music & Events Hub, Metronome
- 400 Capacity Metronome venue
- Dedicated live events practice space
- Professional analogue and digital mixing desks
- Extensive backline equipment
- Full range PA systems with monitoring
- Full lighting rig inc. Avolites consoles
Celebrate
Every year we welcome family, friends and industry professionals to watch, listen, test and play the fantastic work of our college students.
Industry Week
As a live events degree student, you’ll take part in Confetti’s Industry Week – a unique event that brings top names from the creative industries to Confetti for workshops, masterclasses, lectures and seminars.
From event organisers to stage managers, Industry Week is your chance to be inspired, make contacts and learn from the pros. Our students have had the opportunity to meet and receive advice from established names, such as Glastonbury organiser, tour manager Trevor Plunkett, Michael Eavis and artists, such as Professor Green, Will Kennard and Rudimental's Piers Aggett.
Check out our OnDemand service here.
Continue your studies
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on our range of foundation and full honours degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
Future careers:
- Live sound engineer
- Backline technician/roadie
- Lighting engineer/designer
- Stage manager/tour manager
- Venue manager
