Duration:
2 years full-time for FdSc (Foundation Degree)
Upon successful completion of this course you'll have the option to join our BSc (Hons) Event Production and top up to a Level 6 qualification. Find out more about topping up your degree.
Location:
Confetti, Nottingham
UCAS course code:
J910
Institution code:
N91 (Nottingham Trent University)
- 64 UCAS Tariff points; and
- GCSE - English and Maths Grade C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors. Find out more about advisors in your country.
This degree is validated by Nottingham Trent University. You can apply through UCAS.
For tuition fee costs, visit our fees & funding page for more information.
Additional Costs
All course specific software and hardware is accessible on site. However, there are some equipment that you will need to invest in to support your study and help you as you begin your career in the live events industry.
Confetti will supply you with an appropriate hard-hat and reflective jacket when working on sites that require such PPE. You will, however, be expected to provide your own suitable, protective footwear – ie Steel toe-capped shoes or boots. We can make recommendations for where to purchase these at the start of the course. You can expect to spend anything between £20 and £100 depending on your choice of styling and comfort requirements.
You will need to purchase your own basic maintenance too kit.
Suggested key items are:
• Basic self-ranging multi function electrical testing meter
• Insulated side cutters
• Sniper nose pliers
• Bull nose pliers
• Electrician screwdriver set.
• Electrical soldering iron
• Insulated 500v electricians work gloves
A kit of this type can cost between £50 and £150 depending on the quality you choose to buy. We can offer advice on these at the start of the course.
Computer equipment
You should budget for a high-speed, high-capacity USB3 memory stick for transferring data between computers and devices. Prices range between £10 and £30 depending on capacity.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
This cutting-edge course will give you the opportunity to study in a real-world live event venue, training with professionals and working with industry-standard hardware and software. By the end of the course you’ll have gained the technical, organisational, creative and professional skills you need to work successfully within the technical events industry.
You’ll learn a broad range of disciplines within the live and technical events sector including:
- Lighting and stage design
- Live sound reinforcement
- Sound theory and acoustics
- Electrical principles
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Live video technologies and pyrotechnics
- Live event planning
You’ll learn in our music and live events hub – Metronome - designed by world-renowned audio architects White Mark Ltd – who have designed studios for clients including Jay-Z and Damon Albarn and have access to a 400-capacity live venue, and a 93m2 events production workshop space, as well as PA systems from manufacturers, including Nexo and EV and a range of generic and moving lighting technology from Chauvet.
Teaching and learning will take place in a custom-built live events production space and a range of bespoke IT suites and classrooms. You will learn on industry-standard equipment with training from experts in the field of live audio, lighting and live video production.
The aim is to further develop your practical, technical and critical thinking skills and to work on the appropriate deployment of analysis and enquiry techniques associated with the Live Events industry, whilst working on a combination of controlled, in-house activities and real-world client projects. Through carefully designed modules, you will enhance your digital skills and competencies in line with the NTU digital framework – including development of ICT and media literacy, digital communication and collaboration.
Classes will be a mixture of technical lectures and practical workshops where you will explore the core scientific and mathematical principles of the module subject areas. You will be expected to manage your own learning into areas of study that are of particular interest to you, making use of scholarly reviews and primary resources.
You will receive continual informal formative feedback during the course. This feedback is provided to help you evaluate your progress as you work through problems. This type of feedback is typically provided within tutorials verbally, as part of seminars, lectures or workshops.
Summative feedback provides you with an overarching review of your achievements set against the learning outcomes for a module. Formal summative feedback occurs at the end of each assignment.
A three year Bachelor degree is a great choice if you’re looking to gain a full Level 6 qualification. With a higher UCAS tariff – this type of degree is perfect for you if you prefer a more theoretical approach to your studies combined with significant elements of practice. After graduating you will be able to progress onto a postgraduate course or start your creative career.
Topping up your existing qualification
If you already have an FdSc, HND or equivalent you can join this BSc course by direct entry into year 2 or 3, depending upon your qualification and experience.
Each case will be considered individually, but if you have passed an FdSc from Confetti and decided you want to continue your studies, you’re automatically entitled to enter into the 3rd year to ‘top-up’ to a full honours degree.
What you'll study in year 1
Stage lighting is one of the most fundamental technologies in use to enhance the audience experience and support the performance of live events. This module will introduce you to the application of a diverse range of technologies in use, and their underlying scientific principles.
You will study the use of generic and intelligent lighting fixtures from a range of manufacturers, whilst also developing a working knowledge of distribution, dimming and control hardware and software. You will investigate current health and safety legislation and implement practical skills during industry practice focused workshops and live events. You will also gain knowledge of the historical developments in lighting technology and how that informs current industry standards and working practices.
This module aims to develop your understanding of sound reinforcement through the study of the theoretical and practical aspects of live sound. You will study the physical properties of sound and how they relate to sound reinforcement and will explore analogue and digital technologies. You'll put your knowledge into practice in practical live sound settings throughout the year
An understanding of the principles of electrical systems is fundamental to anyone working within technical roles within the live event sector. It is of paramount importance that work in industry is carried out with electrical safety at the forefront. This module aims to equip you with a range of practical skills for fault finding, maintenance and repair of event technology. You will learn the fundamental principles of electronics, practical soldering techniques and investigate recognised industry standards and practices.
Working in the live event industry requires an awareness of the various types of job roles and career paths, and the historical, cultural and legislative changes that have helped shape the live event sector. This module encourages you to carry out research into the live event industry and analyse current trends and legislation, in order to gain a thorough understanding of your chosen sector. You will also develop your future employment prospects by engaging in basic work-related activities.
What you'll study in year 2
Production design focuses on all visual elements of an event, incorporating lighting and video technology, and often set design. With the continuous development of lighting and video technology, the roles of lighting or video designer often merge and the requirement to have skills in both areas of the industry is expected. In this module you will explore all aspects of production design and technology.
You will develop skills in lighting programming, video distribution systems, use of projection and LED screen technology, as well as looking at the design process, skills in 3D visualisation and the socio economic responsibilities of a designer.
You will also explore advanced lighting skills included the use of rigging and lifting equipment and calculating safe working practice when designing systems. You will develop a portfolio of skills in various different lighting and video design and operation software, which will then be put into practice in a final design project.
You will further your knowledge of sound theory and audio technology through the application of the design of different sound reinforcement systems. You will look at the connection between mathematical data to study the behaviour of sound in live venues, investigate loudspeaker designs and carry out sound measurements and calculations.
This module also has a strong emphasis on practical live sound engineering skills, and you will have the opportunity to develop and hone your skills in the live sound environment using industry-standard software and hardware.
You are are the key to your own success! In this module you will investigate and develop your professional identity in terms of attributes, beliefs, values, motives, and experiences. You will develop professional integrity and a career identity.
This module encourages you to carry out research into employability and entrepreneurship and analyse current industry practices, job roles and technical skills required in order to gain a thorough understanding of the events sector. Throughout and during the assessment process you will actively partake in transformative practice, effective review and evaluation of yourself.
Study Event Production with us and you'll learn in our very own live music and events venue, Metronome.
With its unrivalled reputation for the quality of its sound and visuals, Metronome hosts a successful commercial programme of live events throughout the year – and it’s here where you’ll learn from the best and gain real work experience.
This world-class venue is home to some amazing facilities, jampacked with recording studios, rehearsal rooms, performances spaces, and a 400-capacity venue.
Event production equipment include:
- A range of PA systems from manufacturers, including L'Acoustic, Nexo and EV
- Digital and analogue mixing consoles from manufacturers including Digico, Allen & Heath and Midas
- A large selection of microphones from leading manufacturers such as Shure, AKG, Neumann, Audio Technica
- Extensive backline equipment including Gretsch and Yamaha drum kits, Vox, Fender and Marshall amplifiers
- Lighting consoles from Avolites and MA
- A range of generic and moving lighting technology from Clay Paky, Martin and Robe and Chauvet
- Mobile recording rigs
Confetti Single
Each year we shine the spotlight on an artist or band, supporting them with the recording, release and promotion of the Confetti Single. Our Live and Technical Events students stage and crew the releases, which are broadcast live from Metronome.
Splendour
Each year, countless Confetti students ‘Do It For Real’ both on stage and behind-the-scenes, helping to bring Splendour Festival to life.
If you want to do more than just study a qualification, ‘Do It For Real’ at Confetti. This is our commitment to all our students to provide real, creative, hands-on experience in their chosen specialism whilst accessing the best facilities.
Metronome
Metronome is a national centre for music, moving image, video games, live performance and spoken word - and it's part of Confetti. Our students have access to state-of-the-art studios within Metronome, as well as the 400-capacity venue where free student membership gets you exclusive ticket deals and offers.
Live events
Our students get countless opportunities to crew live events across Nottingham, like BBC Introducing at Metronome, Splendour Festival, Hockley Hustle and Confetti’s Degree Showcase amongst others.
Guest speakers
Throughout the year, students are able to attend talks and events, and work on projects with visiting industry experts.
Industry Week
We also hold an annual Industry Week, where guest speakers and mentors from the music industry are invited in to talk to students. Our students have the opportunity to learn from people working in the industry right now, and can make invaluable contacts during this week.
Past Industry Week guests have included:
- Michael Eavis - Glastonbury founder
- Kim Hawes – Tour manager
- Sylvia Massy - Audio expert
- Trevor Plunkett - Tour manager
- Bryony October - Sound engineer
- Focusrite
- David Wolstenholme & Dominic Smith - Lighting designers
Check out our OnDemand service here.
Splendour
Our Events students get the chance to work at Splendour - one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the UK.
At each festival over 100 students from across a number of courses join professional crews producing, staging and filming the performances.
Your career
Work hard and take your opportunities, and you’ll leave with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed for a successful career in the live events sector.
Roles such as live sound engineer, lighting designer, live broadcast engineer and live video technician are all positions which may find you working in live music, theatre, festivals or corporate events within the UK and beyond.
Alternatively, you may decide to stay at Confetti and top-up to the BSc (Hons) Event Production degree in either Nottingham or London.
