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 learn the ins and outs of the live events industry; from PA systems and rigging, lighting equipment to advanced techniques in stage lighting, as well as recording, mixing, how to work 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 2021)
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 how to set up a PA system for a live performance. You’ll also receive an introduction to the events industry and study the variety of roles available.
You’ll be introduced to the world of event lighting, learn to rig lighting equipment and also how to plan a basic lighting show. As well as being introduced to lighting techniques, you’ll spend time in the recording studio and work with session musicians, learning how to record and mix audio.
This term you’ll be working towards your own staged event. You’ll pull together your own production team and develop an understanding of the production roles within the industry. You’ll also learn basic staging and set-up techniques in a professional venue. Later in the term you’ll study advanced stage lighting techniques.
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 a large venue in Nottingham and will allow you to experience large sound and lighting consoles in a professional environment. You’ll also showcase your creative flair by using your newly learnt VJ skills in a visual performance that’ll accompany the show.
During this term you’ll be working as part of a professional production team for a show at a large venue in Nottingham. This will include practical experience on the latest audio and lighting equipment and experience setting up staging systems with on-site engineers.
In the final term you’ll be studying the specialist area of the events industry that you see yourself working in. You’ll have access to working professionals within the industry that’ll support you throughout this process. The course finale is your experience working on the Splendour Festival. You’ll have exclusive access to the Confetti stage, working alongside professionals for the entire event.
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. This year, in light of the current restrictions, we’ve taken this showcase online.
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.
Ethan McKenna
“The amount of events we got to work on through the course – at my last count, it was a grand total of 17.”
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
