Sound Production: NQ (Level 6)
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Course overview
Create, record, and produce the sounds that shape today’s world.
The HND Sound Production course is ideal for anyone ready to take their passion for audio to the next level — whether your goal is to work in music production, sound design, live sound, broadcasting, or audio post-production for film, theatre, and digital media.
This advanced, two-year qualification gives you access to industry-standard studios and live sound spaces, all interconnected and equipped with professional technology from Avid, Audient, Yamaha, Genelec, Neumann, and AKG. You’ll gain hands-on experience using Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live, developing both your creative and technical expertise through real-world projects and ongoing collaborations.
You’ll work alongside students from Music Performance, Musical Theatre, and Music Business, gaining insight into how production supports every aspect of the creative process.
Our partnership with Avid and ongoing collaborations with venues such as the O2 Academy, AdLib, and King Tut’s give you direct access to industry settings and professional networking opportunities.
At the heart of the course is a focus on professionalism — managing projects, working to deadlines, and developing your technical and creative confidence to thrive in the competitive sound industry.
This course is ideal for:
- Creatives passionate about music, audio, and sound technology who want to turn that interest into a professional career.
- Learners looking to master both studio and live sound environments using industry-level equipment.
- Those who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and technical innovation across different audio formats.
- Students aiming to progress to degree-level study or gain employment in the sound, music, or media industries.
What you will learn
Across the two years, you’ll gain advanced technical skills, creative expertise, and an understanding of how sound shapes live and recorded media.
Year 1 Highlights:
- Audio Skills & Recording Projects – hands-on studio practice in recording and mixing.
- Digital Audio Workstations – advanced use of Pro Tools, Logic, and other industry platforms
- Sound for Live Events – set up and manage professional sound systems for performance spaces.
- Creative Music Re-mixing & Skills for Business – develop creative adaptability and industry insight.
- Graded Unit 1 – showcase your creative and technical progression through practical projects.
Year 2 Highlights:
- Mastering and Final Format Production – polish your mixes for broadcast, release, and film.
- Spatial Recording and Audio for Multimedia – explore immersive sound for film, games, and VR/AR.
- Sound Reinforcement & Acoustics – refine your technical understanding of live and recorded environments.
- Professional Development Project – prepare for your future career or degree-level progression.
- Graded Unit 2 – demonstrate advanced skills in a professional-standard project.
You’ll also have the chance to gain Pro Tools industry certifications (101 / 110) and receive mentoring from professionals via Mediapsec’s Outstanding Achievement Award partnership.
Entry requirements
✅ 1 SQA Higher (Grade C or above) — preferably in Music Technology, Physics, Maths, or English
✅ OR completion of a relevant NQ/NC Level 6 in Sound Production or Creative Industries
✅ OR equivalent professional experience — applicants without formal qualifications are considered on merit
Additional information:
- An appropriate level of English/Literacy is essential.
- Please include in your personal statement why you want to work in sound production and how your interest and experience reflect this.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
- You will be asked for proof of qualifications.
- As part of your online application, in the personal statement, make sure you demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in working in Sound Production by telling us about you and why you want a place on the course.
Entry directly to year two of the HND Sound Production is possible; you need to have achieved at least 15 credits from year one of the HND Sound Production if you are coming to us from another centre.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can progress into a variety of creative roles, including:
🎚️ Recording Studio Engineer / Producer
🎧 Live Sound Engineer
🎥 Sound Designer for Film, Theatre, or Games
📻 Broadcast and Radio Technician
💡 Audio Post-Production or Sound Installation Specialist
Our alumni now work across TV, radio, theatre, live sound, and record labels — many also collaborate with Glasgow Kelvin’s own label, Electric Honey.
Future prospects
You can progress to degree-level study at leading universities including:
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of the West of Scotland
- Glasgow School of Art
- Napier University (Sound Design)
- UHI or Abertay University (Audio and Game Sound)
Successful learners can enter directly into Year 2 or 3 of selected degree programmes.
Alternatively, you may choose to go straight into employment within the music, live sound, or audio post-production industries.
Other Courses You Might Consider
Music Business: HND
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