ACM Challenges Traditonal University Structure Wth Ground Breaking Degree

ACM Challenges Traditonal University Structure Wth Ground Breaking Degree

ACM (The Academy of Contemporary Music) has taken the unprecedented step to offer all new performance and production students an Accelerated Learning Programme, to enable them to graduate with a degree aged 19. Launching in September 2013, the move will be unique to higher education in the UK and is conceived as a means to reduce tuition fees and provide a fast track to the music industry, which is currently unavailable elsewhere.

The Accelerated Learning Programme gives all ACM students – across business, performance and production - the opportunity to condense all ACM degree courses into two years study, with those students wishing to progress to industry after just one year the option of leaving with a Certificate of Higher Education (the equivalent of 120 Higher Education credits).

Additionally, performance and production students will have the flexibility to achieve a BTEC Diploma (equivalent to 2 A levels) in one year as opposed to two and then have the option of signing up to either the accelerated 2 year Degree course or the one year Higher Diploma.

ACM CEO Julia Leggett said, “In our almost 20 years experience of working with artists, producers and music entrepreneurs of the future, we recognise that traditional Higher Education structures don't allow the flexibility required to support the modern music industry. Students need flexible study options that fit their aspirations and the music industry needs fresh new talent - a condensed programme satisfies both.”

All of ACM’s Higher Education courses are validated by Middlesex University. The number of weeks studied mirrors that of other Degree courses, as do all regulations, but the holiday periods are significantly shortened. Not only does this provide a more intense period of study where the student is able to consolidate their learning experiences more easily, but in today’s climate it also brings considerable financial advantages without the need for students to have to pay living costs whilst not actually studying.

ACM’s Director of Education Nik Preston said, “ACM’s primary concern is to ensure that our courses are the most appealing to both students and the industry that is ultimately going to recruit them. In response to the lack of higher education funding now available, and the subsequent higher tuition fees being incurred by students, ACM has sought to provide the structure that enables students to reduce their living costs and tuition fees, begin to work professionally sooner than those studying conventional Higher Education programmes and not be removed from our tutors and facilities for extended holiday periods.”