Finding the right path into music and sound education

There’s a moment people hit when they’re thinking about studying music: you’ve built something already - skills, ideas, maybe even a body of work - but you’re not quite sure what the next step should look like. More often than not, the default answer is to explore going straight into a degree. But that isn’t always the right fit. Sometimes, the most valuable step a budding musician can take is the one that sits just outside the traditional path.

A different way into higher education

It’s worth recognising that not everyone is coming into education from the same position. For some, the challenge isn’t choosing between courses; it’s figuring out how to take that first leap into higher education full stop. That’s where routes like Access to HE come in.

At dBs, these diplomas are designed for people who might be returning to study, changing direction, or simply didn’t follow a traditional academic path, but do have the drive and potential to go further. They focus on building core skills in areas like music production, sound engineering and creative practice, while also developing the confidence needed to progress.

More importantly, they offer a clear, structured pathway into degree-level study, with many students going on to continue into undergraduate courses.

You can explore more about these routes here: Access to HE diplomas at dBs Institute.

And when you’re ready to go further

For those thinking about what comes next - whether that’s building on existing experience or stepping into a new phase of your career - postgraduate study offers a different kind of opportunity.

At dBs, courses like MA Music Production, MA Innovation in Sound and the Online MA Music Production, are designed with flexibility in mind. For those considering postgraduate study, this flexibility is often the deciding factor.

The Online MA Music Production at dBs is built around that reality. It’s designed for people who want to keep working, creating and developing their practice, without having to pause everything else to do it.

Through a mix of weekly live sessions, practical project work and one-to-one tutorial support, the course mirrors the way you’d naturally develop as a producer. You’re not just watching content, you’re actively building work, refining your approach and pushing your ideas forward with guidance from industry-active tutors.

Alongside advanced production, mixing and mastering, the course sharpens your professional development, from managing clients to understanding how to sustain a career in the industry. You graduate not just with improved technical ability, but with a clearer sense of direction and a portfolio to support it.

And importantly, you’re not doing it in isolation. You’re part of a wider community of producers and creatives, sharing work, collaborating and learning from each other as you go.

For many, that combination - flexibility, structure and real progression - is what makes online study feel like a genuine step forward, rather than a compromise.

Support on offer

There’s also meaningful support available for those looking to continue their studies.

If you’re currently studying at dBs, you may be eligible for a 30% postgraduate discount when progressing directly from undergraduate to postgraduate study with no gap year, with a 25% alumni discount available for those returning later.

It’s designed to support students who want to build on the foundations they’ve already developed without having to step away from their progress.

Come and see it for yourself

If you’re weighing up your options - whether that’s starting out, building confidence or taking the next step into postgraduate study - the best way to get a feel for it is to experience it first-hand.

dBs runs regular open events across Bristol, Manchester and Plymouth, where you can meet tutors, explore the facilities and get a clearer sense of what studying here actually looks like.

You’ll be able to talk through your options, ask questions about pathways and progression, and see how different routes connect.

dBs Institute Open Days and Events

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