Ever catch yourself daydreaming about a career in music production while stuck in a meeting? Or maybe you're scrolling through Instagram at 2am, watching producers create beats and thinking "I could do that... if only I'd studied music"? Here's the truth: you still can.
Across the UK, thousands of adults are ditching the idea that education has an expiry date. They're returning to study, pursuing passions they put on hold, and proving that your twenties aren't the only decade worth investing in yourself. If you've been thinking about studying music, we're here to tell you that it isn’t too late.
The myth of the "right time" to study
There's a common misconception that needs addressing: the idea that there's a specific window for pursuing education, and if you've missed it, the opportunity has passed. This simply isn't true.
Mature students often bring valuable qualities to their studies that school leavers are still developing: substantial life experience, clear motivation, and a genuine understanding of why they're pursuing their chosen path. Rather than following an expected route after A-Levels, mature students have made a conscious decision to pursue something meaningful to them, and this clarity of purpose makes a significant difference.
Visit any music production studio at dBs Institute, and you'll encounter students from diverse backgrounds.
What are Access to Higher Education courses?
If you're 19 or older and don't have traditional qualifications like A-Levels, Access to Higher Education courses are your passport to university. Think of them as a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.
These Level 3 qualifications are specifically designed for mature students who want to go to university but took a different path after school. Maybe you left without the grades you needed, took a career break, had caring responsibilities, or just weren't ready for higher education at 18.
The courses typically run for one year and combine subject-specific learning with essential academic skills like research, essay writing, and critical thinking. You'll earn 60 credits in total, with 45 graded credits that translate into UCAS points ranging from 48 to 144, depending on your grades. That top score of 144 points? It's equivalent to getting AAA at A-Level.
The courses are also nationally recognised and accepted by universities across the UK, with around 24,000 Access to HE students gaining university places each year.
And here's the best bit: if you're eligible for student finance, you can get an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fees. Even better, if you complete your Access to HE Diploma and then finish a degree, Student Finance will write off that loan entirely. You won't pay it back. It's the only qualification that comes with this loan write-off benefit.
Which music courses are available to adults
At dBs Institute of Music, we offer three Access to HE diplomas tailored specifically for aspiring music professionals. Each course is taught by Access Creative College and runs for one year, giving you the qualifications and confidence you need to progress onto degree-level study.
DJ & Electronic Music Production
If you've been collecting records for years, obsessing over mixing techniques, or producing beats in your bedroom, this DJ & Electronic Music Production course turns that passion into academic credentials. You'll learn to use industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations like Logic Pro, develop your mixing and DJing skills, and create original electronic music across various genres.
The course covers everything from music theory and composition to live performance techniques and the business side of the music industry. You'll work in professional studios, collaborate with other students, and build a portfolio of work that showcases your abilities. By the end, you'll have the technical skills and academic foundation to progress onto undergraduate courses in Electronic Music Production or related fields.
Music Production
This is your all-rounder music production course, perfect if you want to explore the full spectrum of music creation. You'll dive deep into recording techniques, mixing and mastering, sound design, and music technology. The course teaches you how to work with different genres, record live instruments and vocals, and produce professional-quality tracks from start to finish.
You'll develop critical listening skills, learn to analyse music from a producer's perspective, and understand the creative and technical decisions that make great productions stand out. The course also covers essential skills in research, presentation, and critical reflection that prepare you for university-level study. Many students who complete this diploma progress onto our BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering or BA (Hons) Music Production & Live Sound degree, as well as our other courses.
Music Performance & Production
The Music Performance & Production programme combines performance skills with production knowledge, giving you a complete creative toolkit.
You'll develop your performance abilities, learn songwriting techniques, and gain hands-on experience with recording and production. The course covers music theory, composition, arrangement, and how to translate your creative vision into polished, professional recordings. You'll work on solo projects and collaborations, perform for your peers, and learn how to create music that connects with audiences.
Why are adults choosing to study music now
The pandemic prompted many people to reconsider their relationship with work and life. Being in a role that provides financial stability but lacks creative fulfilment became less acceptable for many.
This period allowed people to reconnect with long-held passions, and numerous individuals realised that career aspirations they'd shelved years earlier were still worth pursuing.
However, this shift extends beyond pandemic-induced reflection. The creative industries have experienced substantial growth, and pathways into music careers have diversified considerably. The traditional model of securing a major label deal or working in a large studio is no longer the only route to a viable music career.
Bedroom producers are securing sync deals for television and film. Freelance sound engineers are building successful independent businesses. Independent artists are connecting with global audiences from home studios. This evolution has made music education increasingly appealing to mature students. The career paths are tangible and varied.
Ready to start your music journey?
Access to HE programmes at dBs Institute provide the qualifications, skills, and preparation needed to progress onto higher education and pursue a professional career in music. Whether your interests lie in production, DJing, performance, or a combination of these areas, there's a course designed to prepare you for university-level study in one year.
Visit our Access to HE diplomas page to explore your options in detail, or attend one of our open days to visit our campus, meet our teaching staff, and speak with current students about their experiences.
You can also contact our admissions team directly with questions about the application process, course content, or student finance options!
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