ACM Short Courses

Program Overview

ACM Short Courses

Elevate Your Skills, Unlock Your Potential

Overview

At ACM, we believe in delivering world-class education that is both practical and inspiring. Our range of expertly designed short courses offers you the unique opportunity to upskill and specialise in a variety of areas within the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, break into new areas, or enhance your career prospects, our short courses provide a comprehensive learning experience that suits every professional.

Choose Your Experience: On-Site or Bespoke Hybrid Delivery

Option 1: The Unique ACM On-Site Experience

Join us at one of ACM’s state-of-the-art campuses, where you’ll learn directly from industry experts in world-class facilities. You’ll have hands-on access to the latest technologies, work on live projects, and network with like-minded professionals, all while benefiting from ACM’s renowned creative community. Whether you’re refining your sound design, mastering your mixing skills, or diving into the world of immersive audio, our on-site courses offer the ultimate learning experience.

Option 2: Bespoke Hybrid Delivery Solution

Can’t make it to campus? No problem! With our bespoke hybrid delivery model, you can access ACM’s cutting-edge courses from anywhere. With a mix of online learning and in-person sessions, our hybrid solution offers you flexibility without compromising on quality. Enjoy live sessions, engaging video content, and direct access to tutors, all while studying at your own pace.

Why Choose ACM Short Courses?

Real Industry Feedback

Our short courses are designed to ensure that you get real, actionable feedback from industry experts through formative assessment. This hands-on approach allows you to refine your skills, build your confidence, and prepare for your next big project. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, you’ll gain valuable insights that you can apply immediately.

Networking Opportunities

ACM is home to a dynamic and creative community of like-minded peers and professionals. As part of our short course offering, you’ll have ample opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from others in the field. Build meaningful connections with fellow creatives, industry leaders, and experts who can support you as you continue to develop your craft.

For Aspiring Creatives & Seasoned Professionals

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, ACM’s short courses are tailored for both emerging talents and experienced professionals. Our courses are ideal for those interested in what we do at ACM and for those seeking to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving creative industries.

Course Details

Award

ACM Creative Industries Certificate

Awarding Body

ACM

Modes of Study

Part Time

Study Level(s)

Short courses

Campus Delivery

Guildford

Duration

Variable depending on course studied.

Entry Requirements

• Candidates May be required to attend an audition / interview.
• All candidates should hold at least a Grade C/4 in English GCSE.
• Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘0’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
• We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fees

View course fees

Short Courses We Offer

• Immersive Audio
• Mix with the Experts
• Studio Musician Practices
• DAW Composition & Arrangement
• Mastering – Music Production
• Audio for Screen and Broadcast
• Navigating Industry
• Co-Writing, Collaboration & Constructive Feedback
• Tour Management – Live Sound
• Copyright, Royalties, Publishing and Income Streams
• Sound Design
• Synthesis & Sampling
• Audio Mixing Essentials
• Digital Skills, Marketing & Management
• Music Business & DIY Artistry
• Brand and Audience Studies
• Composition for Film, TV & Media
• Hybrid Drumming
• Ensemble Recording
• Performance & Technology
• Arranging & Orchestration
• Advanced Songwriting
• Advanced Music Literacy & Arrangement
• Technical Development (Bass/Guitar/Keys/Vocals)
• Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance
• Ideas into Action
• Campaign Management for Artists
• Advanced Harmony
• Writing to Brief
• 360-Mixing
• Advanced Composition for Media
• Film Music Analysis
• Compositional Styles and Analysis
• Interactive Sound
• Live Event Management
• Management and Leadership
• Consumer and Audience Psychology
• Advanced Marketing Strategies
• Disruption
• Stage Management
• System Logistics
• Live Sound Engineering
• Advanced Ensemble and Musical Direction Skills
• Mind Your Business
• Composing for Large Ensemble

Quality Assured

All of our short courses are accredited with the ACM Quality Mark, ensuring that you receive education of the highest standard. Our industry-connected tutors bring real-world experience into the classroom, delivering relevant, cutting-edge content designed to equip you with the skills needed for success in the creative industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

ACM offers short courses in the creative industries designed to be both practical and inspiring. The objective is to provide opportunities for upskilling and specialization in various creative areas. These courses aim to refine existing skills, help individuals break into new areas, and enhance career prospects. The program offers two delivery options: an on-site experience at one of ACM's campuses, featuring hands-on learning with industry experts and access to the latest technologies; and a bespoke hybrid delivery model, combining online learning with in-person sessions for flexibility. The courses provide real industry feedback through formative assessment, networking opportunities within ACM's creative community, and are tailored for both aspiring and seasoned professionals. The courses listed include:

• Immersive Audio
• Mix with the Experts
• Studio Musician Practices
• DAW Composition & Arrangement
• Mastering – Music Production
• Audio for Screen and Broadcast
• Navigating Industry
• Co-Writing, Collaboration & Constructive Feedback
• Tour Management – Live Sound
• Copyright, Royalties, Publishing and Income Streams
• Sound Design
• Synthesis & Sampling
• Audio Mixing Essentials
• Digital Skills, Marketing & Management
• Music Business & DIY Artistry
• Brand and Audience Studies
• Composition for Film, TV & Media
• Hybrid Drumming
• Ensemble Recording
• Performance & Technology
• Arranging & Orchestration
• Advanced Songwriting
• Advanced Music Literacy & Arrangement
• Technical Development (Bass/Guitar/Keys/Vocals)
• Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance
• Ideas into Action
• Campaign Management for Artists
• Advanced Harmony
• Writing to Brief
• 360-Mixing
• Advanced Composition for Media
• Film Music Analysis
• Compositional Styles and Analysis
• Interactive Sound
• Live Event Management
• Management and Leadership
• Consumer and Audience Psychology
• Advanced Marketing Strategies
• Disruption
• Stage Management
• System Logistics
• Live Sound Engineering
• Advanced Ensemble and Musical Direction Skills
• Mind Your Business
• Composing for Large Ensemble

Assessment:

The assessment method for ACM short courses involves receiving real, actionable feedback from industry experts through formative assessment. This allows students to refine their skills and build confidence.

Teaching:

ACM short courses utilize industry-connected tutors who bring real-world experience into the classroom. The teaching methods include hands-on learning, live projects, and direct access to tutors (in both on-site and hybrid models). The on-site courses offer learning in world-class facilities. It mentions that the courses help individuals refine their craft, break into new areas, and prepare for their next big project. Networking opportunities are also highlighted as beneficial for career advancement.

Other:

The ACM short courses award an ACM Creative Industries Certificate. The courses are offered part-time and have variable durations depending on the course selected. Campus delivery is available in Guildford, Birmingham, and London, with a remote option also available. The remote option allows students to participate entirely online, offering flexibility for managing projects, work schedules, or geographical location. The remote option can also accommodate groups of students from organizations or professional associations.