The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: ● understand the principles of sound and audio technology and how they are used in creative and professional practice ● understand a wide range of recording and production techniques and how they are used in practice for both corrective and creative purposes ● develop recording skills to demonstrate an understanding of sound and its capture ● develop the skills to create and manipulate sound in imaginative and creative ways ● develop skills in critical and analytical listening to evaluate the use of sound and audio technology in students’ own and others’ work ● develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the use of technology in the creation, performance and production of music ● understand the interdependence of sound engineering knowledge, understanding and skills ● make links between the integrated activities of recording, processing, mixing, sound creation and creative music technology applications, underpinned by analytical listening ● understand the basic principles of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, and the digitalisation of sound ● understand the latest developments in music technology and the impact they have on technology-based composition, performance and the tonal qualities of recordings ● develop and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to create recordings and technology-based compositions which communicate effectively to the listener ● understand the history and traditions of the sonic and musical applications of technology and how they promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development ● develop the skills required to manage music technology projects from inception to completion, by evaluating and refining recordings and technology-based compositions over extended periods of time ● develop as effective and independent students, and as critical, creative and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.