Quick overview of the Level 5 Qualification
This Award is a Level 5, 120 credit, vocational qualification which will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding of teaching singing to all ages, sexes and ability levels.
Who is this qualification for?
Primarily aimed at singers or professionals who want to gain a qualification related to teaching singing. Also beneficial for those already teaching but want to further develop and gain a deeper understanding of the vocal instrument and how to teach singing effectively and safely.
It is suitable for candidates who wish to teach:
- one-to-one
- group settings
- as a peripatetic teacher
- in HE settings
- in adult or community settings
- private, voluntary or community organisations
- set up and run their own singing teaching practice
This qualification is aimed at candidates looking to achieve a higher level of singing teacher education and practice. The unifying element of work within modern creative industries is the expectation for practitioners to undertake a portfolio career such as balancing performance with teaching. This qualification belongs to a suite of qualifications that have been designed to encourage the professional development needed to navigate through a complex landscape of a career as a singer, performer, artist and teacher.
Awarding Body
BAST Training is an RSL Awards accredited Learning Centre. Operating in over 45 countries and certifying over 80,000 learners each year, RSL is is the leading provider of contemporary arts awards worldwide. Their qualifications are listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England and Northern Ireland by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), in Wales by Qualifications Wales and in Scotland by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (RCF Regulated Qualification Framework) is the way of recognising achievement through the awarding of credits for qualifications and individual units.
Delivery
Our aim is to provide a flexible route to gaining the Level 5 qualification, for instance progression can be achieved in smaller steps, or over extended periods.
The course is delivered weekly via the online LMS Canvas Instructiure and consists of a combination of pre recorded lecturs, practical tasks, assessments, resources, live online tutorials and mentoring. Each module runs over 10 weeks + 1 week for assessments.
Learners will also have access to a tutor or mentor for the course duration. In addition, you will be able to access the BAST Training community and The Knowledge Hub membership, which has additional learning resources.
A variety of qualifications are available
The Level 5 Extended Diploma awards the learner 120 Credits and the Diploma awards 80 credits. The final qualification will be awarded to the singing teacher upon successful completion of a specified number of Guided Learning Hours (GLH). A Level 5 qualification is equivalent in standard to the second year of a university degree.
The final awards are:
- Diploma
- Extended Diploma
Unit summary & final awards
There is flexibility
The qualifications are designed to give learners academic flexibility. For example, a learner who has completed the units required for a Diploma can build on this and work towards an Extended Dilploma (by completing two additional units). Similarly, learners working towards a Diploma or Extended Diploma may subsequently decide to discontinue their studies after having achieved sufficient units to achieve a lesser award e.g. Certifcate or Extended Certificate.
Start dates and duration
There are two start dates in the months of April and September. Each unit is ten weeks of guided learning plus one week of assessment. Please note applications for each term close 6 weeks prior to start date.
There is flexibility when it comes to the duration of the course. Candidates may complete a course over a duration that suits their schedule. The shortest duration for the Extended Diploma is two academic years (6 terms); the longest is three years allowing for three terms off. If you start a unit it must be completed in the same term.
How to apply for the qualification
Firstly, we advise prospective candidates to do their research to decide if this is the right time to commit to an Extended Diploma qualification. Read through the full prospectus (click the button below to download) and look through our website to get a feel for what we do and who we are.
Are you ready now?
Yay! You can apply online through our application process. Click button below to access the form.
Please be aware successful applicants will then be invited to an interview. This is an informal conversation with a course tutor or members of the admissions team. You will be asked about your motivations for becoming a singing teacher and for undertaking this course. Candidates may need to provide evidence of qualifications such as GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, undergrad courses and evidence of professional singing experience.
At times the candidate may be required to do an assessment (e.g. piano or singing skills) or submit additional evidence to gauge suitability for the course.
Next term starts: 28th April 2025
Applications close: 17th March 2025
