Point Blank Music School
London, United Kingdom
Point Blank Music School
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1994
Institution Type
Specialist Music School
Alumni Worldwide
50,000+
TEF Rating
Gold
About Point Blank Music School
About Point Blank Music School
Point Blank Music School is a specialist music education institution founded in London in 1994 by musician and producer Rob Cowan. Originally established as a recording studio in Greenwich, it evolved into a school after clients expressed interest in learning how the studio equipment worked. Today it is a global network with campuses in London, Los Angeles, and Ibiza, as well as a comprehensive online platform.
The London campus is located in Shoreditch, one of the city's most vibrant creative hubs, and features 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art studio space. Point Blank offers courses in music production, sound engineering, DJ performance, singing, songwriting, radio broadcasting, and music business. All degree programmes are validated by Middlesex University, ensuring internationally recognised qualifications.
Point Blank has been voted the 'Best Music Production and DJ School' by the readers of DJ Mag and is the only specialist music production institute in the UK to hold a TEF Gold rating from the Office for Students. Notable alumni include Goldie, Nicole Moudaber, AlunaGeorge, Leona Lewis, Patrick Topping, Claude VonStroke, and Felix Jaehn.
Key Milestones
- 1994: Founded as a recording studio in Greenwich, London by Rob Cowan, quickly evolving into a music education school.
- 2012: Middlesex University begins validating Point Blank's Higher Education programmes, enabling accredited degree-level courses.
- 2015: Opened a campus in Los Angeles, expanding international reach to the United States.
- 2023: Awarded TEF Gold by the Office for Students, the only specialist music production school in the UK to achieve this distinction.
Academic Programmes and Structure
Academic Programmes and Structure
Point Blank Music School offers a range of programmes from short professional courses to full BA (Hons) degrees, all designed and taught by active music industry professionals. Degree programmes are available in three-year standard and two-year accelerated formats, with a Foundation Year pathway available for students who need additional preparation.
Music Production
The core of Point Blank's offering, covering electronic music production, sound design, mixing, and mastering using industry-standard DAWs including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.
- BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering
- BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering (Accelerated)
- Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering
DJ Performance
Specialist DJ programmes combining technical turntablism, digital DJ skills, live performance techniques, and remixing with music production fundamentals.
- BA (Hons) Music Production & DJ Performance
- BA (Hons) Music Production & DJ Performance (Accelerated)
- DJ Skills Short Course
Sound Engineering
Focused on recording, mixing, and mastering techniques using professional-grade equipment including SSL Duality Delta and SSL Origin consoles, with access to Dolby Atmos spatial audio studios.
- Sound Engineering Diploma
- Art of Mixing Course
- Mastering Short Course
Music Business & Industry Management
Programmes covering artist management, marketing, branding, A&R, event management, and the commercial side of the music industry.
- BA (Hons) Music Industry Management
- BA (Hons) Music Business (Accelerated)
- Music Industry Short Course
Singing & Songwriting
Vocal performance and songwriting programmes that develop technical ability, creative composition skills, and stage presence for aspiring artists.
- BA (Hons) Songwriting Degree
- Singing & Songwriting Diploma
- Vocal Performance Short Course
Radio, Audio & Podcasting
Courses in radio broadcasting, podcast production, and audio content creation, with strong links to BBC, Rinse FM, and other major broadcasters.
- Radio Broadcasting Diploma
- Podcasting Short Course
- Audio Production Course
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate (BA Hons)
- UCAS Tariff48 - 160 points (varies by programme)
- English LanguageCEFR B2 or IELTS 6.0 (min 5.5 per component)
- Personal StatementRequired, demonstrating passion for music
- PortfolioRecommended (SoundCloud link or track submissions)
- Application MethodDirect application or via UCAS
Diploma & Short Courses
- Academic LevelHigh school diploma or equivalent
- English LanguageIELTS 6.0 for visa-sponsored students
- ExperienceNo prior music experience required for most courses
- ApplicationDirect application via Point Blank website
- International FeeGBP 100 non-refundable application fee (deducted from tuition if accepted)
Applications for the January term open several months in advance. International visa applicants should apply early to allow time for visa processing.
The April entry point is available for select degree programmes. Contact the admissions team for specific course availability.
The main intake for most degree programmes. UCAS applications are accepted alongside direct applications.
Professional diploma and short courses have multiple start dates throughout the year with rolling admissions.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Point Blank Music School is committed to making music education accessible. UK students may be eligible for Student Finance tuition fee loans. International and EU students should contact the school directly for the most current fee schedules, as fees vary by programme and pathway.
| Fee Category | UK / Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Degree (per year, standard) | Up to GBP 9,250 | Contact university for current fees |
| BA (Hons) Degree (per year, accelerated) | Up to GBP 11,100 | Contact university for current fees |
| Diploma Courses | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Registration Fee (refundable on completion) | Included | Included |
| Total | Contact university for total programme costs | Contact university for total programme costs |
RISE Scholarship, Bursary & Mentoring Awards
Point Blank's flagship financial support programme designed to remove barriers to higher education and the music industry, supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 3,000 per year (max GBP 9,000 total)
- Eligibility: UK, EU, and international applicants (criteria vary)
- Application: CV and cover letter submitted to admissions
We Are Europe Scholarship
Available to eligible EU students without settled or pre-settled UK status, ensuring they pay the same tuition fees as home (UK) students.
- Award Value: Up to GBP 3,000 per year (max GBP 9,000 total)
- Eligibility: EU nationals studying their first degree at London campus
- Application: Automatically applied to eligible EU applicants
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
Point Blank's London campus is spread across two buildings in the Hoxton area of Shoreditch, offering 30,000 square feet of purpose-built studio and teaching space. The facilities feature industry-standard equipment from leading brands and have been recently expanded with new studios, a performance hub, and communal areas.
Two dedicated sound engineering studios equipped with SSL Duality Delta and SSL Origin mixing consoles for hands-on recording and mixing experience.
Multiple production studios featuring Mac workstations, Pioneer DJ equipment, Ableton Push controllers, Native Instruments Maschine, and leading software.
A versatile social and performance space with a dedicated stage, PA system, and lighting setup for student showcases, live events, and industry workshops.
Housing & Student Life
Accommodation
Point Blank does not offer on-campus housing but works with trusted providers to help students find safe, comfortable accommodation in London.
- Private student halls of residence nearby
- Shared apartments and studio flats in East London
- Homestay options for cultural immersion
Studio & Technology
Students enjoy unlimited access to professional-grade studios outside of class hours, equipped with the same technology found in top commercial studios worldwide.
- SSL Duality Delta and SSL Origin consoles
- Dolby Atmos spatial audio recording studios
- Mac workstations with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools
Student Life at Point Blank
Student Life at Point Blank
Life at Point Blank revolves around creativity, collaboration, and community. Located in the heart of Shoreditch, students are immersed in one of London's most dynamic music and arts scenes, with easy access to iconic venues, clubs, and cultural events. The school supports a range of student-led societies and regular social events.
Location: Shoreditch, London
Location: Shoreditch, London
Living and Studying in Shoreditch
Point Blank's campus is situated in Shoreditch, one of London's most exciting and culturally rich neighborhoods. Known for its thriving nightlife, live music venues, contemporary art galleries, and independent businesses, Shoreditch places students at the epicenter of London's creative industries. The area is well connected by public transport, with easy access to the rest of the city via bus, train, and the London Underground.
Music Venues & Nightlife
Iconic venues including XOYO, fabric, and Dalston Superstore are within easy reach, offering students constant exposure to live music, DJ sets, and industry events.
Creative & Cultural Hub
Shoreditch is renowned for its contemporary art scene, street art, independent galleries, music studios, and a thriving community of creatives and entrepreneurs.
Food & Social Scene
From Brick Lane street food to quirky independent cafes and diverse restaurants, the area offers an exciting and affordable social scene for students.
Transport Links
Excellent connectivity via Old Street and Hoxton stations, with central London landmarks, major recording studios, and music industry offices just minutes away.
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Where Graduates Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
Point Blank provides comprehensive visa guidance for international students, including CAS issuance for Student Visa applications and document verification before submission. BA graduates are eligible for the UK Graduate Route Visa allowing 2 years of post-study work.
While Point Blank does not offer on-campus housing, the Student Services team helps international students find private halls of residence, shared flats, and homestay options near the Shoreditch campus.
International students applying for a Student Visa who do not yet have a valid IELTS Academic test can receive a fee waiver equivalent to the cost of one IELTS test, deducted from tuition upon successful registration.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
As a specialist music production institution, Point Blank Music School is not ranked in traditional university league tables. However, it holds significant industry and educational accolades that reflect the quality of its teaching, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Music Production | TEF Gold — Only specialist music production school in UK | Gold |
| Student Satisfaction (Teaching) | National Student Survey | 87% |
| Freedom of Expression | National Student Survey | 91% |
| Technology Enhanced Learning | Independent Higher Education Awards | Winner 2023 |
Features
We don’t just teach music, we live it. pointblank was founded by musicians, for musicians, so you know you're in the right hands. Whether you're an aspiring producer, DJ, vocalist, label manager, coder or sound engineer, here’s why pointblank could be the perfect place to launch your music career.\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - August
Location
23-28 Penn St, London N1 5DL, United Kingdom
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