Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
Established in 1994 in the heart of London, pointblank Music School has nurtured the talents of over 50,000 individuals aspiring to excel in the realm of music production.
As a premier institution in the field, pointblank provides hands-on degree programs tailored for ambitious artists, musicians, DJs, producers, managers, singers, songwriters, and music industry professionals worldwide.
With campuses spanning London, Los Angeles, Ibiza, alongside a robust online platform, pointblank fosters a global community united by a shared passion for music and a commitment to industry excellence.
Led by expert lecturers with extensive industry experience and connections, pointblank's courses offer cutting-edge instruction on the latest industry-standard equipment, with their London campus boasting 30,000 sq. ft of state-of-the-art studio space.
pointblank's dedication to student satisfaction is evident, consistently surpassing benchmarks with an impressive 88% for teaching and 91% for freedom of expression in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS) and achieving the Gold standard in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
The school goes above and beyond to prepare students for multifaceted roles in the music industry, offering regular masterclasses, personalised academic and industry mentoring, CV clinics, and events held at prestigious venues like fabric London.
pointblank Music School students on Whatuni say:
''The course is preparing me with the next steps into the music industry, maximising my talent and enhancing my range of skills.''
''Very inclusive and friendly feel from both staff and students, with very knowledgeable and helpful lecturers. The campus is really easily accessible with brilliant studio spaces for students to use to practice and record. There are lots of open spaces to study and collaborate, as well as a very well stocked library also great for silent study and focus.''
''Amazing facilities and very kind staff!''
It's a very exciting time at pointblank Music School, with a recent 30,000 square foot campus expansion across two floors of the Penn Street campus in Shoreditch.
These new facilities include the following additions:
All facilities mirror the latest professional studios and provide hands-on experience with industry-level equipment.
pointblank Music School students on Whatuni say:
''They have good studios, location is easy to access''
''Equipment and tutors are amazing.''
''Everyone here is very supportive, it's great for, making connections with likeminded people. The facilities are also great''
While pointblank Music School doesn't offer on-campus housing, it facilitates connections with local halls of residence and other accommodation options in London, all listed on its website.
Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to the school with any accommodation-related enquiries, ensuring a smooth transition into life at pointblank
Reviews:
''It's clean and this is quite important. I also feel safe and if I have any questions, there is not a problem to solve it.''
''Well street hall is a great price for London and you save a lot from living there.''
For students who enjoy independent cafes, quirky coffee shops, and diverse restaurants ranging from street food to fine dining, pointblank's London campus is the place to be. The area is renowned for its contemporary art scene, anchored by creative hubs, music studios, independent businesses and exciting nightlife and music venues like XOYO, Dalston Superstore and fabric amongst many more. For more easy-going, casual evenings, check out The Stag's Head, conveniently located opposite their campus, where the school holds a regular Open Mic night.
Students at pointblank enjoy a highly active student life, benefitting from a range of regular student events and socials. The school supports a range of student-led societies, covering everything from industrial techno and drum & bass to football, ultimate frisbee, film, K-Pop and more. As a progressive school that celebrates inclusivity and diversity, pointblank supports several societies that represent minority groups.
The student experience team at pointblank provide access to a range of resources that aid and support daily life, as well as promote collaboration and manage student representatives of the school. There are many opportunities as a student to represent pointblank and champion collective feedback.
pointblank Music School students on Whatuni say:
''The best aspect is meeting new people''
''You really feel in a community, people is really into music and can collaborate with loads of people.''
From renowned DJs and chart-topping vocalists to influential producers and industry moguls, pointblank alumni stand among the titans of today's music scene. Leveraging its vast network within the industry, pointblank provides unwavering support to students in pursuit of their career aspirations.
Through the school's extensive connections, students secure coveted internships and positions at esteemed institutions like Sony, Warner, Global, Defected, Tape London, BBC Radio 1Xtra, and Rinse FM.
pointblank is a Dolby institute and has partnerships with leading music brands and organisations including Pioneer DJ, Ableton, and Native Instruments, providing students with access to cutting-edge equipment, software, and exclusive educational content.
Offering a plethora of opportunities ranging from industry masterclasses and artist showcases to networking events and career guidance, pointblank bridges the gap between education and the real-world music industry, empowering students to realise their potential and forge meaningful careers.
Recognising the ambitions of many students to create and release music, the school has established its own record label, pointblank Recordings. With a mission to champion talent from within the institution and facilitate connections between emerging artists and established industry luminaries such as Kathy Sledge, Ultra Nate, and Elizabeth Troy, pointblank Recordings embodies the school's dedication to nurturing creativity and fostering industry success.
pointblank Recordings has launched brilliant careers and helped students and graduates amass millions of streams within the UK and across the globe.
pointblank offers a wide range of funding to make studying more accessible. The full list of scholarships, bursaries and grants, as well as eligibility information, can be found on pointblank's website.
The school is always looking for people who can demonstrate their passion for music, and their ability to complete a higher education programme.
This will be assessed through a personal statement, which should include any previous study or relevant experience in music. The admissions team will consider each student's:
• Personal statement
• Predicted or previously attained grades
• Examples of work
• References
• Relevant work experience
Applicants may also be asked to complete a written exercise or attend an interview or an audition.
Where conditional offers are made, typical offers will be set between:
• A Level: BCC-CC
• BTEC: MM-MPP
Equivalent qualifications will also be accepted. Information on equivalency can be found online. Applicants who have not achieved the minimum academic qualifications may be considered on the strength of relevant prior experience. For students who require an IELTS exam, the minimum level is 6.0 (with 5.5 in every category). Early application is recommended, as places are limited.
The friendly admissions team is always at hand to answer any queries or provide advice.
London Courses
3-Year Degrees (Annual Fee: £9,535)
Accelerated 2-Year Degrees (Annual Fee: £11,440)
Foundation Course (Annual Fee: £9,535)
CertHE Courses (Annual Fee: £9,535)
Radio, Audio & Podcasting (Annual Fee £6,000)
Online Courses
Foundation Course (Annual Fee: £6,000)
3-Year Degree (Annual Fee: £6,000)
CertHE Course (Annual Fee: £6,000)
Music Production & Sound Engineering
pointblank students have access to a diverse range of undergraduate three-year and accelerated two-year courses, all designed to unleash their creative potential and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the music industry.
These include BA (Hons) programmes in:
Additionally specialised CertHE courses in areas such as radio, audio, and podcasting are available, along with a foundation year option providing access to all degrees.
For those seeking flexibility and convenience, pointblank's online school offers a selection of undergraduate courses, including BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering and CertHE Music Production & Sound Engineering, allowing students to pursue their passion from anywhere in the world.
pointblank lecturers are not only seasoned educators but also esteemed figures in the music industry. Their impressive resumes boast collaborations with iconic artists such as Bjork, Fetty Wap, Sade, Amy Winehouse and Oasis, to name just a few. With a wealth of experience spanning genres and decades, they bring a unique blend of expertise and creativity to the classroom.
From working with Rihanna to The Prodigy, pointblank lecturers have left an indelible mark on the music scene. Yet, despite their illustrious careers, they remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of music makers. Their passion for sharing their craft and industry insights shines through in every lesson, making each lecture a transformative experience.
Students can expect small class sizes, enabling strong connections with both peers and instructors, and creating a collaborative and supportive educational atmosphere.
pointblank Music School students on Whatuni say:
''Lecturers encourage us to share experiences, and give and receive feedback from each other. All great stuff!''
''There are many opportunities to work with conductors and musicians, and the access to practice rooms, the library, and performance halls, mics organized and regular 121.''
''Really hands on teaching style, including compulsory 1-2-1 meetings with lecturers twice a term (for each lecture) to seek any help/feedback on progress and projects.''
pointblank Music School stands as a leading institution globally. Earning accolades in the latest National Student Survey, it scored an impressive 88% for teaching, 91% for freedom of expression and 81% for wellbeing, solidifying its position among the top tier of independent music schools and universities worldwide.
Demonstrating a commitment to teaching excellence, pointblank has been awarded a prestigious ‘Gold' rating from the Teaching Excellence Framework and secured the title of 'Best Small and Specialist Provider' at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024 for music production. These recognitions underscore pointblank's dedication to providing unparalleled education and fostering a supportive learning environment for students pursuing their passion in the music industry.
The school does everything possible to give students the best chance at succeeding within a music career, even down to the way that it approaches events. By hosting student socials, showcases and more that provide opportunities to perform in front of audiences, established industry figures and peers, the school promotes students and creates a connected ecosystem that supports and nurtures students.
pointblank Music School students on Whatuni say:
''Pointblank has been playing a major role in my development as an artist, and engineer. It literally took my skills to an advanced level, and provided me with what I need to advance in music production, composition, music business, marketing and branding, mixing, mastering, and creating synths from scratch using Reaktor. It was all amazing aspects!''
''Classes are both practical and theoretical, teachers are really nice and have lots of industry knowledge, they give lots of individual feedback and focus on all students.''
The school fosters an environment where students feel welcomed and supported throughout their studies. All in-person degree courses feature individual tutorials and in-depth regular feedback on their work. As well as this, all students have access to a dedicated student support service to provide help and guidance through all aspects of student life.
There is a range of support options available to students who have specific learning difficulties and disabilities, including access to a student counsellor. The team can help and advise on a number of things including:
More information about the full range of support can be found on the pointblank website.
pointblank Music School students on Whatuni say:
''Pointblank music school has provided me with good support over the years and I have enjoyed the majority of the modules on my course.''
''Very devoted lecturers who take the time to explain and teach. Very helpful!''
''The teachers really take the time to help and guide you when you don't understand, and give you really good insight and tips in important aspects of the music industry.''
