Part-time Advanced Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering

FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER

Designed by the industry for the industry, our Advanced Diploma will push your career in music production or sound engineering to the next level. Our curriculum is founded upon over 85 years of experience at Abbey Road Studios, developing innovative recording techniques and training assistant engineers who have since become well-respected sound engineers and producers in their own right.

This two-year part-time programme is offered alongside our one-year full-time course and is designed for those who want to combine study with a job. You’ll learn from the extensive knowledge and expertise created at Abbey Road Studios. You’ll have access to industry-standard equipment and studios and be taught by experts, including guest lectures with multi-award-winning professionals. Train with us and become part of a global network in the recording industry.

The diploma will develop you as a rounded professional with technical skills, knowledge and expertise. You’ll be guided with a creative and informed approach to production and engineering and an understanding of the music business and its operation.

AS A GRADUATE OF ABBEY ROAD INSTITUTE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism characterised by proactivity and self-motivation
• Utilise industry-standard tools for creating, performing, recording, editing, mixing and mastering music
• Develop and implement compositional and arrangement ideas for music productions
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, maximising group-based projects and outcomes
• Time manage music production projects
• Solve problems through reflection and adaptation of knowledge
• Understand the fundamentals of the music business, including marketing ideas and strategies
• Manage your professional career development.

Key Facts:

Next start date: tuesday, 6 April 2027

• Duration: two-year programme, equivalent to 24 months. During this period, there will be 96 tuition weeks.
• Class times: Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday from 6 PM to 10 PM, with additional workshops on Saturdays.
• Practical time: Flexible from Monday to Saturday
• Workload: A student is expected to have a total workload of 20 hours a week, of which 10 will be self-study.
• Study mode: Part-time
• Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering
• Application Closing Date:  March 6, 2027
  • We encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible, as space is limited to 20 students per intake.
  • For detailed information, please visit the entry requirements page.
  • To check for available spots or for assistance, feel free to contact our student advisor directly.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING part-time at abbey road institute amsterdam

Choosing between our full-time and part-time programme is not about which is better—it’s about which is the better fit for your life, learning style, and ambitions. While many students thrive in the immersive, fast-paced environment of our full-time course, others benefit from the flexibility and balance that our part-time programme offers.

1. Balance your studies with the rest of your life
One of the greatest advantages of studying part-time is the ability to combine your education with work, family, or other personal commitments. While it requires good planning, the part-time format allows you to develop your skills at a pace that fits your current circumstances.

2. Continue working while building your future
The part-time programme is an excellent choice if you want to remain employed while studying. Many students find that they can immediately apply what they learn to their current job, while others use this time to gain industry experience through internships, freelance work, or apprenticeships. If you’re looking for a fully immersive learning experience, however, the full-time programme allows you to dedicate all your energy to developing your craft.

3. Make a career transition with greater stability
If you’re considering a move into the music industry, studying part-time allows you to explore new opportunities while maintaining financial stability and job security. It’s a practical way to build new skills without having to make an immediate leap into a new career.

4. A practical option if you live outside Amsterdam
For students who live outside the Amsterdam area, attending classes part-time can make commuting much more manageable. It also offers greater flexibility if you prefer to live in a more affordable location while continuing to work alongside your studies.

5. Spread the investment over time
We offer three different tuition payment plans. Because the programme runs over 24 months, the monthly instalments are lower, making it easier for many students to manage the financial commitment alongside other expenses.

6. More time to absorb, practise and grow
The extended duration of the programme gives you additional time to develop your technical skills, reflect on what you’ve learned, and put new knowledge into practice between classes. Many students also appreciate the opportunity to build relationships with classmates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, creating valuable perspectives and a strong network along the way.

Want to learn more about the 1-year intensive full-time version of this programme? Click here.