HE Level 6

Level 6 BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Guitar Making and Repair) (Full-Time)

Campus
Newark Campus
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
3 Years (Full-time)

The BA (Hons) Musical Instrument Craft (Guitar Making and Repair) is a highly specialised, practical programme that was established in 1994 and is situated at the heart of the Newark College campus.

The course teaches the craft of making classical and steel stringed guitars and aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to be guitar makers in their own right. The programme runs over three years and by the end students will have had the opportunity to build a minimum of three guitars of contrasting designs.

The tutors work as experienced professional guitar makers who teach part-time and are able to bring their considerable skills and experience as well as their understanding of current business practice and construction techniques to the course.

The course has close links with players and other makers who visit to lead special workshops and discussions, as well as providing students with valuable feedback and comments about their work.

Newark has a lively international community of instrument-making students, most of whom are also musicians, which new students may find very supportive.

*The Graebner Crisford Prize

A cash prize of £1,000 is usually offered to one outstanding graduating student in each pathway on the Musical Instrument Crafts degree. The prize is from a generous donation from The ACH Crisford Charitable Foundation who set up the scheme to support our learners and recognise the unique nature of these courses. The award will be judged by staff. (*If available).

*The Hiscox Prize for Guitar

Hiscox Cases usually sponsor our annual celebration event held to recognise the achievements of the graduating violin and guitar students. The Hiscox Prize for Guitar recognises and rewards outstanding craftsmanship by a graduating Guitar making student with a prize of a classical guitar case (STD-CL) (*if available).

UCAS Institution Code: L42 UCAS Course Code: J952

Applications for this course are processed through UCAS. To apply for this course please make a note of the Institution Code and UCAS Course code above and click on the Apply Online at UCAS button above

Year 1

Anatomy and Design
Basic Techniques
Workshop Practice
Making Specialist Tools 1
Historical and Contextual Studies

Year 2

Core modules:

Applied Acoustics
Problem Solving
Making Specialist Tools 2

Optional Modules:

Basic Repair Techniques
Advanced Construction Techniques (Classical)
Advanced Construction Techniques (Steel String)
Finishing Techniques

Year 3

Business Practice
Advanced Craft Techniques
Professional Standards Test
Final Major Project Preparation
Final Major Project Realisation

*Optional modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered.

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points from:

GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level
BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject
T Levels
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher

Plus

GCSE English – Grade C/4 or above
GCSE Maths – Grade C/4 or above

*For mature applicants, some experience may be taken in lieu of A Levels/BTECs

EU and International Applicants

ENIC confirmed equivalent of 48 UCAS points
IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Equivalent English language qualifications are acceptable for applicants not requiring a Tier 4 student visa.

Other Entry Requirements

Successful interview

Students will study at the School of Musical Instrument Craft at Newark College for the duration of the course. Full-time, three years.

The assessment methods typically used throughout the programme include:

Assessment of practical work supported by a portfolio of notes and research

Progression

Following completion of this programme students may wish to pursue further academic study in music or seek employment or self-employment in the industry. Students can be introduced to these opportunities throughout their undergraduate programme.

The cost of materials are often part of the course fee which is published separately. You may be given a list of tools to bring to college with you when you start the programme. Others may be provided for you. Some precision tools can be expensive so the tool making class is a valuable feature of each programme and enables students to make their own precision tools for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them. Details of are provided at interview.

Per Academic Year

Home Students - £8,500
International Students - £9,500

Tuition fees will remain unchanged for the duration of a student’s continuous enrolment.

Additional Course Costs

Please see the full ‘HE Terms and Conditions’ for details of additional library and printing costs associated with this programme.

This course is validated by the University of Hull. The validating institution is responsible for awarding the qualification at the end of the programme. Students on validated courses are OfS registered, funded and taught at Lincoln College and it is the responsibility of the College to manage all aspects of this provision. The validating institution maintains an oversight of the programme throughout the academic year and must be satisfied that students are being taught in line with the required academic standards of the awarding institution. For full details and information of the responsibilities and conditions of study of both Lincoln College and the validating partners please see the Policies section.