Program Overview

BA (Hons) Music and Sound Recording

Combine creativity with technical excellence in today’s evolving audio recording industries.

Overview

The BA (Hons) Music and Sound Recording is a three-year full-time course that offers students the opportunity to develop a tailored set of creative, musical, technical, and intellectual skills. The course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in studio production, audio engineering, and music making, as well as a deep understanding of sound and recording theory and practice in diverse contexts.

Course Content

The course is structured into three years, with a range of core and option modules that allow students to specialize in their areas of interest.

• Year 1: Five core modules and one option module
  • Core modules:
    • Introduction to Sound Recording
    • Sequencing Synthesis and Sampling
    • Core Skills for Sound Production and Recording
    • Listen to This! (Music and Sound Recording)
    • Analogue Studio Techniques
  • Option modules: Students will choose one option module available to students across the School of Arts and Creative Technologies.
• Year 2: Four core modules and two option modules
  • Core modules:
    • Digital Signal Techniques
    • Electronic Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics
    • Popular Music Recording Techniques and Aesthetics
    • Western Art Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics
  • Option modules: Students will study two option modules, with examples including Dance Music Culture, Location Sound, Midi: Programming and Performance, and more.
• Year 3: Two core modules, two option modules, and an independent project
  • Core modules:
    • Musicology of Record Production
    • Sound Entrepreneurship
  • Option modules: Students will study two option modules, with examples including Dance Music Cultures, Location Sound, Midi: Programming and Performance, and more.

Fees and Funding

• Annual tuition fees:
  • UK (home): £9,535
  • International and EU: £26,900
• Funding opportunities: The university offers various scholarships and bursaries, including subject-specific funding for undergraduate students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching format: Students will learn in small groups, typically 15-25 students, with module content developed alongside ongoing staff research and practice.
• Assessment: Students will be assessed through a range of methods, including creative work, recordings, composition, and written submissions.

Careers and Skills

• Career opportunities: Graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of careers, including broadcast and media, professional performance, arts management, teaching, and university lecturing.
• Transferable skills: Students will develop a range of transferable skills, including independent thinking, teamwork, presentation, writing, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: Typical offer AAB, including A in Music Technology or Music.
• Alternative offers: Meeting certain criteria may qualify students for an alternative offer, such as widening participation or contextual offer.
• English language: If English is not the student's first language, they may need to provide evidence of their English language ability, with minimum requirements including IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Research Areas

The School of Arts and Creative Technologies has a strong research profile, with staff expertise in a range of areas, including music technology, sound recording, and musicology. Students will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research projects and develop their own research skills through the independent project in Year 3.