Program Overview

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Music Production MA

Course overview

Gain the skills needed for a career in music production, games audio, screen composition, sound design, immersive audio and recording across the creative music industries.

This course focuses on building adaptable, confident, and self-aware professionals.

• Tackle solo and team projects to develop transferable skills. These may include live scenarios where previous students collaborated with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, local schools and other university courses.
• Enhance your technical expertise in sound design and audio engineering for live settings. Simultaneously, develop your electronic music composition skills and critical insight to help you excel as an innovative music producer.
• This course emphasises the diverse nature of music production and the industry's need for adaptable, ambitious and team-oriented professionals. You'll have opportunities to collaborate with other postgraduate students in subject areas such as popular music, film, VR, AR and game design.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

• Develop the skills and knowledge that will help you establish and sustain a career as an independent artist in the contemporary music industries.
• Build advanced skills in audio production, learn to solve complex challenges creatively, and apply inclusive principles so you can lead diverse teams.
• Master theoretical frameworks to create high-quality work across various media and communities.
• Access several modern recording studios (including SSL and Neve desks), an iMac music suite including a host of industry software, a Dolby Atmos/ambisonics studio and a VR/AR immersive studio.
• Learn from dedicated, experienced, and qualified teaching staff with a mixture of commercial, academic, and research-related expertise at an international level. (Staff may be subject to change.)

Collaborations

Endorsement: Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Professional Practice and Innovation module, you will receive an RSA digital credential.

What you'll study

Modules

• Sound in Music – 30 credits
  • Develop creative projects in advanced music production and composition, using contemporary studios with Neve, SSL and Audient desks. Refine your research skills and critically reflect on your practice while exploring music production and composition practice. Topics may include non-linear music for games, live electronics, sync music, ambient/EDM, signal processing and mastering, all within the context of DAWs and recording studios.
• Sound in Space – 30 credits
  • Explore the creative and technological possibilities of spatial audio, with projects in areas like games audio, VR/AR, live performance and acousmatic composition. Develop advanced projects using Dolby Atmos/Ambisonics immersive studios while studying the theories and principles of spatial audio production. The module aims to enhance your research skills and encourages critical reflection on your practice.
• Sound in Code – 30 credits
  • Explore the creative possibilities of programming music, sound and visuals, including generative and interactive music, as well as programming concepts like data flow. Develop skills in Max/MSP, Kyma and Arduino, while working as an 'artist-inventor' to create projects. The module also focuses on research skills and critical reflection on your practice, supporting your development in creative coding for your artistic work.
• Creative Frontiers Project – 30 credits
  • This module offers personalised learning through independent research in a chosen area of the creative industries. Develop research skills and explore theoretical, conceptual and professional issues. The outcome may be an essay or a practical project (for example, production, composition or performance) with supporting commentary. Engage with research methods, industry-standard creative practice and a negotiated project.
• Collaborative Technologies – 30 credits
  • This module provides practical experience with high-end production equipment in collaborative settings, aimed at enhancing your technical expertise and communication skills. Work with peers from other disciplines on projects such as motion capture, film, music and sound. Engage with industry practitioners, apply technical skills in specialist studios, explore sound and image collaboration (e.g., film, music, AR/VR), and create live or recorded events. Develop professional networking skills throughout the process.
• Professional Practice and Innovation – 30 credits
  • This module examines the ecologies of the creative industries, exploring connections between independent, commercial, and public sectors. Developed in collaboration with the RSA, it covers topics such as the RSA Four Futures of Work, leadership mindsets, systems thinking, and participatory foresight. Focus areas include sustainability, regenerative thinking, professional skills, and future skills development. Successful completion awards an RSA digital credential.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

• hands-on real-world projects and live briefs
• workshops
• peer to peer collaboration
• networking with industry professionals
• practical studio sessions
• seminars
• tutorials
• presentations
• group projects

Teaching and learning hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching and learning hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours will vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions, including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent learning

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent learning which will make up the required study hours per module. You will be undertaking a variety of activities, learning through guided background research, planning and preparation, studio activity, creative practice and making, reviewing what you have learned and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress towards the end of your studies, you will spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• UK
• International

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a music-related discipline, or evidence of appropriate music production skills and experience with a portfolio of music recordings.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Fees and funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £11,200 | Not available
EU | £11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary** | Not available
International | £18,600 | Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Facilities

Music Production studios

Our purpose-built 360° audio studio provides you with access to an industry-standard Dolby Atmos-Genelec sound facility. Design sound in 3D using the mixer desk and VR tools for games, film and immersive environment. You will also have access to five modern Dante-configured recording studios that include SSL, Neve and Audient desks, and multiple iMac music tech Digital Audio Workstations in dedicated spaces.

Music studios

Access specialist music performance and rehearsal rooms with PA, amps, drum kits, grand pianos, uprights, and digital pianos.

Media Loan service

Borrow specialist equipment to support your projects and assignments. We can also offer technical advice and help with using equipment.

Film Studio

Get to know your way around a set in our mock film studio. Develop your production skills and prepare for an exciting career in this evolving industry. Our film studio is one of many collaborative spaces you can access in the Delia Derbyshire Building.

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you may wish to seek a career in:

• freelance music production
• sound design
• audio production
• live sound
• VR and immersive production
• composing - film and game
• education.

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding and critical awareness of recording and audio production techniques, applying them effectively to create high-quality audio artefacts
• justify and critically reflect on their creative decisions, showing a deep understanding of the relevant theoretical frameworks and methodologies that inform their work
• critically examine both new and existing approaches to global music production and apply the insights gained to their own work
• tackle complex audio and music production challenges using both systematic approaches and creative solutions
• demonstrate the ability to critically assess principles of equality and inclusivity required to lead and collaborate with diverse communities across various media platforms, social groups and contexts
• work creatively, sustainably, and ethically in professional settings, both independently and as part of a team, using a variety of strategies and techniques
• individually and collaboratively conceive, develop, and deliver innovative music and audio production projects tailored to diverse audiences and contexts.