Music Production and Sound Design

Program Overview

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Music Production and Sound Design BA (Hons)

Course Overview

The Music Production and Sound Design course at Keele University offers students a comprehensive education in music production, sound design, and audio engineering. The program combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and software.

Year of Entry

The course is available for entry in 2026.

UCAS Code

The UCAS code for this course is WJ40.

Duration of Study

The course is offered as a three-year or four-year program with an international or placement year.

Course Summary

The Music Production and Sound Design course at Keele University prepares students for a successful career in the music industry. Students will develop skills in music production, sound design, and audio engineering, and will graduate with a substantial portfolio of music and audio work.

Why Study Music Production and Sound Design at Keele University?

• Benefit from the Apple MacBook Loan Scheme throughout the degree
• Graduate with a substantial music and audio portfolio using industry-standard software and hardware
• Work placement opportunities to enhance career prospects and network with industry partners
• Discover diverse cultures through an International Year at a partner university across the globe
• Access to comprehensive music studio facilities with sound design and computer labs

Course Structure

The course is structured into three years, with optional modules available in each year.

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • Unlocking the Studio: Your Journey into Sound Engineering
  • Sound Synthesis in Music Production
  • Sound for Moving Image
  • Becoming a Cultural Citizen
• Optional modules:
  • Popular Music and Digital Platforms

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • Studio Engineering and Live Sound
  • Sound Design
  • Sampling and Remix
• Optional modules:
  • Professional Experience for Music Production (Year 2)
  • Pathways with Music Production: Developing Your Profile
  • Augmenting Live Performance
  • The American South: US Summer School (Level 5)

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • Music Production Final Year Project
  • Advanced Audio Tools
  • The Art of Mixing, Mastering and AI in Modern Music Production
• Optional modules:
  • Professional Experience for Music Production (Year 3)
  • Employing Music Production: Putting Your Subject into Practice
  • Music and Social Movements
  • Podcast and Radio Production
  • The American South: US Summer School (Level 6)

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BBC
• BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma: DMM
• T Level: Merit
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 554
• Access to HE Diploma: 112 UCAS points
• English language requirements: 4 or C in GCSE English

Additional Opportunities

• Work placements
• Study abroad
• Learn a language
• Music Fellowship Scheme – Studio Innovation Fellowship Award (SIFA)

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year:
  • UK: £9,535
  • International: £17,700

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

• The course is taught through workshops, tutorials, and various assessments.
• Students will develop technical skills, creative practice, artistic imagination, and production, and academic knowledge.
• Assessments include project work, creative briefs, oral presentations, demonstrations, and simulations.

Facilities

• The course is based in the Clockhouse and Courtyard Studio, with access to comprehensive music studio facilities.

Foundation Year

• The Foundation Year is a two-semester program that provides a tailored pre-degree program of study to better prepare students for the BA (Hons) Music Production and Sound Design degree.
• The Foundation Year is available for UK/Home applicants.

Social Life, Societies, and Sports

• Keele University has a range of student-led societies and sports teams.
• Students can join societies, sports teams, and participate in events and activities.

Accommodation

• Keele University offers a range of accommodation options for students.
• Students can choose from different types of accommodation, including halls of residence and off-campus accommodation.

Local Area and Travel

• Keele University is located in Staffordshire, UK.
• The university is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.

Careers and Employability

• Keele University's Careers and Employability team offers a range of services to support students in their career development.
• The team provides guidance on career options, job applications, and employability skills.