Program Overview

Overview of the Creative Music Production BA(Hons) Course

The Creative Music Production BA(Hons) degree is designed for students who wish to enhance their artistic potential with advanced production and recording techniques. This course allows students to hone their creative skills by composing, performing, and innovating in state-of-the-art studios.

Course Details

• Start Date: 22 September 2025
• Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years including a placement year
• Entry Requirements: Please see the course information for details on eligibility and how to apply.

Course Structure

The course is structured into several core and optional modules, including:

Year 1

• Music, Culture and Society: This module introduces students to approaches to studying music and music technology, developing research, source-handling, evaluation, and critical-thinking skills.
• Desktop Music Production 1: Students learn techniques and technologies for computer-based music production, including sequencing, sampling, arrangement, and sound processing.
• Studio Engineering and Mixing Essentials: This module covers the core concepts, theory, and practical principles involved in producing, engineering, and mixing popular music.
• Songwriting 1: Students develop skills needed for success as a contemporary songwriter, including lyric and melody writing, chord progressions, and song structure.
• Performance Skills 1: Hands-on experience of key musical skills, such as improvisation, aural awareness, ensemble performance, and evaluating performances.
• Audio Technology: An overview of the technologies found in a modern audio recording environment, including audio principles and technologies such as studio spaces, microphones, mixing desks, amplifiers, audio processors, and speaker systems.

Year 2

• Studio Production and Spatial Recording Techniques: Introduction to advanced concepts, theory, and practical use of equipment for recording, editing, and mixing sound.
• Desktop Music Production 2: Further study of computer-based music production techniques, including synthesis, sequencing, sampling, editing, processing, and mixing.
• Inside the Music Business: Exploration of issues relevant to the current music industry, including copyright, contracts, economics, and the role of media in marketing and representing music.
• Production Analysis and Critical Listening for the Sound Engineer: Development of production analysis and critical listening skills, investigating differences in sound quality and refining critical listening and appreciation of music production sonic signatures.

Year 3 – Optional Placement Year

• Arts and Humanities Placement: An opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and build on the skills developed in the first two years of study, spending up to 48 weeks in a graduate-level role.

Final Year

• Final Year Project: Students work individually or in small groups, devising, managing, delivering, and evaluating a project.
• Composition Project: Production of a sophisticated piece (or small set of pieces) of music based on staff-led options relevant to compositional practice.
• Music Industry and Professional Skills: A work-related project that could include documented placement work, researching and building a professional work-related website, releasing music commercially, or music journalism.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching is split between large group lectures and computer and studio-based seminars, workshops, and masterclasses.
• Assessments include performances, compositions, presentations, examinations, learning journals, portfolios, recitals, essays, and technical documents.

Facilities and Research Excellence

• The University of Huddersfield boasts excellent facilities, including 21 different studios, a range of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), plug-ins, synths, mics, and outboard equipment.
• Research plays an important role in informing teaching and learning activities, with staff recognized as leading figures in their fields.

Career Support and Accreditations

• The University offers career support through the Careers and Employability Service, providing professional help, support, and guidance.
• Graduates have gone on to work in various careers, including studio management, post-production, freelance engineering, programming, sound design, and professional audio sales.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees – Full-time: The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students.
• For more information about funding, fees, and finance for UK students, please see the relevant university pages.

Important Information

• Changes to courses may occur due to various reasons, including changes in the law, regulatory requirements, or circumstances outside the university's control.
• The University of Huddersfield is a member of Yorkshire Universities and is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS).