Course summary
The BA (Hons) Commercial Music Production programme will equip you with all the skills necessary to make your mark in the music industry, whether as an artist, studio engineer, composer, producer, or any combination of the wide range of professional roles within the music production industry. You will explore in detail the fundamentals of the studio production process, learning how to use studio peripherals effectively as well as how to manage and lead creative sessions with bands and artists. Music producers are invaluable within the music industry, whether that is through supporting artists and musicians to achieve their artistic potential or producing and releasing music independently. Across three years, our expert tutors will guide you through the evolving world of music production in studio and digital music making settings. You will have regular access to our brand-new recording studios and edit suites where you will become familiar with industry-standard hardware in a modern studio set up, plus detailed exploration of software and digital audio workstations such as NI Komplete, Pro Tools and Logic Pro. You will develop your skills in a range of areas including studio recording, mixing, mastering, composition, sound design and immersive and experimental production, and have numerous opportunities to follow your own interests and develop your own professional production identity. Throughout the course you will develop skills to create, produce, launch, and promote commercially ready music, while developing the industry-relevant music business and entrepreneurial skills essential for the modern music industry. You will be encouraged to challenge yourself as you regularly compose, produce, and explore new techniques, styles and genres. Learning takes place in small class sizes, ensuring you receive the necessary time and individual guidance to cater for your specific industry needs within workshops, lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Throughout each year you will have the opportunity and support to focus in on your own specialism, which will conclude with a substantial production project of your choosing in your final year.
Modules
The course is at an undergraduate level adhering to UEA assessment regulations. Students will be taught through a series of seminars, tutorials, group and individual based projects, practical experience and lectures. Level 4 / Year 1 The first year of study on the BA (Hons) Music Production course focusses on gaining a detailed working understanding of music production hardware and software both in the studio and in the use of DAWs. Building a strong foundation of core research and music production skills and exploring different employment pathways within the sector will prepare you for more complex study at L5. 20 C Sem 1 Employability Toolkit 20 C Sem 1 Creative Production Skills and Applied Theory 20 C Sem 1 Studio Production Techniques 20 C Sem 2 Electronic Music Production 20 O Sem 2 Songwriting application and analysis (new module) 20 O Sem 2 Live Sound 20 C Sem 2 Mixing Techniques Level 5 / Year 2 Year two (L5) is predominantly focussed on further developing the skills attained in year one and applying these to more complex and demanding projects. At this stage you will have the opportunity to undertake specific production work relating to a project pathway of your choosing. Research and focussed business planning are introduced at this stage, enabling you to develop the direction of your learning for a range of production pathways and career goals. 40 C Year Long Personal Portfolio 20 C Sem 1 Research Project 20 C Sem 1 Advanced Mixing and Mastering 20 C Sem 2 Sound Design 20 C Sem 2 Your Career Plan Level 6 / Year 3 Year three (L6) is all about challenging your skills and preparing you for employment; it is very much about you and your individual career plans. You will produce a professional body of work and are expected to be working with external clients throughout the year. All prior learning will be challenged as you undertake experimental approaches to production while pursuing and developing your own unique sound. 40 C Year Long Your Professional Portfolio 40 C Year Long Dissertation 20 C Sem 1 Experimental Composition and Production Techniques (new module) 20 C Sem 2 Community of Creative Practice (new module)
Assessment method
Assessment will be chosen to be appropriate to the learning outcomes of each module and may include remix projects, composition portfolios, studio productions and immersive audio portfolios. This is supported by presentations, written assessments, analytical work and practical examinations. All modules provide opportunities for formative assessment and these tasks are geared towards the practical and theoretical aspects of the course main topics. Feedback will be provided within UEA guidelines on all coursework submissions.
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- M003
- Institution code:
- W46
- Campus name:
- West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus
- Campus code:
- A
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Non-standard applicants who do not hold these qualifications may be considered on an individual basis based upon their overall application. Mature students will be expected to have an Access to Higher Education qualification or, in the absence of traditional entry qualifications, to demonstrate that they have the necessary ability and skills gained from relevant work and/or life experience.
Additional entry requirements
Other
Non-standard applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements maybe considered on an individual basis and we encourage such applicants to contact [email protected] for further guidance.
Unistats information
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £8500 | Year 1 |
| England | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £8500 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Books (approx. £100 per year) Hard drive (recommended 2TB) (approx. £65) Headphones (approx. £50-£100) Computer - It is recommended and common for students to use their own computer, although not essential. An Apple desktop or laptop is often considered better due to software compatibility. Travel to off-site events is common (although not mandatory), so a budget of about £50 for travel is normal per event. Parking - Parking is available for £10 per semester at the HE campus. It is advised students should prepare to come into the university to use facilities over and above taught sessions. Printing - All students will be credited with the equivalent of £10 printing/copying at the start of the academic year after that they will need to pay for their own printing/copying. Student ID Cards - The first issue of your ID card is free. However, you will be charged £10 to replace a lost card.
Provider information
West Suffolk College
Out Risbygate
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 3RL
Clearing contact details
Enquiry formHE Officers
01284 716341
Additional information
Monday to Thursday 9.00 to 16.30 Friday 9.00 to 16.00