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Music Production with Foundation Year at Buckinghamshire New University - UCAS

Course options

Course summary

Do you have a passion for music and sound? On this course, you’ll explore both the technical and creative aspects of sound, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the industry with real life briefs and masterclasses delivered by professionals. Whether you see your future in studio and live production or in a record label, composing or performing, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills with expert guidance, making use of industry-standard technology to compose, perform, record and produce original music. In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree. Why study Music Production at BNU? Industry standard facilities At BNU, you'll have access to top-notch facilities, including a Dolby Atmos certified sound lab. This means you'll be working with the same equipment used by professionals, giving you a real edge in the industry. Our studios are equipped with the latest software and industry standard hardware, giving you a head start and ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. You'll also have access to a variety of recording spaces, from our Dolby Atmos certified sound lab to our full analogue recording studio. This range of equipment and spaces is ideal for helping you capture different sounds and styles. Hands-on learning Our course is designed to be practical and immersive. You'll get plenty of opportunities to work on real-life briefs and projects, helping you build a strong portfolio and gain valuable experience. From recording sessions to live sound setups, you'll be involved in every aspect of music production. This hands-on approach ensures you develop the technical skills and creative confidence needed to succeed. Collaboration opportunities You'll have the chance to collaborate with students from other courses, such as Film and TV. This interdisciplinary approach will broaden your experience and enhance your creative projects. Working with peers from different backgrounds will help you develop teamwork and communication skills. These collaborations often lead to exciting and innovative projects that stand out in your portfolio. Industry connections BNU has a huge amount of industry connections, thanks to over 25 years of delivering music courses. Our network of guest speakers and alumni can provide you with insights and opportunities in the music business. You'll have the chance to attend industry events, workshops, and networking sessions. These connections can open doors to internships, job placements, and collaborations with established artists and producers. Diverse Career Paths A degree in Music Production from BNU opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you see yourself in studio production, live sound, composing, or working within a record label, you'll be well-prepared to pursue your passion. Our graduates have gone on to work in various roles within the music industry, from sound engineers to music producers. The skills and knowledge you gain at BNU will equip you to adapt and thrive in this dynamic field. What will I study? Study both software and hardware to learn the best ways to record, mix and produce audio content for different systems. You'll work on real-life projects and collaborate with students from other courses on projects ranging from the screen to the stage. You'll also learn relevant business skills to help you tackle the challenges freelancers can face, including finance and legal guidance. This is a very practical, detailed course, and you'll also learn about the music and entertainment industries from experienced professionals. Depending your chosen modules, you could also gain skills in performing, song composition, artist management, and create a substantial portfolio.

Modules

Modules will vary depending on the pathway you choose. Year One Core Audio Production Technologies (20 credits); Live Audio (20 credits); Sound Design for Moving Image (20 credits); Recording & Mixing Techniques (20 credits); Entertainment Industry Framework (20 credits). Opportunity Modules You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue www.bnu.ac.uk/oppmodules Year Two Core Live Production Technology (20 credits); Creative Audio Production (20 credits); Research Methods (20 credits) Optional Choose modules to the total of 40 credits: Location Sound & Post-production (20 credits); Sound Design for Non-linear media (20 credits); Electronic Production Techniques (20 credits); Music Publishing (20 credits); Music Publishing (Placement) (20 credits). Opportunity modules In addition, you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue www.bnu.ac.uk/oppmodules Year Three Core Creative Audio Project (20 credits); Professional Production Project (20 credits); Dissertation/Independent Work (40 credits) Optional Choose modules to the total of 40 credits: Immersive Audio Techniques (20 credits); Creative Performance Technology (20 credits); Sound Design & Sonic Installation (20 credits); Performance Application or Strategy (20 credits); A&R (20 credits)

Assessment method

Our teaching staff have a wealth of professional and academic experience, with many still actively working in the music industry. You’ll also engage with our dynamic programme of visiting lectures and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and plenty of networking opportunities. Previous live-industry briefs have seen students work at Glastonbury, Dolby and Pinewood Studios. You'll also get the chance to work with up and coming music artists. Previous artists have included the Ting Tings, Jake Bugg, and Florence and the Machine. You’ll study in a close-knit tutor group where everyone’s input is recognised and valued. Not only will you be able to make friends for life, you’ll also make important connections that could last through your career, and you’ll form a network, just like you’d find in the working-world. A variety of assessment methods will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including essays, reports, portfolios of creative audio content, written evaluations, presentations, and some continuous assessment on practical tasks. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focussed, forming a constructive part of your learning process.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
J931
Institution code:
B94
Campus name:
High Wycombe Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

For information about applying to Buckinghamshire New University as an International applicant, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/international

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £15500 Year 1
International £15500 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Buckinghamshire New University tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, assessment, and core academic materials. However, additional costs may be incurred for course-related items or requirements, such as, but not limited to: - Text books and supplementary reading materials - Specialised equipment or resources required for specific courses - Field trips, placements, or external activities - Printing, photocopying, and binding - Accommodation, travel, and living expenses Additional costs will vary by course. It is your responsibility as a student to budget for any additional expenses associated with your studies. For further details on what is included in your tuition fees, please check bnu.ac.uk/fees-and-funding

Sponsorship information

Buckinghamshire New University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/financial-support-bursaries-and-scholarships

Music Production with Foundation Year at Buckinghamshire New University - UCAS