Course summary
About the course If you are a songwriter that also wants to understand the creative and technical aspects of music production, then the BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Production degree is right for you. Here at BIMM, we know that today’s music industry highly values and requires multi-skilled music professionals. This can be seen in the line between songwriter and producer often blurring. For example, many songwriters act as producers, while many producers write or co-write songs. With the BA (Hons) Songwriting and Music Production degree, you’ll graduate with the essential skills to produce music in a recording studio and develop your songwriting technique for multiple genres. You’ll focus on practical studio engineering and software skills, songwriting technique, writing in numerous styles and genres, application of acoustic theory, and approaches to answering professional briefs. As well as these subject-specific Songwriting and Music Production Core modules, you’ll also develop the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively within the broader context of the music industry. As your ambitions and career goals develop, so can your course. We offer optional modules so that you can focus your studies on your desired career direction. You’ll be able to specialise in modules that facilitate a career in a wide range of industries. These include the recording industry, the live music industry, the film and TV industry, the audio post-production industry and the education industry. We also offer a varied learning experience to prepare you for the real industry. You’ll have a combination of predominantly practical classes, workshops and seminars, all led by experienced industry practitioners who are still active in the industry today. And, because we know that everyone is different, you’ll have regular one-to-one tutorials to help tailor your education to your own needs. Our Student Services and Careers Team are also on hand to help you define and reach your personal and professional goals. So, what are you waiting for? Combine your passion for songwriting and music production today for a fulfilling music industry career in the future. The BIMM University Graduate We make sure that when you graduate, your attributes and skills mirror the employment and creative needs of the music industry – both today and in the future. We aim to equip graduates with the following qualities, so they have a long lasting career.
- Employable and Entrepreneurial
- Creative, Collaborative and Connected
- Resilient and adaptable
- Globally Aware
- Professional
- Intellectually Curious
- Self-aware
Modules
Students can expect to study the following core modules: YEAR 1:
- The Creative industries and you 1: Finding your path
- Context and culture of the creative industries
- Songwriting Techniques
- Styles and genres
- Creative technology
- Audio capture methods and equipment
- Audio fundamentals
- Mixing multi track audio
- The Creative industries and you 2: Creative collaboration
- Creativity, identity and agency
- Music creation with technology
- Songwriting and arrangement
- Studio practice and engineering
- Practical acoustics
- The Creative industries and you 3: Professional Portfolio
- Final Project
- Showcase and showreel
- Answering a creative brief.
Assessment method
Assessment methods are varied and balanced to suit a wide range of students and may take practical, written, portfolio or other form. Students are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with those studying other music related disciplines, representative of the way in which the Music and wider Creative Industries also require collaboration. All written and portfolio assessments are submitted electronically by way of a Virtual Learning Environment and where possible, feedback is delivered in audio and/or video form, as well as written. Examples of methods used:
- Practical Exams
- Written exams
- Practical coursework
- Multimedia coursework
- Written coursework
How to apply
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
BIMM University welcomes applicants from International countries that will require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Applicants must meet requirements set by UKVI. Upon acceptance of an offer you will be required to attend a consultation with a member of the International Admissions team.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 32 points
A level - EE
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Applicants studying a Level 3 course in a similar subject area will not need to provide a portfolio for the Music Production element.
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an audition in person or by a demo submission. Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Interview
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an interview in person or by phone/skype Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Portfolio
Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to arrange an audition in person or by a demo submission. You will be required to present a portfolio of your work. Full guidelines on what to prepare will be emailed to you.
Other
Our auditions and interviews are conducted in a relaxed and supportive manner. They are as much about you assessing us and making sure BIMM Institute is the right place for you to study. The audition or interview also gives you another opportunity to learn more about the course you have applied for. Auditions, Interviews and Portfolio Submissions Depending on which course you choose, you may need to attend an audition, interview or submit a portfolio of work as part of your application. We have plenty of handy resources online to help you prepare for your audition or interview. The BIMM Institute Admissions Team will also send you preparation guidelines, which will be specifically for the course you have applied for. Undergraduate Courses including Joint Hons Requiring an Audition*: • Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals and Keyboards) • Songwriting (supporting material also required) Non-Performance Undergraduate Courses and Interviews*: • Music Business • Event Management • Music Marketing, Media and Communication Undergraduate Courses Requiring a Portfolio and Interview*: • Music and Sound Production • Electronic Music Production *Auditions/Interviews can be completed virtually by Zoom, or in person.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | a minimum of 5.5 must be achieved in each band (Reading, writing, listening, speaking) |
Cambridge English Advanced | Level B2 | A minimum overall score of 170, and no lower than 165 in each band |
TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | the minimum points must met in each band: Listening - 19 Reading - 19 Speaking - 21 Writing - 21 |
PTE Academic | 50 | A minimum score of 50 overall. At least 42 must be achieved in all four skills |
We also accept the following qualifications: - ESOL Skills for Life Level B2 (Higher B2 on CEFR Scale) - IGCSE English Language (First Language) at C/4 or above - IGCSE English Language (Second Language) at B/3 or above - International Baccalaureate English Language at 5 or above in English A or B Applicants must have met the minimum requirement and be in receipt of results prior to enrolment.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
EU | £15950* | Year 1 |
England | £9250* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
International | £15950* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Sponsorship information
Each year we offer various bursaries and scholarships. For further information, please view details on the BIMM University website
Provider information
BIMM University
38-42 Brunswick Street West
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1EL