Course description

During this challenging course you'll develop the academic knowledge and practical skills you'll need to take advantage of current and future opportunities in the music and media production industry sectors.

Music and sound production are integral to the creative industries sector both in the UK and internationally and are at the forefront of a diverse range of commercial, educational and research developments. Representing a significant area of commercial innovation and creative practice, the growth of new media platforms provides exciting employment opportunities and requires up to date approaches to the development of appropriate professional expertise.

‌Professional judgement, technical and creative ability, and appropriate knowledge and understanding are key to success in the music and media sector. Increasingly characterised by sophisticated technical systems and close integration with a range of media, music production encompasses a number of distinct specialisms and provides a dynamic field of postgraduate research activity.

You will study both as an individual and as part of a group, to give you experience of working within multidimensional teams and managing leadership roles.

Take a look at highlights from the 2021 MA Degree Show.  

JAMES accredited courses

Our Music courses are accredited by the Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), the professional music industry accreditation body, so you can be confident that they meet the high standards demanded by industry.

Head of Music and Performing Arts, John Crossley, explains what this means for students: "The re-accreditation for our music programmes continues our long standing relationship with JAMES and the Music Producers Guild (MPG). The assessors were very impressed with our facilities, our committed teaching team and how we have dealt with the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic. This stamp of approval from professional producers in the industry means that our students can be confident not only with the quality of the programmes of study but also the opportunities and support they receive as they follow their exciting careers."

How you will learn

Student learning is associated with a range of activities including the use of music workstations (DAWs), recording studios, as well as traditional lectures and seminars.

Assessment is 100% coursework, there are no exams. Assessment within each module would normally have a practical element with a written component.

Who will teach you

Programme leader

Michael Brown

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree (at least second class) in a relevant subject, or equivalent. After you have submitted your application we will ask you for a digital portfolio and a written statement describing your practice and ambitions. You may also meet with the programme leader to discuss your portfolio application.

If English is not your first language, you'll also need an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.