If you have an Foundation degree or HND in any area of music production, from electronic music production to studio engineering, then we offer the opportunity to top up your qualification to a full BA (Hons) undergraduate degree with one further year of study in either Electronic Music Production or Music Production & Sound Engineering.

Register your interest

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
1 Year
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,250

Applications opening soon

Get UCAS codes

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
1 Year
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,250
Get UCAS codes
Start your application

Top Up Year: Electronic Music Production

Course Overview

Our Top Up Year pathway provides an excellent opportunity to turn your Foundation degree or HND into a full BA (Hons) undergraduate degree in either Music Production & Sound Engineering or Electronic Music Production. If you’ve enjoyed learning the foundations of music production and music technology, this Top Up Year allows you to focus on the area you are most interested in and develop those skills and knowledge to a professional level.

During this intense 1 year course, you will complete a creative dissertation as well as a large-scale practical project of your choice, utilising our industry-standard facilities and amazing teaching staff during your studies. By the time you graduate, you will have a body of professional-grade work and have mastered the techniques required to pursue a career in the music industry as a producer or sound engineer.

This pathway provides the perfect end to undergraduate studies for students who have a passion for making music in a variety of contexts.

This course is delivered at dBs Institute. Taught and awarded by Access Creative College

If you’re based in or hoping to study in London, this course is available to study with Access Creative London.

Find out about Access Creative Londons courses

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Course Details

You will study a total of 6 modules, including a final major project.

A student sits at the Neve Genies mixing console in dBs Manchester

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

While the modules remain the same for both the BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production and BA (Hons) Music Production and Sound Engineering pathways, you will have the opportunity to specialise what you produce based on your skill set and interests.

Module Details

Unit Overview

Innovation: Exploration - This is the first of two modules that run consecutively over two study blocks. Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. You will be introduced to a wide range of new concepts and will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work.

Professional Portfolio: Development - This is the second of two modules that run consecutively over two study blocks. It will allow you to focus on your specialist area of practice by conducting self-directed planning and development towards final major production work aimed at commercial consumption. At this stage of the process, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, thereby outlining your plans and commercial direction.
Investigation - Plan, develop and propose a research project within sound and/or music. Building on the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the Research Practice Module in Year 2, you will identify an area of your choosing within the discipline, culminating in a research project to be undertaken in study block 2. 
Extended Research Project - Undertake, manage and deliver a research project within sound and/or music. You will fulfil the methods, aims and objectives set out within your extended research proposal formulated in the Investigation module in study block 1 and deliver either a written research project or a practical research project that includes a final product with written evidence of supporting research materials.

Innovation: Realisation - Drawing on the explorations you developed in study block 1, you will apply innovative skills and practices towards the realisation of a large-scale, practical project. Alongside this, you will examine commercial revenue streams associated with innovation in sound and the means by which you can develop your practice in the professional arena. This is an opportunity to develop your own unique practice in new ways and, as such, you are encouraged to approach the module with an open mind, remaining receptive to unexplored creative and technical approaches within your work.
Professional Portfolio: Delivery - In study block 2, you will perform the role of project manager, ensuring the development and realisation of a substantial portfolio of work that builds on the foundations of the development and planning completed in study block 1. You will produce practical work that utilises your specialist creative and technical skills established throughout the first two years of the course, while developing new and advanced techniques to bring forward a substantial body of creative work to a professional standard, suitable for commercial consumption.

Year 2

Module Details

Year 3

Module Details

Register your interest

Start your application

How You'll Learn

Building upon your existing knowledge, this Top Up Year will focus on enhancing your unique approach to electronic music production. Through a combination of practical DAW-based and studio-based sessions, you'll broaden your skill set and apply it to your final major projects, where you can hone in on a niche area that you're passionate about. Through the Innovation module, you'll also be introduced to the world of experimental music and sound art; channelling these learnings into your own project that takes you out of your comfort zone.

You will learn through:

Lectures and practical workshops
Masterclasses and guest lectures
Group and 1-2-1 tutorials
Access to extensive studio facilities and bookable equipment
Use of library resources and study spaces
Access to our Virtual Learning Environment
Access to supporting online resources including videos, reading and interactive activities

Assessments are 100% coursework, submitted in an electronic format to our virtual learning environment, and designed to reflect professional practice.

On average you should allow for between 40 - 50 hours per week for your studies of which approximately 25% will be taught (c.10 hours) and 75% will be self-study.

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How to Apply

Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

Apply

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

UK & Home Fee Status Students

Tuition fees for 24-25 are TBC. Below are the course costs for 23-24 for reference.

Access to HE courses, 1 year, on campus

£4,835

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International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus Access to HE diploma courses.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for the Advanced Learner Loan if:

‍You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

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Advanced Learner Loan

To help with the costs of your course you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. This is a loan provided by the UK Government through Student Finance England.

Head to the GOV.UK website to find out about Advanced Learner Loans and how to apply.

To apply for the Advanced Learner Loan you must be 19 or older on the first day of your course.

Eligibility for the Advanced Learner Loan is also determined by your nationality and residency status, please head to the eligibility page on the GOV.UK website for more information.

Please be aware that the Advanced Learner Loan will only cover your course fees, not your living costs.

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Repayment

How much you repay depends on your income. You will pay a percentage of your income over the threshold for your loan. The threshold and amount you repay is determined by when you take out your loan. For example:

If you receive an advanced learner loan for 2024/25 your yearly threshold will be £27,295. You will be required to repay 9% of your income over the threshold.

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Advanced Learner Loan ‘Write Off’

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a Higher Education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

Year 3

Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

The equal consideration deadline for September 2025 entry applications is  29th January 2025.

Start your UCAS application

Full how to apply guide

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential.

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. If you do not hold the minimum entry requirements but can demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation you will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet our typical offer guidelines may be invited to interview, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your experience and suitability for the course.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we accept a variety of English language tests and they are listed on Falmouth University's International Entry Requirements page.

If you don’t yet meet our undergraduate degree entry requirements, our Access to HE Diplomas offer a flexible and tailored route to prepare you for higher education.

Find out more about our Diploma courses

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. Therefore, tuition fees may rise in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,250

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,250

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus undergraduate degree programmes.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for home fees if:

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You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

‍

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

UCAS Codes

Bristol

If you would like to make an application for this course, fill in your details below and a member of our admissions team will be in touch to advise you through the application process.

For detailed information on how to apply please take a look at our guide to making an application.

How to apply guide

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants with varied qualifications, but typically you'll need an undergraduate degree in a related discipline. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience.

We'll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

International Students

At this time, we are currently able to accept international students on our online postgraduate degree programmes only.

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for Home fees if:

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

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Year 3

Why Choose dBs

Why Choose dBs & ACC

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration. Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Bristol

Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

Bristol

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

Hands-on with hardware synths and controllers

Plymouth

Hands-on with hardware synths and controllers

Spinning a record on our Technics 1210 turntable

Plymouth

Spinning a record on our Technics 1210 turntable

A hardware synth performance in Studio 3

Bristol

A hardware synth performance in Studio 3

Producing electronic music in our production suite

Plymouth

Producing electronic music in our production suite

Students making music in the production suite

Bristol

Students making music in the production suite

Why Choose an Online Degree at dBs

Our online Master's degrees offer a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.

Flexible study

Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you. Video materials that have been created for online students will also be made available to students that select to study on-site.

dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

Learn from the pros

You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

Industry Connections

As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.
This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

What our students say

Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

What our students say

Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

Tutors

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Footwork in Flow: An ambitious exploration of live electronic music

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Opportunities

Engaging with our industry

In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

Find out more

Career support

We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

Find out more

dBs Pro

dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

Find out more

Your Future Prospects

There’s a lot in common between the Music Production & Sound Engineering and Electronic Music Production degrees, and this translates into the potential careers that are open to students after graduating.

Regardless of which course students choose to top up to a full BA, these are just some of the roles you can progress into:

Carreers

Foley Artist/Dubbing Mixer

Foley Artists and dubbing mixers bring film and television to life through the recording, editing and mixing of real world sounds, dialogue and sound effects to create an immersive viewing experience.

Find out more

Carreers

DJ / Producer

Vibe generators and masters of mood, DJ / Producers mix and create music to deliver unforgettable dance-floor experiences.

Find out more

Carreers

Label Manager

Meet the business-savvy, big picture thinkers who guide musical releases from early planning stages into the marketplace.

Find out more

Carreers

Music Therapist

Music Therapists combine compassion and creativity to help individuals overcome physical, emotional and social difficulties using music.

Find out more

Carreers

Sound Artist

Storytellers, thinkers and pioneers of social change, Sound Artists use non-conventional methods of composition to create thought-provoking art that often exists in the physical world alongside the sonic realm.

Find out more

Carreers

Sound Designer

Creative problem-solvers and playful thinkers, Sound Designers use audio to bring projects to life.

Find out more

More career options

Register your interest

Let's get started

Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

Register your interest

If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

Apply for our Access to HE Diploma

Let's get started

If you’re 19+ and aiming for higher education, our diplomas provide the essential qualifications and skills you need to progress confidently onto university courses. Whether it’s a career shift, skill enhancement, or pursuing a long-held passion, our

Access to HE Diplomas open doors.

To apply for our diplomas, please complete the application form below. Once we have received your information, our admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview.