Studio Practice

Learn the essentials of recording and producing music in a professional studio environment. This module covers everything from setting up and using studio equipment to understanding signal chain and system design.  

You'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment such as our API, Neve, and SSL mixing consoles, as well as other cutting-edge hardware and software. 

Music Production

‍A crucial step in your music production training is mastering the skills and techniques needed to create professional-quality music. 

In this module you’ll be honing your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) skills, looking at the fundamentals of music production, sound creation, sampling, and composition. You’ll explore techniques such as abstract audio recording, sound design, harmony, and melodic arrangement.  

Production Analysis

Unlock the secrets behind professional music production, you'll analyse a diverse range of musical examples to discover how producers achieve their signature sounds across various styles

Learn to listen critically, recognise cultural influences, and effectively explain the methods used in music production. Understanding the theory of music production is a key part in your development as a producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer, sound designer or composer. This analysis will enhance your skill set, enabling you to bring your music projects to life exactly as you imagine. 

Mixing‍

Master the art of audio mixing. You'll explore both the creative and technical aspects of mixing, learning the key principles and practical techniques used in the industry.  

Gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to evaluate and address issues within a mix. There is also an emphasis on collaboration, working with clients and the ability to turn creative ideas into professional-quality mixes.  

Creative Recording Techniques‍

Unleash your creativity in the studio, experiment with classic and contemporary studio techniques, and push the boundaries with your own innovative ideas to create a unique sonic signature. 

This module dives into the role of the producer and sound engineer, encouraging you to bring fresh, creative elements to every recording session. You'll learn how to make your mark on a track, using both technical skills and imaginative approaches. 

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Industry Foundations‍

Introducing you to the key factors of the sound and music industry, you will develop an understanding of the vital and integral factors related to income and revenue, copyright and royalties, contracts, publishing, synchs, streaming and digital consumer platforms and formats (e.g. NFTs).  

 You’ll examine the creative contexts of the industry, communication techniques for pitching and presenting projects, self-assessment, time management and establishing short and long-term professional creative goals.

Advanced Music Production

This module provides a framework to progress and further enhance your music production skills, techniques and artistry, with the aim of producing creative work that is ready for the industry.  

The module explores a wide range of tools, processes and techniques which will enable you to find your production ‘voice’, and to delve into some previously unexplored territory, allowing for innovation, musical expression and the realisation of a final portfolio or production material. 

Immersive Audio

Dive into the exciting world of immersive audio with this cutting-edge module. Using our state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos suites, you will master advanced techniques in spatial and object-based audio, as well as surround sound mixing. Learn to create captivating audio experiences for the latest platforms, from gaming and film to VR/AR. 

This module not only hones your technical skills but also explores the innovative potential of immersive audio in today's media landscape. Whether you’re working in games, film, or other creative sectors, the expertise you gain will open doors to a wide range of thrilling opportunities. 

Advanced Mixing & Mastering

Take your mixing and mastering skills to the next level, the module builds upon what you learned in the Mixing module in year 1, you'll explore advanced techniques to create professional-quality audio. 

You'll work with industry-standard tools and software, learning how to polish and perfect your audio projects. This module will help you refine your sound, ensuring it meets professional standards and the specific needs of any project brief. Get ready to master the art of mixing and bring your audio to its final, polished form - ready for a variety of platforms, such as streaming and physical formats. 

Applied Acoustics

Gain a deep understanding of how sound behaves in different spaces with this acoustics module. Learn essential techniques for acoustic treatment and soundproofing in recording environments. You'll also engage in location recording, applying methods to both utilise and control real-world spaces. This module is crucial for your development as a sound engineer and music producer, equipping you with the skills to achieve desired results in any environment. 

Industry Practice

Expand your industry knowledge, working on commercial briefs that cover key areas within the sound and music sector. This module balances theory with practical skills, helping you handle real-world projects and explore income streams.  

You will choose from various industry project briefs and learn to produce work that meets professional standards and client specifications. With an emphasis on sustainability, this module will help you stay ahead in the evolving music industry. 

Research Practice

The benefit of this module is the scope of research possibility, allowing you to formalise your academic skills while exploring a topic that fascinates you.  

This can even become part of a larger life plan, creating new pathways, fortifying skills and exploring networks in a chosen field. The module also operates as a foundation to the third-year Research Project.

Innovation: Exploration

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.  

Working with a wide range of new concepts you 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 module will allow you to focus on your specialist area of practice by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world. 

At this stage, 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

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it! 

Extended Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project.  

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project. 

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encouraged to discover new creative and technical approaches. 

Professional Portfolio: Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your music production and sound engineering skills. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world.  

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career as a music production and/or sound engineer.