Studio Practice‍

We'll take you on a deep dive of a professional recording studio, exploring the fundamentals of studio practice and the tools used to record music in a professional studio environment. The module looks at the system design and signal chain within the studio, as well as examining hardware and software systems. You will develop an understanding of how these elements work together to create a successful recording project with production skills. 

Electronic Music Production

We’ll introduce you to the core techniques and principles, allowing you to build a solid grounding in the electronic music production process. You’ll look at a wide range of workflows and compositional strategies and explore the tools at your disposal as a professional electronic music producer.   

You’ll develop an understanding of the historical context around electronic music production, explore the rich diversity of work within it and will be introduced to research materials that will act as a stepping-stone for your own required research to drill into your specific niche. 

Production Analysis

Understanding the theory of music production is a key part in your creative development and this module will see you analyse a variety of musical and sonic examples from a range of styles, while also considering the cultural influences at play.  

You will be encouraged to listen to music/sound critically and develop a wider vocabulary of descriptive and technical terms with which to explain production techniques clearly and accurately. 

Mixing

Focusing on the concepts and processes surrounding the mixing of audio, you will examine mixing from both a creative and technical perspective alongside key practical techniques, how to communicate your ideas and develop your professionalism when working with clients.  

Synthesis & Sound Design 

This is your opportunity to develop your practical sound design abilities and demonstrate creativity and innovation in the use of synthesisers, samplers and effects processors. You will also be encouraged to develop skills using a range of different forms of synthesis and identify the processes that best fit your creative workflow.  

We will also introduce you to a range of creative sound manipulation and generation techniques, equipping you with the knowledge and understanding of current and developing practices. 

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. 

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.

Hardware Production

We’ll unpack the world of hardware production in the field of electronic studio and live production, allowing you to develop your skills using modern DAWs and outboard equipment alongside communicational skills, conceptual frameworks, connectivity methodology, multi-track recording, collaborative working processes and your own ability to innovate. 

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

Building on the skills learned in the mixing module in year 1, you will look at more advanced mixing techniques and gain a more comprehensive understanding of this area of audio production. You will also develop skills in mastering, allowing you to effectively add the final touches to a range of audio projects, making them ready for a variety of platforms, such as streaming and physical formats. 

Electronic Music Performance

In this module you’ll learn how to take your productions from the studio to the stage through a combination of software and hardware tools, such as launchpad controllers, drum machines and synthesisers.  

You’ll not only develop tracks for live performance, but develop your skills as a performer; learning how to effectively multi-task and improvise a performance based on audience engagement and environment. 

Industry Practice

In this module you’ll gain a greater understanding of the industry through a series of commercial briefs linked to key areas in the audio industry. You will develop your theoretical industry knowledge and your practical production skills, and use this to advance your learning of commercial projects and related income streams, while examining real-world opportunities with a focus on sustainability.  

Choosing from a wide range of industry project briefs, you will develop a range of new skills and approaches to producing work that meets client specifications to a professional standard. 

Research Practice

The benefit of this module is the scope of research possibility, inviting you to explore a topic of essential interest, and so engage with academia directly through your passion. 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 electronic music production 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 electronic music production career.