Establish yourself as a music production and sound engineering specialist with this multi-dimensional, professionally-targeted, postgraduate course.

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Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
1 Year (FT)
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£8500 (FT)

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 (FT)
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£8500 (FT)
Get UCAS codes
Start your application

Course Overview

This course caters for a wide audience, including recent graduates from music production and technology bachelor’s degrees, those in the early stages of their careers in music production and sound engineering (with suitable experience) and those who wish to develop and diversify their professional skill set from other areas of the sound and music industry.

You will gain a highly sophisticated understanding of the mixing and mastering process and build a framework for monetising your specialist skills. You will also become a master of key industry-relevant tools, ensuring that you are able to prepare material for a range of industry purposes and commercial enterprises.

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 5 modules, including a final major research project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes.

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

The course takes place over three trimesters, covering 45 or 90 weeks, depending on whether you choose to study one year full-time or two years part-time (online only).

In that time, you’ll refine your craft as a music producer/sound engineer, become adept in the use of multiple industry-standard DAWs, generate a passive income through conceptualisation and development of a product, deepen your understanding of setting up your own business and deliver a final major project.

Module Details

Unit Overview

Advanced Audio Mixing

‍Explore the concepts and processes surrounding the art of mixing.

This module will prepare you for a role as a professional mix engineer by examining the advanced technical processes as well as the conceptual and professional considerations that are essential for working with a range of creative projects within the field.

This module will also help you to develop skills in reflective practice, an essential tool for self-development

Production Platforms

‍Enhance your employability through the development of advanced music production skills that will enable you to build a highly professional, skills-based portfolio.

You will become adept within a range of software applications (e.g. Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools), making you flexible and attractive to a range of clients for bespoke audio work and collaboration.

Your tuition will focus on the tools needed to become a skilled user of a range of DAWs, alongside innovative approaches to production in each platform. You will then develop video materials to showcase these skills.

Audio Mastering

‍This module focuses on professional music mastering. Prepare yourself for a career within this specialist field by learning the intricacies of finalising and preparing professional material for distribution and commercial consumption. This includes delivering projects in appropriate formats and following necessary consumer protocols.

You will also develop skills in practice-led research, which will help you to prepare for the Project Realisation module.

Career Development

‍Develop a deep understanding of the factors involved in setting up your own professional enterprise. You will create professional planning materials, effective marketing strategies and bespoke tools that lead you into the industry with confidence and ensure longevity, growth and success in your endeavours.

With these skills, you will become a master of running your own career, capable of capitalising on emerging industry opportunities. You will also carry out a detailed case study into a related audio enterprise, analysing its key aspects and what has contributed to its success.

The insight gained from this study will further enhance your ability to work effectively within the modern audio industry.‍

Project Realisation‍

In this double module, you will create a substantial and original major project focused on a self-selected area of music production. You will develop your research and project management skills as you negotiate a professional project proposal, develop an effective framework and present your final results within a commercial arena.

Year 2

Module Details

Year 3

Module Details

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Start your application

How You'll Learn

While furthering your understanding and application of key creative techniques in the recording, mixing and mastering of music, you will hone in on an area within music production that resonates with you; developing it into a full-scale project intended for commercial release.

Alongside this, you’ll develop entrepreneurial skills that will help shape you professionally, enhance your practical skills through practice-based workshops, and learn to evaluate and improve your work through group and individual tutorials.

Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars and our Virtual Learning Environment. In addition your learning will be supported by:

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 hours per week for your studies of which approximately 15% will be taught (c.6-8 hours) and 85% will be self-study.

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

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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:

‍

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

Manchester

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.

‍

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

Bristol

Inside our Dolby Atmos suite

Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk

Bristol

Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

Bristol

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk

Manchester

Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk

The live room for our Neve Genesys suite

Plymouth

The live room for our Neve Genesys suite

Plymouth

Our Neve Genesys mixing desk

The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite

Manchester

The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite

Manchester

Inside the Neve Genesys Black pro suite

Students making music in the production suite

Bristol

Students making music in the production suite

Plymouth

Our SSL AWS924 Delta mixing console

Bristol

Our API 1608 mixing console

Manchester

The live room for the Neve pro 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

Community Stories

'Get yourself out there': Alex Stagg's extra-curricular work at New Century

Find out more

Andrew Scheps delivers a special guest talk at dBs Bristol

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Capturing the sound of a decade in 60 seconds with Lucas Banks

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Using sound to help you sleep with Dan Wack

Find out more

Translating Cinema: An introduction to film localisation with Ryan Green

Find out more

Window – A remote collaboration using music production to promote mental health

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"The first of many" - MA student Dan Legg releases debut Eurorack module

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A dBs student is building a plugin to decolonise music production

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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

This postgraduate course pushes students into unexplored territory and as a result, can lead to a myriad of professional pathways.

With such a strong industry focus, many students will pursue entrepreneurial careers, be that a record label, audio plugin developer or freelance producer.

The potential is not limited to those fields though, and depending on the project, students may venture into music therapy, sound art or game audio.

Here are just a few of the roles linked to this course:

Carreers

Composer for Screen

Endlessly creative and incredibly malleable, Composers for Screen provide visual media its emotional core.

Find out more

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

Label Manager

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

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

Studio Producer / Engineer

Commanders of the control room, Studio Engineers help transform musical moments into timeless masterpieces by facilitating the production of music and sound.

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.