Belfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Quarter Campus
7 Queens Road
Belfast
BT3 9DT
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Course contact details
School of Creative and Digital Industries
Email:creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk
Phone:028 9026 5321
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Music & Sound for Digital Arts (Performance & Production)
- FD
- 2 Years
- Full-time
- 07/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Millfield Campus
- Awarded by:
- The Open University
Course summary
The music and sound business is going through a transformation. Longstanding careers are adapting to welcome creative enterprises demanding abilities in music creation and sound manipulation. Here in Northern Ireland the broadcast, cinema, theatre, gaming and immersive experience sectors are booming. There is a wealth of opportunities in Belfast and beyond for multi-talented, digitally fluent, vibrant and flexible music and sound makers, who can propose and showcase pioneering concepts in current and compelling ways.
Course overview
The Foundation Degree in Sound and Music for Media at Belfast Met, which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, meets those needs, empowering learners to thrive in this landscape. During your time on the course you will have the chance to meet and receive feedback from industry professionals and key stakeholders within the sound and music industries and with employability deeply integrated into this programme, you will have a broad range of opportunities to develop and apply a variety of specialised technical and creative skills in sound and music production, cooperating within interdisciplinary projects modelled on professional practice in the media business.
Why choose our programme?
This unique course will equip graduates with the technical and creative skills needed for careers in the music and sound industry, where they can compose scores, design soundscapes, performance, and produce audio content for films, TV, video games, social media and advertisements, and also provide progression to relevant degrees in the UK, Ireland or abroad.
What you will gain:
This course is offering you a unique opportunity to develop and apply specialist skills in collaborative industry-focused projects. You will develop a range of practical skills and techniques, and collaboration skills, while developing an understanding of the professional, cultural, social, and technological contexts of your practice.
Key areas of study:
The course focuses on music composition techniques, sound design, music theory and post-production for media applications. The program combines core production skills, cutting-edge technologies, and a specific emphasis on creating music and sound content for media. It is also expected that students will be prepared theoretically and practically for progression to appropriate degree level courses.
Content:
Module 1 – Screenworks: Crafting Cinematic Music and Sound
Module 2 – Behind the Scenes: Fundamentals of Music for Linear Media
Module 3 – On Air: Crafting Music and Sound for Broadcast and Live Events
Module 4 – Beyond the Screen: Exploring Music for Broadcast and Performance Media
Module 5 – Level up! Crafting Music and Sound for Interactive Media
Module 6 – Inside New Realities: Exploring Music and Sound for Interactive Media
Module 7 – Work Based Learning
Module 8 – Professional Portfolio
Audio creation modules cover music production, software, compositional techniques, sound design, performance, sound recording, broadcast and live sound engineering and more.
Context modules cover orchestration, arrangement, music business, project management, history of music in film/TV, music theory and more.
Join us today and transform your computing foundation into a thriving career in the world of Music and Sound for Media. Your journey begins here at Belfast Met!
Ready to take your career to the next level in Music and Sound for Media? Explore our public documents to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:
OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents:
https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents
Please read our Terms and Conditions: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.belfastmet.ac.uk%2Fmedia%2Fgjoj3uq4%2Fbelfast-met-terms-and-conditions-for-enrolment-and-application-2026-27-v1-oct-2025.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
Modules
The course focuses on music composition techniques, sound design, music theory and post-production for media applications. The program combines core production skills, cutting-edge technologies, and a specific emphasis on creating music and sound content for media. It is also expected that students will be prepared theoretically and practically for progression to appropriate degree level courses.
Content:
Module 1 – Screenworks: Crafting Cinematic Music and Sound
Module 2 – Behind the Scenes: Fundamentals of Music for Linear Media
Module 3 – On Air: Crafting Music and Sound for Broadcast and Live Events
Module 4 – Beyond the Screen: Exploring Music for Broadcast and Performance Media
Module 5 – Level up! Crafting Music and Sound for Interactive Media
Module 6 – Inside New Realities: Exploring Music and Sound for Interactive Media
Module 7 – Work Based Learning
Module 8 – Professional Portfolio
Assessment method
Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- U427
- Institution code:
- B07
- Campus name:
- Millfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- M
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2026-27. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/
International Qualifications
Belfast Met and University partners (UU, QUB and OU) must verify that applicants holding international qualifications meet course entry requirements before they can be enrolled onto a course.
To help us verify that course entry requirements are met, applicants must:
• Provide a full English language translation of your qualifications. Belfast Met will only accept the full English translation from UK ENIC www.enic.org.uk. UK ENIC is the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills.
• Ensure that the translation provides clear evidence that your qualifications meet or exceed the course entry requirements. UK ENIC can also help with Statements of Comparability and UK Qualification Reference Statements. There is a charge for this service.
• For more information on UK ENIC, visit their website at www.enic.org.uk .
• The Department for Communities can also provide information and/ or help with qualification equivalencies. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 points
80 UCAS points that must include a music qualification (eg. GCSE Music or above, BTEC Level 2/3, performance or theory qualification at Grade 4/5 or above)
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Numeracy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/hfcicz0g/apl-guidance.docx
It is essential that applicants check entry requirements for each programme they are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have been completed and certified by the start date of the course to gain entry onto the respective programmes.
Please note that in the event of undersubscription to a course, entry requirements may be lowered.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Other
- You must ensure that you meet the following non-academic entry requirements, for courses running during academic year September 2026 – August 2027: You must be 16 years old by 1 July 2026 (born before 2nd July 2010). You must provide proof of your right to study in the UK. For courses with work placement, you must also provide proof of your right to work in the UK. You must provide photographic evidence of your identity. Access NI/ SOSCARE - Admission to certain courses will be subject to satisfactory Access NI/criminal records and SOSCARE checks. Criminal Convictions Disclosure - The College has a student Criminal Convictions Disclosure Policy therefore you must disclose criminal convictions when applying or enrolling onto a course. More information is available on our Student Criminal Disclosures webpage: https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-criminal-disclosures/ Failure to disclose will impact on your place at the College including work placements. The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision before offers are made, to reflect required academic standards as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation. This will be clearly communicated in the entry requirements on course details page.
English language requirements
There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4.
You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply.
If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk. You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps.
Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.
Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.
Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements. https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £3235 | Year 1 |
| England | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| International | £8045 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Tuition fees apply to the College financial year beginning 1 August 2026 and ending on 31 July 2027 and are chargeable in each year of study. Tuition fees are payable in full at the time of enrolment and can comprise course fees, registration fees or any other charge relating to the course. Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard), direct debit or World Pay. For more information on 2026/27 Fees and Charges, please read Belfast Met’s Fees and Charges Policy 2026-27 at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents
Sponsorship information
Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.
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