Music Production

If you dream of a career in music production, audio engineering, mastering or mixing, DMU’s course in Music Production is designed for you.

The programme delves into the science and technology behind audio and recording systems, teaching you how to use them effectively in recording, mixing, mastering, and sound design.

You will explore the principles of studio technology, gaining a deep understanding of both digital and analogue systems, as well as the acoustic environments crucial to professional audio work. Through a series of core modules, the course will help you to master the fundamentals of audio engineering, grasp the acoustical principles of musical sound, and develop key studio techniques.

This hands-on course will give you the knowledge and practical skills needed for a wide range of careers, including studio recording, audio and post-production, sound system installation and management, and audio for film and TV. Our graduates have successfully secured roles with leading companies like Bauer Media and Spotify.

Key features

Build your practical skills in our state-of-the-art creative technology studios, featuring professional audio recording and broadcast-quality radio production facilities. Each studio is equipped with advanced mixing desks, digital audio workstations, and extensive libraries of audio effects and samples.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Meet producers and promoters living and working in the East Midlands area and find out how you can develop your professional practice as an artist, producer, mixer or engineer.

Work on an exciting range of real-life projects and meet like-minded students through our student societies, including the Audio Recording Society and Sound Design Society.

Enhance your professional skills and work experience with industry placements, at companies such as HQ Recording Studio, a leading studio specialising in Urban, R&B and Hip Hop.

Gain valuable, industry-relevant experience by contributing to the award-winning Demon Media group, which includes the Demon FM radio station and Demon TV.

Present your work at some of Leicester's most important cultural institutions, including the CURVE Theatre, the Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, and creative hub LCB Depot.

Benefit from guest lectures from music industry specialists. Previous guest speakers from the music industry have included producers, managers, distributors, studio reps, and A&R reps.

Year one

Block 1: Introduction to Studio Recording & Production

Block 2: Ideas in Music & Technology

Block 3: Sound Analysis & Synthesis

Block 4: Industry Practice

Year two

Block 1: Creative & Professional Work: Presentation & Promotion

Block 2: Music for Film, Games & Media

Block 3: Studio Recording & Production

Block 4: Live Sound & Location Recording

Year three

Block 1: Studio Technologies

Block 2: Advanced Studio Production

Block 3: Music Industry Management

Block 4: Final Project

Teaching

This is a full-time course. Each module is worth 30 credits. Outside of your normal timetabled hours you will be expected to conduct independent study each week to complete preparation tasks, assessments and research.

Course delivery is in block mode, which means each 30 credit module consists of a seven week teaching block. It is delivered through a combination of lecture, tutorial, seminar, laboratory, workshop, self-directed study, presentation, screening, demonstration, group and individual projects.

Assessment

A variety of assessment strategies, both formative and summative, are used throughout the course. Coursework assessments include creative and portfolio work, practical reports, short tests, case study reports, critiques and oral presentations. The coursework assessments include practical reports, computer-based assessments, short tests, case study reports, critiques and oral presentations. You will also be assessed by formal examinations, which test the knowledge and skills you have developed over the course of the module. There are a variety of formats for the written examinations, including some or all of the following; short-answer questions, problem-based questions, case-study questions and essay questions.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.