Music Production

Do you have a passion for music and sound? On this course, you’ll explore both the technical and creative aspects of sound, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the industry with real life briefs and masterclasses delivered by professionals.

Whether you see your future in studio and live production or in a record label, composing or performing, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills with expert guidance, making use of industry-standard technology to compose, perform, record and produce original music.

Why study Music Production at BNU?
At BNU, you’ll benefit from industry-standard facilities, including a Dolby Atmos-certified sound lab, professional recording studios and the latest music production software and hardware. The course focuses on hands-on learning through real-world projects, recording sessions and live sound production, helping you build both technical expertise and a strong creative portfolio. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with students across creative disciplines, develop valuable industry connections through guest speakers and networking events, and prepare for a wide range of careers in music production, live sound, studio engineering and the wider music industry.

What will I study?
At its core, our Music Production programme aims to produce creative graduates with the necessary technical, theoretical and professional skills for employment within the creative industries. You’ll gain comprehensive training in key elements of music and audio production: studio production, music performance and composition, immersive audio techniques, critical listening and analysis, sound design, and live audio production techniques.

By integrating studies in creative music practice, critical listening and audio production, the Music Production programme enables you to understand the connections between these activities and how they are linked into future careers in the music and audio industry. You’ll have the chance to develop different skill sets simultaneously and to an advanced degree. By the final stage of the programme, you can undertake original research in a range of critical areas, including production, performance and composition.

You’ll study both software and hardware in theory and practice to learn the best ways to record, mix and produce audio content for different systems. You'll also work on real-life projects and collaborate with other students on and off campus on this very practical, detailed course. You'll also learn about the music and entertainment industries from experienced professionals.

What facilities can I use?
Our state-of-the-art recording studios and Dolby Atmos-certified sound lab provide access to professional facilities designed for hands-on learning in music and audio production. From individual edit suites to large Pro Tools Ultimate studios with live rooms and vocal booths, students can work with industry-standard technology including Avid S6 and S3/S4 control surfaces, UAD Apollo x8 interfaces and high-end equipment from brands such as Neve, Universal Audio and Focusrite. As one of the first UK universities to integrate Dolby Atmos into a music environment, BNU offers an advanced creative space for recording, mixing and audio production.

What are my career prospects?
Throughout the course, you’ll be supported in developing the creative, technical and professional skills needed for a successful career in the music industry. The BA (Hons) Music Production degree prepares you for a wide range of roles including music producer, performer, composer, sound designer, studio engineer, artist manager and live production specialist, as well as opportunities in film, advertising and music technology. You’ll also benefit from industry guest speakers and career support, with the option to progress onto postgraduate study such as MA Music Business or MA Music and Audio Production.

Modules will vary depending on the pathway you choose.
Year One
Core
Audio Production Technologies (20 credits);
Live Audio (20 credits);
Sound Design for Moving Image (20 credits);
Recording & Mixing Techniques (20 credits);
Entertainment Industry Framework (20 credits).

Year Two
Core
Live Production Technology (20 credits);
Creative Audio Production (20 credits);
Research Methods (20 credits)

Optional
Choose modules to the total of 40 credits:
Location Sound & Post-production (20 credits);
Sound Design for Non-linear media (20 credits);
Electronic Production Techniques (20 credits);
Music Publishing (20 credits);
Music Publishing (Placement) (20 credits).

Year Three
Core
Creative Audio Project (20 credits);
Professional Production Project (20 credits);
Dissertation/Independent Work (40 credits)

Optional
Choose modules to the total of 40 credits:
Immersive Audio Techniques (20 credits);
Creative Performance Technology (20 credits);
Sound Design & Sonic Installation (20 credits);
Performance Application or Strategy (20 credits);
A&R (20 credits)

Our teaching staff have a wealth of professional and academic experience, with many still actively working in the music industry. You’ll also engage with our dynamic programme of visiting lectures and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Previous live-industry briefs have seen students work at Glastonbury, Dolby and Pinewood Studios. You'll also get the chance to work with up and coming music artists. Previous artists have included the Ting Tings, Jake Bugg, and Florence and the Machine.

You’ll study in a close-knit tutor group where everyone’s input is recognised and valued. Not only will you be able to make friends for life, you’ll also make important connections that could last through your career, and you’ll form a network, just like you’d find in the working-world.

A variety of assessment methods will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including essays, reports, portfolios of creative audio content, written evaluations, presentations, and some continuous assessment on practical tasks. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focussed, forming a constructive part of your learning process.