Creative Music Technology (Swansea College of Art)

Our Creative Music Technology degree is designed to equip you with the artistic, technical, creative, and professional skills needed for a career in the music industries. This degree is highly practical and industry-focused, offering a multi-skilled approach that includes composition, analysis, recording, and production.

Throughout the course, you will develop your music production skills, learning how to convey personal expression and imagination in practical music-production. You will also gain expertise in recorded music and applied sound production. The project-based nature of the programme means you can tailor assignments to your own interests within the broad field of music technology and production.

The course covers a wide range of music technology techniques and resources, helping you to build an in-depth understanding of the field. You will enhance your enquiring, analytical, innovative, and creative approaches to the production and performance of music.

You will gain insight into the business and legal issues related to the successful application of music technology in the commercial environment. This includes learning how to generate and communicate original concepts that build on the knowledge gained in the taught sections of the programme.

Our degree provides state-of-the-art facilities and access to the latest music technology. You will work on projects that include sound design, electronic music, and experimental music, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the audio sector. The course also covers live performances, composing and performing, and sonic arts.

The practice-led course is designed to keep you engaged and excited about your studies. Our strong connections with the local music scene will provide you with plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world settings.

By the end of the course, you will have developed a comprehensive portfolio of work that showcases your skills and creativity. This will prepare you for employment in the music industry, further research, and continuing professional development. You will be well-equipped to contribute to the future sounds of the music world and excel in contemporary music technology practice.

1st in the UK for Music (Guardian University Guide 2026)

Modules

Our philosophy centres on nurturing your creative and technical skills through practical experience and industry engagement. We aim to develop well-rounded professionals ready to make a significant impact in the music industry.

Year 1

In your first year, you will explore the fundamentals of digital learning and contemporary challenges. You’ll enhance your creative and analytical skills through various projects, developing a solid foundation in sound manipulation, studio composition, and engineering. This year is designed to introduce you to the essential concepts and tools of music technology.

Compulsory

• Ways of Thinking (10 credits)

• Ways of Perceiving (10 credits)

• Creative Sound Manipulation (20 credits)

• The Studio Composer (20 credits)

• The Studio Engineer (20 credits)

• Contemporary Challenges: Making a Difference (20 credits)

• Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits)

Year 2

Your second year focuses on advancing your technical skills and creative abilities. You will work on building your personal brand, understanding creativity and value creation, and applying these concepts in practical settings. You’ll engage in studio projects, sound design for screen, and location recording, preparing you for real-world audio production scenarios. Research skills will also be developed to support your creative endeavours.

Compulsory

• Research in Context (10 credits)

• Research in Practice (10 credits)

• Sound Design for Screen (20 credits)

• Studio Project (20 credits)

• The Sustainable Studio (10 credits)

• Location Recording (10 credits)

• Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation (20 credits)

• Changemakers: Building your Personal Brand for Sustainable Employment (20 credits)

Year 3

In the final year, you will consolidate your knowledge through major projects and specialised modules. You will work on an independent project, music video production, and mastering and production techniques. The focus will be on creating a professional portfolio and showreel, showcasing your skills and preparing you for a successful career in the music industry.

Compulsory

• Independent Project (40 credits)

• Music Video Production (20 credits)

• Final Portfolio and Showreel (40 credits)

• Mastering and Production (20 credits)

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/programme-courses/undergraduate/performance-dance-and-musical-theatre/creative-music-technology

Students on the programme are assessed predominantly by portfolio and creative output assignments, compositions, recordings, productions, creative projects, etc. Written analysis and critique are also integral to the assessment, as well as presentations and vivas.

Through all the projects undertaken, students develop both practical skills and an understanding of theoretical principles.

The course assesses the students’ command of the many roles of technology in the creation of music, taking a multi-skilled approach, whilst allowing students to specialise in areas in which they would like to take their careers later on in the course.