Songwriting and Music Production with Foundation Year

Do you have a passion for song writing? Do you want to make a career out of it? Our course gives you the opportunity to access expert guidance and the space to focus on, and hone, your craft. Develop your song writing skills to a professional standard, whilst learning about the process behind the art form, from recording and music promotion to making money from your songs.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
As BNU has been delivering courses in the music industry for over 25 years, we have a wealth of expertise from within our network of lecturing staff, guest speakers, and alumni, all with a track record of success in a wide variety of roles in the music business internationally.

Like the industry, we put collaboration at the centre of what we do. You will get the chance to work with other BNU courses, such as the Film and TV students. You’ll record sound and work on post-production which will give you experience of working with a wide variety of genres to help you perfect your production skills. During your time with us you’ll learn hands-on practical skills to help you stand out to potential employers. You’ll get to grips with industry-standard equipment including in our Dolby Atmos certified sound lab, ensuring upon graduation you are prepared for your first role. You’ll also benefit from our work-opportunities. Previous students have worked with companies such as Sony, Sennheiser and Universal Music.

All our music degrees at Buckinghamshire New University come with membership of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP).

What facilities can I use?
Our state-of-the-art recording studios and Dolby Atmos certified sound lab, give you access to the space and technology you need. From individual edit rooms up to large Pro Tools Ultimate studios with attached live rooms and vocal booths, we have it all to help you gain hands-on experience. Visit the course website for full details of our top-quality suppliers and studio equipment: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-songwriting-and-music-production

What will I study?
In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree.

You’ll learn how to develop your song writing skills to a professional standard by working on your material with our experienced tutors. You’ll explore a variety of techniques for writing songs, to help you maximise your creative potential and find a method that works for you. You’ll study audio production and recording, so that you can become confident at producing recordings of your own work as well as other people’s.

You’ll also learn how to monetise and promote your creativity. As part of this, you’ll have the opportunity to study artist management, music publishing (with a placement option), music law, A&R (artist & repertoire), sociological issues related to music and the music industry, and how to build your brand as a professional song writer. You’ll learn about a number of DIY approaches to the music business, and explore other areas of music entrepreneurship too, such as sources of funding and how to set yourself up as a business.

You will take part in shared master classes and attend guest lectures with our industry partners and associates, including professional song writers and music publishers, who’ll share the latest insights and expert knowledge with you.

Foundation Year
Live Performance Practice
Introduction to Popular Music
Introduction to Composition
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Professional Skills Review
Final Project

Year One
Core Modules
Audio Production Technologies
Entertainment Industry Framework
Live Audio
Performance Practice & Reflection
Recording & Mixing Techniques

Year Two
Core Modules
Creative Audio Production
Research Methods
Songwriting Techniques 1
Optional Modules
Advanced Performance Practice & Reflection
Artist Management
Electronic Production Techniques
Music Publishing
Music Publishing (Placement)
The Music Entrepreneur

Year Three
Core Modules
Dissertation/Independent Work
Songwriting Techniques 2
Optional Modules
A&R: Artist & Repertoire Content for the Music Industry
Creative Audio Project
Creative Performance Technology
Digital Marketing
Entertainment Law
Immersive Audio Techniques
Industry Issues
Mosh Pit Politics
Performance Application & Strategy
Professional Production Project

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. You’ll also benefit from our expert-lecturers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry in fields such as music publishing and A&R ('artist & repertoire').

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

A variety of assessment vehicles will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including assignments carried out in your own time, in-class assignments, workshops and presentations. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focussed, forming a constructive part of your learning process.