Music and Audio Production (Part-Time) (Taught)

If you’re looking to advance your career in music and audio production, this course offers the opportunity to develop specialist skills in record production, sound design, audio-visual composition, sound art, creative audio production and music business. Throughout your studies, you’ll strengthen your organisation, time management and self-discipline while building the confidence and dedication needed to succeed in the competitive creative industries. You’ll also develop valuable teamwork and communication skills, learning how to collaborate effectively, devise creative solutions and present clear, compelling ideas.

Why study this subject?
This industry-focused course is designed to prepare you for the demands of modern music and audio production. You’ll learn from experienced industry professionals and gain practical expertise across music production, audio engineering, sound design, recording, mixing and mastering. By combining technical knowledge with creative exploration, the course equips you with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Flexible study options allow you to balance your studies alongside work, personal commitments or creative projects. Whether you choose full-time or part-time study, you’ll learn in a supportive environment that encourages both academic achievement and artistic growth.

You’ll benefit from hands-on experience in professional recording studios, edit suites and mixing labs equipped with industry-standard software and hardware. Real-world projects and extensive studio access will help you refine your recording, editing and production techniques while building a professional portfolio that showcases your creativity.

The course also explores advanced audio production techniques, giving you the opportunity to experiment with innovative approaches to sound design, recording and post-production.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Buckinghamshire New University has more than 25 years of experience delivering music courses, supported by lecturers, associate staff and guest speakers with extensive industry backgrounds. The MA Music and Audio Production course is designed to sharpen your technical and creative skills, helping you confidently pursue your professional ambitions.

You’ll explore advanced recording and production methods while developing new approaches to sound creation and manipulation using industry-standard software. The course also supports the development of your own production style through composition, signal processing, recording, mixing and sound design.

As part of your studies, you’ll gain membership to UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP), a collaboration between educational institutions and the UK music industry that helps shape the next generation of music professionals.

What facilities can I use?
Our facilities include professional recording studios and a Dolby Atmos-certified sound lab, giving you access to the latest music production technology.

Studio 1 features a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 speaker system and Avid S6 console. Studio 2 includes an Avid D-Command control surface and 24 channels of Focusrite ISA828 microphone preamps, while Studio 3 and the Electronic Music Studio are equipped with Avid S3/S4 control surfaces and UAD Apollo x8 interfaces.

What will I study?
You’ll learn how to apply your developing knowledge creatively to explore opportunities within the music industry and create new professional pathways. Through critical and conceptual study, you’ll evaluate contemporary production methods and explore topics such as sound art, recording, mixing and composition. Optional modules may include live music production, sound design, recording performance and social media marketing.

What are my career prospects?
Graduates can pursue careers as Recording Engineers, Mix Engineers, Studio Technicians, Sound Editors and Sound Technology Educators, as well as further postgraduate study or research opportunities.

For information on course modules, please visit our website: bucks.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-music-and-audio-production-pt

Core
Approaches to Recording & Mixing
Sound Art & Composition
Research Methods
Extended Independent Work

Optional
The Recording Performance
Future Production Technologies
Sound Design for Linear Media
Social Media Marketing
The Live Music Industry

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.

A variety of assessment methods will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including:

Practical assignment
Report
Essay
Portfolio
Reflective commentary
Research proposal
Dissertation
Practical project