Sound and Music Production BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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The Sound and Music Production BA (Hons) program at the University of Gloucestershire equips students with practical skills and knowledge in sound and music production, preparing them for successful careers in the diverse sound and music industry. Through hands-on training, industry insights, and project-based learning, students develop proficiency in audio technology, music production, sound design, and more. The program emphasizes professional development, portfolio creation, and industry connections, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the competitive creative industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Sound and Music Production BA (Hons)

This undergraduate program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the creative sound and music industry.

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Objectives:

• Develop students' practical skills in sound and music production across various industry settings.
• Provide comprehensive knowledge in composition, sound design, immersive sound, electronic music production, studio recording, live sound engineering, and more.
• Prepare students for successful careers in the diverse sound and music industry.

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Program Description:

Sound and Music Production BA (Hons) is a three-year full-time program delivered at the University of Gloucestershire's Park campus in Cheltenham. The course focuses on:

• Hands-on training: Students gain practical experience through industry-standard recording studios, production labs, interactive platforms, and specialized software/hardware.
• Technical expertise: Develop proficiency in audio and studio technology, live event technologies, music production techniques, sound design, game audio, immersive audio, composing for screen media, and more.
• Industry knowledge: Gain insights into the music business through modules like "The Music Business" and "The Future Professional," covering industry practices, roles, and career pathways.
• Professional development: Enhance employability through modules like "The Music and Sound Professional," focusing on professionalization, portfolio creation, and post-graduation career strategies.
• Project-based learning: Culminate your studies with a major research project and a production project, showcasing your skills and creative voice.

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Outline:

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Module Breakdown:

• Level 4 (Year 1):
• The Music Business (MD4220):
Explores the music industry's landscape, careers, and development strategies.
• Audio and Studio Technology (MD4351): Focuses on the theoretical and technical aspects of audio hardware and software, studio recording, and production techniques.
• Making Tracks (MD4352): Introduces students to core software and techniques for composing and producing electronic music.
• Sound for Screen Media (MD4356): Equips students with skills to create and edit sound assets for film and screen media projects.
• Live Event Technologies (MD4357): Develops practical skills and knowledge for operating sound systems in live music events.
• Level 5 (Year 2):
• The Future Professional (MD5220):
Provides experience working on live briefs with clients, managing projects, and meeting deadlines.
• Music and Sound Studies (MD5324): Offers critical analysis of music and sound through discussion and tasks.
• Music Production Techniques (MD5351): Further develops music production skills and practices using recording studios and DAW platforms.
• Sound Design and Post-Production (MD5358): Focuses on sound design, foley recording, sound effects, and the production of music and effects for various media.
• Game Audio (MD5359): Introduces students to composing and designing audio for games.
• Immersive Audio (MD5360): Explores the practices and ideas of spatialised sound, including composition, soundworks, and technological systems.
• Composing for Screen Media (MD5361): Teaches students to compose music for screen media environments using industry-standard techniques.
• Audio Broadcast and Production (MD5362): Introduces students to audio engineering for live streaming and pre-recorded broadcast environments.
• Level 6 (Final Year):
• The Research Project (MD6216):
Conducts independent research on a topic of interest in music, business, culture, technology, or society.
• The Music and Sound Professional (MD6323): Builds professionalization skills, develops networking and teamwork abilities, and creates a strategic plan for post-graduation career pathways.
• The Production Project (MD6353): Requires the production and distribution of a significant original music/media-based product, showcasing the student's accumulated skills and artistic voice.
• Advanced Audio Techniques (MD6354 & MD6355): Refines advanced audio production skills, working as engineers, music producers, and specialists on various projects.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods:

• Portfolios of individual and group work
• Written essays and research papers
• Presentations and performances
• Live project work
• Industry-based placements

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Assessment criteria:

• Demonstrating theoretical understanding
• Practical application of skills
• Creative expression and originality
• Professionalism and project management abilities
• Meeting deadlines and following briefs

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Teaching:

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Teaching methods:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Hands-on workshops and practical sessions
• Individual and group project work
• Industry guest speakers and presentations
• One-on-one tutorials and supervision
• Field trips and collaborative performances

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Faculty:

The course is delivered by a team of experienced and industry-connected lecturers, researchers, and technicians. Faculty members possess extensive knowledge and practical experience in sound and music production, composing, sound design, music business, and various technical fields.

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Unique approaches:

• Strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through industry-standard facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for collaborative projects and interdisciplinary work with students from other creative disciplines.
• Focus on developing professional skills and entrepreneurial mindsets through industry placements and career-oriented modules.
• Integration of current industry trends and technologies into the curriculum.
• Access to diverse project opportunities, working with real-world clients and collaborators.

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Careers:

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Potential career paths:

• Audio engineer
• Music producer
• Sound designer
• Composer
• Music editor
• Broadcast engineer
• Studio technician
• Live sound engineer
• Game audio developer
• Immersive audio specialist
• Music business professional
• Freelance artist and entrepreneur

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Career opportunities:

• Recording studios
• Music production companies
• Broadcast media organizations
• Film and television studios
• Computer games companies
• VR and AR development studios
• Live sound production companies
• Music and sound agencies
• Independent artists and projects

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Career outcomes:

The program prepares graduates for diverse and fulfilling careers in the sound and music industry. Students gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and industry connections to thrive in various roles. Many graduates go on to secure jobs in leading studios, production companies, and creative organizations, while others pursue successful careers as freelance artists or entrepreneurs.

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Other:

• The course provides opportunities to develop transferable skills like teamwork, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management.
• Students are encouraged to build strong portfolios of their work to showcase their skills and attract potential employers.
• The program offers access to facilities like the dubbing theatre, sound lab, music studios, and rehearsal rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.
It is always recommended to consult the official website of the University of Gloucestershire for the latest and most accurate information about the Sound and Music Production BA (Hons) program.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Start date

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Sep 2024 | Park, Cheltenham | W371 | £9,250 | £16,600 | TBC | TBC