Masters in Production - MA/MSc Degree

Program Overview

The Masters in Production program offers hands-on experience, professional mentoring, and cutting-edge studio technology for students interested in audio engineering and working with diverse artists. It provides a one-year, full-time program with modules covering applied research, project management, networking, and professional practice frameworks. Graduates gain a portfolio showcasing enhanced skills and expertise, and have access to award-winning studios and industry leaders.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Masters in Production (MA/MSc Creative Industries Futures) offers hands-on experience collaborating with artists and songwriters to enhance knowledge and build a professional portfolio. Students work in state-of-the-art studios with mentoring from professional producers and studio engineers. The program caters to those interested in technical audio engineering (including acoustics) and those wanting broader experience working with diverse artists. Students learn from industry professionals and award-winning producers and engineers. The program provides real-world experience in top-tier studios, teaches cutting-edge techniques, and helps build a professional portfolio showcasing enhanced skills and expertise. As an exclusive offer, Masters students gain access to all undergraduate content across ACM programs, allowing them to further develop skills in areas of interest. They also learn from expert tutors, mentors, and industry leaders through masterclasses, workshops, seminars, and practical shadowing, working with individuals like Dan Parry, Romesh Dodangoda, Paul Weir, Nick Gatfield, Bill ‘n’ Ted, and more.

Outline:

The full-time program is one year in duration. The modules are structured across Level 7 and include:

• 702 Creative Applied Research (Term 2 & 3 – 60 credits): This module involves an applied research project across two terms.
The first term focuses on the research area, and the second on delivery and impact measurement. The research might be a proof of concept, minimal viable product, or an adaptation/challenge to existing practices. Students work collaboratively with communities, industry, and/or academic networks. A supervisor is allocated based on research specialism, providing feedback and support. Students choose between Arts-based or Science-based practice, determining whether they graduate with an MA or MSc.
• 703 Ideas Into Action (Term 2 – 30 credits): This module focuses on rapid prototyping, problem-solving, and collaborative pitching, using strategies and feedback from guest speakers.
Students deconstruct project management processes from concept to release, exploring project context from different collaborators' perspectives to effectively pitch to various audiences.
• 704 Making Connections and Building a Community (Term 3 – 30 credits): This module helps students build networks with peers and industry contacts to develop opportunities within the community, research organizations, potential investors, charities, and the creative industries.
Students learn stakeholder management strategies, tools, and methods, developing communication and engagement skills with different stakeholder groups. A portfolio of evidence tracks decision-making processes, activities, responses, ethical considerations, influence, and impact. Students build their own community of interest, including potential investors, partners, customers, or new audiences, to create a forward strategy for their applied research project.
• 701 Professional Practice Frameworks (Term 1 – 60 credits): This module involves a Professional Practice Framework relevant to personal and professional goals.
Students work individually and in small groups with a Framework Mentor, evaluating skills in one of these areas: Creative Practice, Creative Enterprise, Higher Education Teaching, Workforce Development, or Community Arts and Health. Each PPF has its own platform, methods, facilitator role, and requirements. This allows students to review and upskill in technical, craft, creative, leadership, project management, interpersonal, and other transferable skills.

Teaching:

The program involves hands-on mentoring from professional producers and studio engineers. Students learn from expert tutors and mentors, as well as some of the biggest names in the industry through masterclasses, workshops, seminars, and hands-on practical shadowing. The program also offers individual and small group work facilitated by mentors.

Other:

The program offers a blended learning option, including a remote pathway for students who prefer online learning. This caters to various needs, including managing projects or work schedules, geographical location, or organizational learning spaces. The program is offered at Guildford, Birmingham, and London campuses. The entry requirements are flexible, considering honors degrees (2:2 or above), equivalent qualifications, professional experience in the creative industries (at least 3 years), or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning.