Music and Sound Production
Entry requirements
A level
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Maths & English Language
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
The FdA Music and Sound Production is for individuals who are serious about being multi-skilled and highly employable electronic music producers, live sound engineers and recording engineers. All students will gain core skills in audio analysis and production, synthesisers, samplers, an understanding of the music industry, events planning & promotions, and the impact of music within society. There are also two specialist pathways through the programme, Electronic Music Production and Live Sound and Studio Recording. In addition to the core skills, Electronic Music students will gain skills and knowledge of Electronic music production, remixing, DJ Technology, modular synthesis, and live electronic performance. Live Sound and Studio Recording students will gain additional skills in sound reinforcement, studio and venue maintenance, advanced audio production, rigging and advanced audio recording techniques. All students will develop academically over the duration of the programme, gaining skills in English for academic purposes, research, and inquiry. At Level 5, each student will conduct a creative project, designed to feed into professional development. Delivery of the programme is face-to-face, with taught sessions taking place in our purpose-built Performance Academy building using specialist resources such as recording studios, music venues, and specialist IT. As part of our work ready guarantee, you will learn in real working environments such as recording studios and a working theatre and music venue. There will be regular opportunities to attend workshops and meet industry guests. There is also a close bond with the other programmes in the Performance Academy, meaning there is opportunity for collaboration and the development of a broad social network of creative individuals. The FdA Music and Sound Production programme is for individuals who are serious about a career in Music Production, Live Sound, Events, DJing and those who wish to progress onto further undergraduate study Academic progression beyond the FdA could top-up to a full honours degree BA(Hons) Music and Sound Production (Top-up). Career paths for graduates include FOH Sound engineer, Monitor mix engineer, Stage crew, Studio Technician, Studio Manager, DJ, Tour Manager, Events Promoter, Music Producer, Remixer, Theatre Technician, Teacher/Lecturer
Modules
Year One: The Music Industry (Academic Skills), Industry Practitioners (Personal Development), Introduction to Synthesisers, Introduction to Samplers, Audio Production, Production Analysis (Work Related Learning). Pathway Specific Modules: DJ & Technology in Performance or Electronic Music Production or Sound Reinforcement or Studio and Venue Set-up and Maintenance. Year Two: Creative Project (Professional Development), Digital Media and Production, Events Promotion (Work-Based Learning), Music, Society and Culture. Pathway Specific Modules: Remixing or Modular Synth or Hardware and Live Performance or Advanced Live Sound or Advanced Audio Production or Rigging for the Entertainment Industry.
Assessment methods
A variety of methods will be used to assess this programme, including practical demonstration, reports, essays, observed assessments, academic posters, presentations, portfolios, and audio/video recordings.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Newcastle College University Centre
Music and Performance/Production Arts
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Music
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Resources and organisation
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After graduation
We don't have more detailed stats to show you in relation to this subject area at this university but read about typical employment outcomes and prospects for graduates of this subject below.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Music
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£14k
£15k
£18k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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