UDMUSPFY - BSc (Hons) Music Technology and Production (including foundation year)

Music Technology and Production (including Foundation Year) is an inclusive course for aspiring music producers, audio engineers and sound designers, expanding on the 3-year BSc programme.

The “assessment for learning” approach taken, is key to encouraging the continuous learning process required in the fast-evolving Music Technology environment. This philosophy is achieved in assessment projects made up from practical exercises carried out in the Music IT labs, working with industry-based software across a range of creative projects with collaborations carried out across the Creative Technologies and Digital Media area.

It is common for some applicants to 3-year Music Technology and Production degrees to lack the academic requirements at Level 4, and so the 4-year “Including Foundation Year” degree opens up a route into Higher. Furthermore, the course serves Mature students to gain entry to Higher Education, competing with alternative level 3 “Access” courses, again with the advantage that we place them directly into the University.

The foundation year provides students with a broad range of learning in the media area as well as initial technical skills and study skills learning, providing foundational learning with a particular focus on writing and research skills in preparation for level 4 study. Students will experience a structured route into higher education, allowing them to scaffold their learning through carefully graded (mostly coursework-based) assessments.

Modules starting at level 3 develop student’s core subject knowledge in Music Technology with evolving complexity of task encouraging more autonomy working in groups and as individuals as students reach their final projects at level 6.

All level 3 modules introduce students to the academic skills needed to facilitate their transition to level 4, including digital skills, research, reflection, and representation.

From Level 4, the course will introduce career options for music technologist and producers including:
• Music producers and songwriters.
• Audio engineering roles in: recording; mixing; and mastering.
• Location sound recordist, audio post-production and sound designer.
• Electronic instrument and plug-in designers.
Previous graduates have gone on to successful careers in music production, sound design, events and live sound, including careers with Warner Bros, Paramount the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, as well as freelance and self-employment in the creative and music industries.

Additionally, the course establishes the roles played by other sectors and agencies operating in the Music Industry in relation to music creators and producers, including music publishing and licensing, synchronisation, film and media, digital distribution, social media, and marketing.

The employability needs of the sector are further addressed through the delivery of the curriculum, where student's work both independently and in groups towards live creative briefs. Throughout their studies, students learn alongside and collaborate with other courses in the creative technologies and digital media area, like they would in the working world.

The learning, teaching and assessment fosters students’ creativity and reflective practice. At every stage developing their creative and technical language, establishing them as effective communicators and producers of music. Blended and eLearning are at the heart of the assessment strategy, and student's will have the opportunity to develop their digital literacy, and transferable skills in preparing and presenting their work.

By design, the course considers the diverse backgrounds of our students and establishes social justice at its core through a curriculum written around the student voice. By taking a decolonised approach to music education, students study music technology and production in a computer and studio-based environment. As such composition and song writing is taught in a way that challenges traditional stereotypes and champions a diverse range of approaches to creating and producing music.

Learning, and teaching is approached in wide range of formats, from group workshops, studio practice, lectures, seminars and project supervision. Practice based teaching is utilised to develop students’ problem-based learning and critical thinking in a number of situations relating to music technology and production, from studio-based recording tasks to composing and writing music to set briefs. By establishing live project briefs, students are immersed into the working practices of the music industries and are challenged to expand their creativity and critical thinking.

The teaching takes place in both a fully equipped Mac IT Lab, and complex of music production and recording studios. Each of our specialist music iMac computers is equipped with Logic Pro, Ableton Live Suite and Pro Tools, to ensure our students have access to the industry level software. Our studios are also supported by a music specialist technician, and store of industry standard microphones including, Neumann, AKG, Sennheiser and Royer; instruments including Tama drums, Fender guitars and Korg synthesisers; amplifiers including Fender, Vox and Ashdown; and plugins including Native Instruments, iZotope, Waves, Sonnox and GRM Tools.

The music studios are fitted with Genelec monitoring, and the main recording studio is built around an Audient ASP4816 analogue console and Universal Audio Apollo interface. This allows our students to practice in a professional studio environment with on-site support from experienced teaching staff and technicians.

The teaching team is built around industry practitioners, with established careers in the music and creative industries and affiliation with industry bodies including the Music Producers Guild and Audio Engineering Society. Through understanding the working environment, and methods, the team are able to equip students with insight and understanding of the professional music industries. The expertise of the team range from studio-based music production, electronic music, music for film and television, sound design, electronic instrument design as well as research, business practices including music publishing, record labels and management.

The module structure and learning outcomes are focussed on employability and developing students are critical thinkers in relation to music and audio production. By developing the core skills and understanding at Level 4 student then progress to synthesise these principles in more specialist subject areas at Level 5. By Level 6 our students then undertake major projects, in conjunction with work-based learning, to best prepare them for the working environment.

The BSc (Hons) Music Technology and Production (including foundation year) aims to:
• To equip students with the core skills needed to progress through higher education and on to employment in the field of Music Technology.
• Establish the core skills and practices needed work in professional music production environments, including industry standard software, techniques, and practice.
• Provide access to music technology and production education and job roles for a diverse range of students by bridging the gap between traditional music education and self-learners.
• Inspire students’ interest in a range of sound and music specialisms through engaging practice-based teaching from industry practitioners.
• Encourage enquiry-based learning and questioning to develop creative, ‘out the box’ thinking, fostering original and creative thinking in approaches to creating application of sound and music in media, opening students to a number of working opportunities in the music industries.
• Promote students belonging to the wider University and creative arts community, by encouraging collaboration with other fields, including film, games and new medias.
• Introduce new technologies in sound and audio production, exploring innovative and interactive approaches to creating music and applications of sound.
• Develop students understanding of the role of music in the creative industries by examining the structure of the music and creative industries, identifying a range of opportunities open to them after graduation.
• Develop transferable employability skills to facilitate transition into employment after graduation, including problem solving, project management, communication and decision making, supported by guided work-based learning opportunities.
• Provide students with the knowledge of music law and contracts relating to music producers, instilling professional practice and entrepreneurship.
• To prepare students for further studies and research by developing enquiry and questioning into theories and practices relating to music technology and production.

At the end of studying the BSc (Hons) Music Technology and Production (including foundation year), you should be able to:

University Learning Outcome
UL0. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

LO1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the fundamental principles and contexts of music technology, music theory and production.
LO2. Identify and apply appropriate methods of research and evaluation, making use of appropriate evidence relating to music, its technology, production, and organisation.
LO3. Develop media skills and practices, relevant across the creative industries.
LO4. Develop and apply critical thinking and listening skills, for example by reviewing and discussing music and the use of technology.
LO5. Utilise specialist knowledge and understanding to produce a range of projects in fields of music production, including studio recording techniques, sound design, plug-in design and computer human interaction in music.
LO6. Work with autonomy and independence towards project briefs, communicating and pitching plans and ideas.
LO7. Prepare and present work in ways that are both professional and accessible to a range of different audience.
LO8. Exhibit responsibility in personal, academic and professional development and employability.
LO9. Develop confidence and creativity in producing projects relating to Music Technology and Production, apply appropriate knowledge and skills to their solution in a professional level.
LO10. Demonstrate collaborative skills, working with others towards collective goals and aims.
LO11. Demonstrate an awareness of different professional, legal and cultural contexts of Media and Music Technology and Production.

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Music (December 2019)

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/subject-benchmark-statement-music.pdf?sfvrsn=61e2cb81_4

A variety of assessment methods are used within the course, ranging from formative, summative, diagnostic, peer and self-assessment. Students are assessed through studio-based work, workshops, written assignments, practical coursework, essays, individual and group practical projects, and a final dissertation or investigative study. There is a focus on applying methods relevant to the music and media industries, and so where relevant digital methods are used for students to provide reflections and critical evaluations of their work, for example, video essays, one-sheet project pitches, digital user guides and video walkthroughs.

The driving factor behind the choice of assessment methods is inclusive assessment. Methods of assessment are relevant to the learning and are based upon an approach of assessment for learning, as such they often represent real world example of briefs of problems students will encounter in the professional world.

Assessment methods include the use of digital technologies to develop students’ transferable soft skills, such as creating blogs, videos, and documents.

Students are given guidance and teaching on academic writing, research and referencing across all levels to expand their academic practice.

Strategies utilised support students’ understanding of their learning by providing timely developmental feedback that promotes a deeper learning approach to their studies. Assessment methods such as reports, essays, critiques and presentations, allow differing learning styles, whilst encouraging reflective approaches.

Each assessment (formative and summative) seeks to build students’ confidence as independent learners, providing pertinent advice for all aspects of learning. Marking of coursework is made as consistent as possible through the use of marking proformas and assessment strategies for written work. The course team maintain dialogues across the academic year regarding levels of grading and each assessment is moderated to review the balance of marks and consistency in given feedback.

The course team provide a regular set of opportunities for scheduled tutorial ‘drop in’ sessions and the course’s Blended Learning environment offers students opportunities to discuss (with tutors and peers) their assessment strategies. Further support is available via a new team of academic mentors, tutors, Library Services, University Student Services, and the Centre for Professional and Educational Development.

Careers guidance, employability skills and work-based learning are integral to the teaching and learning across the course, with assessment designed to represent professional briefs and real-world scenarios. By also developing an understanding of the Music Business at Level 4, the course instils a professional mindset from the start.

Student Services provide Careers & Employability events throughout the year with workshops that help to prepare CVs for job applications and interviews. The Career services provide advice and guidance, along with collaborative projects set within specific modules.

At level 4, students are given professionally produced multi-tracks to develop their mixing and mastering skills in their final assessment.

By learning Recording Studio Practice at Level 5, students are encouraged to seek professional external musicians to record in the University studios, developing their working practices and networking with the wider music community.

Students have the option of completing a placement in work-based learning at Level 6.

Finally, in at Level 6 student take the practical work across their studies and treat them as a marketable package. In doing so establishing their work as calling card for clients, audiences or potential employers, with the creation of a professional portfolio website.

PART-TIME MODE OF STUDY
Part-time study is defined as 60 credits per year. Consequently, in part-time mode, the duration of study for a 480-credit degree will be 8 years. The pattern of study shall be as follows:

Year 1
MD3050 – Studio Craft: Music Production
MD3053 - Studio Craft: InDesign and PhotoShop
MD3054 - Studio Craft: Music Videos
MD3052– Pop, Pulp and Politics

Year 2
SM3051 - Media Contexts
SM3057 – Introduction: Writing for Media
MD3051 – Studio Craft: Music Theory
SM3050 - Making TV News

Year 3
SJ4051 – Writing and Research Skills(15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD4050 – Audio Theory and Practice (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD4053 – Sound Design for Linear Media (15 Credit) (Spring)
MD4054 – Introduction to Mixing and Mastering (15 Credit) (Spring)

Year 4
MD4051 – Electronic Music Production (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD4052 – Music Industry (15 Credit) (Autumn)
CU4046 – Digital Image Skills (15 Credit) (Spring)
MD4055 – Music Theory for Songwriters (15 Credit) (Spring)

Year 5
MD5057 – Location Sound and Dialogue Production (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD5053 – Recording Studio Practice (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD5061 – Max for Live (15 Credit) (Spring)
Spring Option Module (15 Credit) (Spring)

Year 6
MD5058 – Creative Songwriting (15 Credit) (Autumn)
Autumn Option Module (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD5060 – Creative Music Production (15 Credit) (Spring)
MD5059 – Sound Design for Games (15 Credit) (Spring)

Year 7
MD6051 – Advanced Studio Engineering (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD6052 – Research Project in Music Technology and Production (15 Credit) (Autumn)
MD6053 – Audio Mastering and Remastering (15 Credit) (Spring)
Spring Option Module (15 Credit) (Spring)

Year 8
CU6063 – Creative Research Dissertation/Project (15 Credit) (Autumn)
Autumn Option Module (15 Credit) (Autumn)
CU6P50 – Creative Practice Dissertation/Project (15 Credit) (Spring)
MD6054 – Music Production Portfolio Development (15 Credit) (Spring)

Standard University regulations apply

Standard University Academic Regulations. Refer to the course structure.

Opportunities for reflective learning/PDP are promoted through feedback and written reports, embedded in all assessments with emphasis on reflection of their work. Feedback is given in class, through peer feedback sessions, and in formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment and feedback are planned to address their learning development needs and to capture their learning achievements with a regular request of reflective commentaries in all written submissions.

As part of preparing technical reports, students are taught to evaluate the outcomes of their projects and practical assignments with balance and in doing so, develop their ability to identify the skills they possess, and where skills need further development.

At the start of each module, students are introduced to the related career pathways and skills that are required in order to succeed in specific roles, by completing final reflections and drawing conclusions from their learning over the module, student are given the opportunity to reflect upon what they have learned, and how it applies to their career and personal development goals.

Students are encouraged to think critically about the wider contexts of their work, and through workshops in reflective practice and critical thinking, they are encouraged to synthesise knowledge, and explore how their learning could be transferable to other applications.

The course team maintain strong working links with the music industry, and regularly put students forward for placements and internship roles, both during their studies and following graduation. Students are also offered opportunities for shadowing the course team as they carryout professional projects. The course leader regularly consults with connections in studios and the recorded music sector, to establish the current trends and needs amongst employers.

Alumni from the Music Technology and Production degrees are welcomed back each year to share their experiences working after graduation in guest talks and lectures.

This course will provide students with specialist technical expertise for wide range of career opportunities in the Creative Arts and Music Industries. Students develop as creative, flexible and reflective practitioners with employment and self-employment opportunities in sound recording, sound engineering, sound broadcast, mixing, mastering, production & post production, studio-based and live production, such as sound for theatre, concerts and festivals, as well as move to more artistic opportunities in sonic arts working with installations, experimental music and performance, sound design, foley sound, and audio post-production, film music, and computer game sound. Students may also choose a career in education or to progress to postgraduate study and research (Masters and PhD).

This course will provide you with critical, creative and technical expertise opening up a wide range of career paths in the music and creative industries. These include employment and self-employment opportunities in music production, sound recording, sound engineering, sound design, game audio, audio plugin design, and broadcast media.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build your network in both the music and creative industries, through working on live and collaborative projects. Being based in London, also provides access to the largest music community in Europe, as well as the home of creative industries including film, TV, games and live events.

Graduates of the course could go on to become music producers, live sound and studio engineers, sound designers, working in post-production, sound or music for film, video editing, sound and music for games. Graduates also progress to postgraduate study and research including masters and PhDs.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
• English Language GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent eg Functional Skills at Level 2)

We encourage applications from International/EU students with equivalent qualifications.

We also accept mature students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Suitable applicants living in the UK may be invited to a portfolio interview. Applicants living outside the UK may be required to submit a small portfolio of works via email.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.