Access to HE
Access to HE Diploma

Music Production

Online
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Female student recoding vocals
Female student siting at a mixing desk
Close up of a outboard rack

Set yourself on the path to a career as a music producer/sound engineer and gain the necessary skills and qualifications needed to progress to higher education.

Key Information
  • Where can I study?
    Bristol / Manchester / Plymouth
  • Start Date
    September 2024
  • Study Modes
    Full-Time
  • Course Length
    1 Year
  • UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
    £4,835
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Key Information
Key Information
Music Production

Course Overview

With creative and professional development at its core, our Music Production diploma will see you grow and refine your skills in studio and computer-based recording, production and mixing. You’ll be introduced to the industry-standard DAWs, Logic Pro X and Ableton Live, working with a suite of software plugins as well as hardware mixing consoles and effects in our cutting-edge recording studios.

You will develop your understanding of a series of core strands; recording, sequencing, sound design, composition and acoustics, later applying this knowledge to a visual media project. Alongside these practise-based sessions, you will expand your academic and entrepreneurial skills through a mixture of research, presentation and self-reflection. All of this experience will provide the perfect platform to progress onto an undergraduate degree, where you can continue to specialise in music production or explore more niche study areas in sound design or music and sound for screen.

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Access Creative College

If you’re based in or hoping to study in London, this course is available to study with Access Creative London.

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Course Details

The diploma is taught over 38 weeks and you will study a total of 11 modules, totalling 60 credits. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes.

Music Production Diploma

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

During this one-year diploma, you will refine your skills as a music producer, both in and outside of the studio. You’ll become adept at operating mixing consoles, hardware effects and multiple industry-standard DAWs, and possess a keen understanding of how to record and mix music. You will develop your academic skills, while gaining a greater understanding of the music industry and channel all this experience into a final project.

The 11 modules you study across the year will be grouped into four ‘strands’ that are delivered throughout the year.

How You'll Learn

You will get hands-on with hardware instruments and effects, develop your proficiency with multiple DAWs and software-based instruments and tools, as well as practical skills through interactive workshops. You will learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, 1-2-1 reviews and self-evaluation. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars and our Virtual Learning Environment.

On average you should allow for between 35 - 40 hours per week for your studies of which approximately 25% will be taught (8 hours mandatory, 1.5 hours online, 5 hours flexible) and 75% will be self-study.

In addition your learning will be supported by:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Masterclasses and guest lectures
  • Online self-directed study
  • Group tutorials and 1-2-1 review sessions
  • Access to extensive studio facilities and bookable equipment
  • Use of library resources and study spaces
  • Access to our Virtual Learning Environment
  • Access to supporting online resources including videos, reading and interactive activities

Why Choose dBs

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration. Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk
Manchester
Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk
The live room for our Neve Genesys suite
Plymouth
The live room for our Neve Genesys suite
The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Manchester
The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Our SSL AWS924 Delta mixing console
Plymouth
Our SSL AWS924 Delta mixing console
Our API 1608 mixing console
Bristol
Our API 1608 mixing console
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    Why Choose a Online
    Degree at dBs

    Our online master's degrees offers a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.
    A female student works on her laptop

    Flexible study

    Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you. Video materials that have been created for online students will also be made available to students that select to study on-site.

    dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

    Learn from the pros

    You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

    You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

    Student working on a project at dBs Pro

    Industry Connections

    As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.
    This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

    What our students say

    Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

    What our students say

    Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

    Opportunities

    Engaging with our industry

    In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

    Career support

    We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

    dBs Pro

    dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

    Your Future Prospects

    Having built experience in electronic music production, sound engineering, composition, sound for screen and mastering, you will possess a broad skill set that opens many potential career opportunities.

    Here are just some of the pathways that you can embark on as a result of studying this course:

    How to Apply

    Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
    A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

    Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

    Please note that the UCAS 'on-time' application deadline for equal consideration is 31st January 2024.

    UCAS Codes
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    If you would like to make an application for this course, fill in your details below and a member of our admissions team will be in touch to advise you through the application process.

    For detailed information on how to apply please take a look at our guide to making an application.

    Further Study

    Register your interest

    If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

    Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

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