BA (Hons)
Undergraduate - Level 4,5 & 6

Music Production & Sound Engineering

Online
Subject to validation
Students mixing on one of our API desks
A student using our Vintage Korg MS20
A tutor helps one of our students with there mix down

If you see yourself as a producer or sound engineer and want to focus on studio-based production, this BA (Hons) Music Production and Sound Engineering degree will give you the skills, knowledge and industry experience to master the studio at a professional level.

Key Information
  • Where can I study?
    Bristol / Manchester / Plymouth
  • Start Date
    September 2024
  • Study Modes
    Full-Time
  • Course Length
    3 Years
  • UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
    £9,250
icon chevron Icon Information
Key Information
Key Information
Music Production & Sound Engineering

Course Overview

The perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise, our BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering degree has been meticulously designed to transform you into a highly skilled music producer and sound engineer equipped with the expertise and confidence to record and produce music at the highest level.

Master recording techniques, composition, modern production methods, and sound engineering principles while exploring the diverse world of music and audio. Stay ahead of the curve with our cutting-edge modules on Immersive Audio and Innovation in Sound, delving into the world of object-based audio, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos, and learning how to harness the power of sound in real-world environments.

In addition to the technical skills, you’ll explore idea generation, workflow, and project management, which will enable you to be productive with your skills and prepare you for a career in the music industry. You will also learn about the various revenue streams available in the music industry, equipping you with the skills needed to take advantage of these income opportunities.

Throughout your studies you’ll have access to a substantial guest lecture programme with topics ranging from demonstration and instruction in new technology to personal viewpoints and techniques from experienced professional practitioners.

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

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

Course Details

You will study a total of 18 modules, including a final major project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes.

A student mixing a track on our SSL console in plymouth

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

In Year 1 of your music production and sound engineering degree, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental skills that make a great sound engineer through practical and theoretical study. You’ll grow through an exploration of studio practice, creative recording techniques, mixing, and develop your understanding of music production as a whole through practical and analytical study.

We’ll also introduce you to the audio industry and examine the key factors that go into a successful career as a sound engineer.

Year 2

In Year 2 of your degree, you will begin to expand your skill set through several advanced modules focusing on music production, mixing and mastering. These modules will be complimented by the introduction to the world of acoustics and immersive audio, which will introduce you to new and innovative techniques that can be applied to your own processes. You’ll continue to develop your industry knowledge through the examination and completion of commercial briefs and will also conduct research which will provide the foundations for one of your final year projects.

Year 3

In the final year of your music production and sound engineering degree, you will have the opportunity to channel everything you’ve learnt in the first two years into a series of larger projects that are directly linked to your specialism within music production and sound engineering. You’ll be given the freedom to identify, research and realise a project that resonates with your passions and expertise, alongside a more experimental and innovative approach to music and sound creation. You will also produce an extended research project, which can take the form of either a full written dissertation or a practical research project.

How You'll Learn

You will spend a large amount of time learning the fundamentals of audio production and recording in studio-based sessions. Outside of the studio, you will build your skills in DAW-based production, specifically Pro Tools. You will become adept with a range of hardware effects and microphones, and nurture your sonic signature through practice-based workshops, and learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, and individual tutorials. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars and our Virtual Learning Environment. In addition your learning will be supported by:

You will learn through:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Masterclasses and guest lectures
  • Group and 1-2-1 tutorials
  • 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

Assessments are 100% coursework, submitted in an electronic format to our virtual learning environment, and designed to reflect professional practice.

On average you should allow for between 40 - 50 hours per week for your studies of which approximately 25% will be taught (c.10 hours) and 75% will be self-study

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

Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab
Bristol
Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab
Mixing in our Dolby Atmos suite
Manchester
Mixing in our Dolby Atmos suite
Inside our Dolby Atmos suite
Bristol
Inside our Dolby Atmos suite
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Bristol
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room
Bristol
Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room
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
Our Neve Genesys mixing desk
Plymouth
Our Neve Genesys mixing desk
The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Manchester
The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Inside the Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Manchester
Inside the Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Students making music in the production suite
Bristol
Students making music in the production 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
The live room for the Neve pro suite
Manchester
The live room for the Neve pro suite
arrow
arrow

    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.

    Tutors

    Alex Wilkins

    Alex Wilkins

    BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Course Leader
    Alex is a music composition and production specialist who never stops learning about sound. He may also be the only person to try producing electronic music using Pro Tools…
    Bruce Turner

    Bruce Turner

    Module Leader
    We always learn something new when talking to Bruce. Specialising in production and performance, he’s passionate about exploring biomechanics and the science of sound.
    Gill Sargent

    Gill Sargent

    Honours Project Module Leader
    Gill is an avid teacher and creator who has worked behind the mixing desk, organised stages at festivals around the UK, and taught Roni Size how to sample.
    Matthew Mills

    Matthew Mills

    Head of Centre
    East Coast hip hop connoisseur Matthew Mills has decades of experience producing music as well as educating learners in music tech and business in Plymouth and South Devon.
    Pete Day

    Pete Day

    BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Course Leader
    With a career spanning three decades, Pete has countless accolades as a chart-topping mix engineer for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Stock Aitken Waterman and more.
    Phoebe Pope

    Phoebe Pope

    BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production & BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Course Leader
    Classically trained and with decades of experience producing, performing and educating in the music industry, Phoebe wants to pass on her love of experimentation and learning to her students at dBs Institute Manchester.
    arrow
    arrow

      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

      The music industry would be nothing without the professionals that capture those magical moments. While the obvious routes are a range of engineering roles within a recording studio, many of our graduates have ventured into roles such as post-production for film and television and mastering.

      Here are some career paths related to this degree:

      Carreers

      Game Audio Implementers utilise creativity and logical thinking to design and manage the systems that bring sound to life and immerse the player.

      Carreers

      Foley Artists and dubbing mixers bring film and television to life through the recording, editing and mixing of real world sounds, dialogue and sound effects to create an immersive viewing experience.

      Carreers

      Meet the business-savvy, big picture thinkers who guide musical releases from early planning stages into the marketplace.

      Carreers

      Music Therapists combine compassion and creativity to help individuals overcome physical, emotional and social difficulties using music.

      Carreers

      Storytellers, thinkers and pioneers of social change, Sound Artists use non-conventional methods of composition to create thought-provoking art that often exists in the physical world alongside the sonic realm.

      Carreers

      Commanders of the control room, Studio Engineers help transform musical moments into timeless masterpieces by facilitating the production of music and sound.

      arrow
      arrow

        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
        Campus
        Course Code
        Campus Code
        Institution Code
        Plymouth
        W353
        E
        F33
        Bristol
        W352
        D
        F33
        Manchester
        W366
        J
        F33

        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.

        Stats