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

Electronic Music Production

Online
Subject to validation

An industry-focused BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production degree designed to equip you with the skills needed to create, produce and perform high-quality electronic music.

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
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Key Information
Key Information
Electronic Music Production

Course Overview

Our industry-focused degree course in Electronic Music Production covers essential and advanced composition and production techniques, giving you the skills to produce high-quality electronic music at a professional level. The course embraces a diverse range of styles and genres, welcoming aspiring producers from all musical backgrounds. You’ll get hands-on with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including synthesisers, effects processors, controllers and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) including Ableton and Logic Pro. As well as developing your skills in processing, sampling, mixing, and mastering, you’ll experiment with live electronic performance technologies and explore how to create your own immersive audio experiences.

But this course isn't just about 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 revenue streams and helping you to identify new opportunities for income generation.

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 tutor working in front of a project, showing how audio synthesis works

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

n Year 1, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental skills that make a great electronic music producer through practical and theoretical study. You’ll grow as a composer and producer, exploring new techniques in mixing, synthesis and sound design and deepen your understanding of the variety of ways that an electronic music producer can forge a career in the audio industry.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will expand upon the core techniques and theories learned in year 1 and begin to develop a more advanced set of skills. You’ll be introduced to hardware production and how that differs from producing in-the-box, explore the innovative world of immersive audio and how this can translate into your own works, and develop your live performance skills. Your industry knowledge will grow through the examination and completion of commercial projects and you’ll conduct a research project which will provide the foundations for one of your final year projects.

Year 3

In year 3, you will have the opportunity to channel everything you’ve learned in the first two years into a series of larger projects that are directly linked to your niche within electronic music production. You’ll be given the freedom to identify, research and realise a project that resonates with your passions and specialisms, alongside a more experimental and innovative approach to music/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 be developing your core sound as an electronic producer, learning the fundamentals of audio production and recording through a mixture of DAW and studio-based sessions. You will become adept with a range of hardware instruments and controllers, and nurture your live performance skills through practice-based workshops, and learn to evaluate and improve your work through both group 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
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 hardware synths and controllers
Plymouth
Hands-on with hardware synths and controllers
Spinning a record on our Technics 1210 turntable
Plymouth
Spinning a record on our Technics 1210 turntable
A hardware synth performance in Studio 3
Bristol
A hardware synth performance in Studio 3
Producing electronic music in our production suite
Plymouth
Producing electronic music in our production suite
Students making music in the production suite
Bristol
Students making music in the production suite
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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.

    Tutors

    Adrian Stretch

    Adrian Stretch

    BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production Course Leader
    Electronic music expert and stalwart of the UK rave and jungle scene, Adrian is a keen experimenter and frequent performer around the country’s festival circuit.
    David McFarlane

    David McFarlane

    BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production Module Leader
    Whether it’s innovative global collaborations, using music as a tool for rehabilitation and therapy, or picking up a new string instrument, David’s love of sound permeates everything he does.
    Dom Kane

    Dom Kane

    Head of Centre, Manchester
    Instrumental in the sonic character of Moog’s Slim Phatty, Dom’s decades of experience have seen him work as a DJ, producer, composer and sound designer.
    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.
    John Canning

    John Canning

    BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production Module Leader
    John is an electronic music expert and DIY synth builder who loves learning from students almost as much as he loves teaching them.
    Liam O'Mullane

    Liam O'Mullane

    BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production Module Leader
    Liam is one of our Ableton Live Certified Trainers, whose passion for all things music takes him down countless creative ‘rabbit-holes’.
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      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

      Graduates of the electronic music production degree will possess a diverse range of skills that have applications across the creative industries. For many, working as a music producer is the most obvious route, but your skills will easily transfer into such as producing sound for film, apps and games; mixing and mastering in a studio environment; producing for radio broadcasts and more.

      Carreers

      Vibe generators and masters of mood, DJ / Producers mix and create music to deliver unforgettable dance-floor experiences.

      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

      Creative problem-solvers and playful thinkers, Sound Designers use audio to bring projects to life.

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        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
        Manchester
        W365
        J
        F33
        Plymouth
        W356
        E
        F33
        Bristol
        W355
        D
        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.

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