BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Technology

• GCSE: For all applicants, Grade C or above, or Grade 4 under newly reformed GCSE grading, in English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent. Please note the University does not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
• A-level subjects: Music or Music Technology preferred; or one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computing / Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Statistics. Points from General Studies and AS-Level subjects (not taken on to full A-Level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-Levels.
• EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: Creative Media Production, Music or Music Technology preferred; or Aeronautical Engineering; Applied Science; Construction and the Built Environment; Electrical / Electronic Engineering; Engineering; Land-based Technology; Manufacturing Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; or Operations and Maintenance Engineering.
• Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; to include 30 level 3 credits at merit, of which 15 credits must be from Science or Technology subjects.
• Baccalaureate IB: To include a minimum grade of 5 in higher level Music preferred; or Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, Information Technology in a Global Society, Mathematics.

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

• Foundation Maths for Computing
• Professional and Communication Skills
• Computer Architecture
• Internet Systems
• Internet System Fundamentals
• Programme Design and Implementation
• Programming Project

Year 1

In your first year you will be introduced to the programming skills that you will continue to develop in subsequent years. This is especially important in terms of developing general problem solving and fundamental engineering skills. All first year audio and music technology students study fundamental music concepts, both in terms of the underpinning music theory and the appreciation of a range of musical styles.

• Introductory Audio Programming
• Audio Engineering
• Audio Technology
• Music Concepts and Web Publishing

Year 2

Your second year will contain some technological aspects of music but with an emphasis on creativity and the creative application of technology. Your work will move beyond basic recording techniques to the science and engineering of sound and the recording environment. You will also study how various musical instruments are engineered to produce their characteristic sound behaviour and how a range of audio signal processing systems are designed and implemented. You will also continue to develop skills in computer-based audio and music systems through developing sampler instruments, soundscape work and using sensors and controllers to manipulate audio and synthesis systems.

• Audio Process Design and Implementation
• Audio Recording
• Applied Audio Systems
• Pervasive Audio

In your third year, you will have the option of spending a year on a salaried placement. For students on placement, there is an opportunity to complete a professional practice module and be awarded 15 level 3 credits. The professional experience module is shown in the option list for the final year, but is actually completed during the year out.

Final Year

In your final year you will study acoustics and recording in depth, as well as the appreciation of audio for video and film. Module options allow you the freedom to develop your own particular specialisms. These options are likely to change, depending on staff interests, and in response to feedback from the music business. You will also undertake an individual final year project, which is a substantial body of work where you will expected to demonstrate your own particular talents, skills and passion for the subject area.

• Instrument Recording Investigation
• Music Technology Project
• Audio Post Production

Plus three of the following optional modules:

• Sonic Art
• Game Audio Programming
• Live Sound
• Audio for Games
• Software Development for Audio
• Advanced Performance
• Professional Experience