FdA Music and Sound Production

Modules within the course will cover the following topics:

Sound Creation and Recording.

Live Sound

Audio Electronics

Experimental music

Music and Society

Analgoue Recording

Mixing and Mastering

Music for Media

There will also be elements of music theory, tutorials and music analysis. 

FdA Music and Sound Production is a two-year course that provides students with the creative and technical knowledge required to build a career in music production. The course primarily engages the student with technology but is intended to provide opportunities for any suitably qualified candidate with an interest in writing / producing / collaborating in music production. The course will provide a wide range of music production experiences to support future employment / self-employment in a variety of roles.  

The course connects the practice of music and sound production to theoretical contexts, exploring historical and cultural elements that inform current practice. With guidance, students will build critical awareness of concepts in production and practical skills so that they may realise their full potential both as independent artists and as integral members of a production team. Through a programme of listening, students will improve their awareness of different music styles and genres. 

The mix of project work, as independent creatives, collaborators and practitioners working to meet the needs of others, will build capacity and work-flow strategies that prepare the student for entry into professional work or further study.

The course aims to help students to become culturally aware and socially able practitioners with a range of skills and experience that makes them valuable and effective in the professional world of music and sound production. 

Entry requirements

• UCAS Tariff - 48 points

  All applicants should have level 3 qualifications including at least one ‘creative’ subject.   Applicants who fall outside of this tariff may be considered. 

The course is taught in English. Academic IELTS overall score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in each band (reading, writing, speaking, listening). If students are joining the course from outside of the UK it is likely that they will require a visa.

Assessment method

Summative Assignments.

Each unit is assessed separately, and the assessment forms part of the unit.

Assessment both provide a measure of your achievement, and also gives you regular feedback on how your learning is developing. For every unit of your course, we will inform you of what you are expected to learn; what you have to submit; how your work will be assessed; and the deadline for presenting your work for assessment. 

In the last term of the course there will be work-experience projects either through offeres from external partners or through searches carried out by the students themselves. 

The majority of graduating students choose to top-up their FdA to a full BA (hons).

Employment within the music industry is commonly freelance with something like 75% of practitioners being registered self-employed, it is therefore anticipated that students will largely begin their career development through self-employment.

Tuition fees

£7,750 per academic year

Students who are eligible, can apply for a student loan via Student finance login - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) to cover the cost of the tutiton fees.

International Fees 

We currently do not offer this course to International applicants due to UKVI regulations.

By the end of the course you will be able to...

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the intellectual, imaginative and practical skills needed for the creation of music and in response to briefs where music is required to meet a client’s need.

• Demonstrate and articulate your understanding of the relationships between different genres, trends and histories and a clear sense of where your own professional strengths lie and how you intend to launch your career in the industry.

• Communicate your ideas both in both a verbal and practical way.

• Articulate your understanding of the complex nature of music production, the forms that this may take and the target audience that you wish to reach.

• Collaborate with others effectively in the realisation of a performative and/or participative event within or across disciplines.

• Extend academic learning as an independent, self-reflective and creative practitioner, fully prepared for professional environments or postgraduate study.

Awarding Body:
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)

Curriculum Area:
Creative and Digital Industries - Music