Home Courses Creative Industries BA (Hons) Audio Production and Music Technologies
Students using recording studio

Record, engineer and produce music and audio projects in our professional recording studio

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P350
3 years Full Time
Bognor Regis Campus

14th

for teaching quality

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

5th

for courses and lecturers

What Uni Student Choice Awards 2020

15th

for student satisfaction

Complete University Guide 2020

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Overview

Explore the technical, theoretical, and experiential elements of audio and music technologies

Learn to create professional-level audio projects

Our BA (Hons) Audio Production and Music Technologies degree gives you a thorough technical, theoretical, and experiential understanding in core audio and music technologies and industrial practice.

You will learn to:

  • Record, engineer, and produce music
  • Design sound for film, TV, and games
  • Compose music for the moving image
  • Create sample libraries
  • Understand studio technologies and infrastructure

Use industry-standard equipment and software

In your first year most of your learning will take place in the University’s Professional Recording Studio. Built around an SSL Duality Console, the studio features the very latest Pro Tools MTRX system, an extensive range of high-end outboard processing from Manley, Bricasti, Neve, API and Universal Audio, and ATC 5.1 monitoring.

You will learn in our professional Soho standard dubbing and grading suite during your second year, which features a large Avid S6 console, Pro Tools MTRX system, 4K projection and ATC monitoring which is Dolby Atmos capable.

You can also access a Mac Suite consisting of 26 iMacs which have Pro Tools, Cubase and Logic software, professional sample libraries from Spitfire Audio and Adobe Suite.

Learn from our expert and award-winning staff

Our team of dedicated, high-qualified professional practitioners and current industry figures, including award-winning directors, producers, actors, writers, editors and composers from across animation, film, TV, and games.

Join our collaborative community

Throughout your degree, you will collaborate with students across the Department of Creative Industries to gain an exceptional understanding of production practices and technology application, enhancing your vital employability skills.

Partnerships

As a part of the Department of Creative Industries you will benefit from our industry partnerships with companies including HyperX, DXRacer, Twitch, ARRI, and AVID, and be able to access to industry standard software such as Nuke, Maya and Houdini.

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The Course

Develop key technical skills and equipment knowledge to thrive in audio production

Year One

In your first year, you will spend much of your time in the recording studio working on acquiring professional recording techniques, learning how to use the SSL Duality console, the patchbay and Pro Tools DAW software.

You will also learn advanced sequencing and programming techniques, and the be introduced to the fundamentals of acoustics.

Year Two

Your second year expands your knowledge and skills in audio production and music technologies as you begin to branch out in music mastering, sound design, foley, ADR, sound engineering, and on-site recording.

Year Three

In your final year, you will undertake a final major project in the form of a portfolio of creative work, or a written research dissertation that acts as a culmination of your learning throughout your degree.

In addition, you will look to develop the your creative and technical skills in sound design and basic audio implementation for video games, audio post production, and film and TV.

This list is indicative and subject to future change.

Select a year

Fundamentals of Acoustics and Studio Technologies

This theoretical and technically-focused module introduces you to the fundamental principles of acoustics and their specific relevance to audio production and digital music technologies.

You will gain a intellectual framework for the practically-focused and applied modules in your first year.

The topics covered include:

  • The physics of sound
  • Harmonics
  • Timbre and tuning systems
  • Spatial and surround sound
  • Digital audio systems.

Pro Tools 101

This module introduces you to the de facto industry standard audio recording software found in professional recording studios and post-production facilities throughout the world.

Pro Tools 110

This module builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired in Pro Tools 101 and introduces you to more advanced and complex session creation and management, and more sophisticated audio processing, video handling, mixing and editing functionality.

The module also supports you in your operation of the recording studio on the Studio and Recording Techniques 2 module.

Upon completion of this module, you are encouraged to take the Avid Certified User: Pro Tools certification exam.

Sequencing and Programming

This practical module explores how music is created and produced ‘in-the-box’.

You will work in the hybrid studio and use a range of DAW software and virtual instruments including synthesizer emulations, ROMplers and sample players.

After being introduced to core sequencing techniques and automation processes, you will progress to the more advanced programming of orchestral samples and use notation software for facilitating live recording.

Studio and Recording Techniques 1

This practical module introduces you to the main functionality and primary operation of the Music Studio and a range of industry-standard studio recording techniques. You will be assessed through a portfolio of recordings, your ability to configure and prepare the studio and a studio setup plan.

Studio and Recording Techniques 2

This practical module builds on the core skills and techniques acquired in Studio and Recording Techniques 1 and explores more advanced functionality of the studio. You will increase your proficiency and experience in more complex recording methods. You will be assessed through a portfolio of recordings, your ability to configure and prepare the studio and a studio setup plan.

Field and Location Recording

During this practical module, you will develop the skills and specialist techniques required for recording sources in the field as well as actor dialogue and sound on set and location for film and TV productions.

You will work alongside peers and professionals to record dialogue and sound during the department’s commissioned short film.

Music Mastering

This practical module builds on the skills you gain in the Sound Engineering and Music Production module and explores the complex technical and creative post-production processes involved in mastering music for a variety of commercial output formats. You will be assessed by producing stereo and surround format masters.

Sound Design, ADR and Foley

In this module, you will explore the creative processes and core techniques that underpin and define the work of Sound designers, ADR recorders and Foley artists.

As part of this, you will examine:

  • when and why these professionals would be needed
  • how they design “sound-worlds” and “characters” to match movements and interactions
  • the creation of sounds for productions set in the future, imaginary remote planets, or featuring fictional creatures.

Sound Engineering and Music Production

This practical double module develops and extends the studio and recording techniques you developed in previous modules.

Through this, the module explores the more advanced creative skills and technical processes required to prepare, engineer and produce recorded music to a commercially viable standard.

Synthesis and Sampling

As part of your career in the music and recording industry you could design and program patches for hardware and software synthesizers and create custom sample libraries for commercial release.

This module explores key synthesis methods and uses hardware and software synthesizers and core sampling techniques to prepare you for more advanced, project-based work in this area in your final year.

Assessments

You will be assessed through a project where you design and construct an instrument in Kontakt, and a practical exam in a music studio.

Live Sound Engineering

This practical module builds upon key skills acquired in the Sound Engineering and Music Production module and explores the advanced creative skills and technical processes required to prepare, manage and engineer live music events to a commercially viable standard.

Advanced Sampling Project

This project-based module will build on the techniques and skills you gained during in the Synthesis and Sampling module. You will explore sampling technologies and practices and design a commercially viable sampled instrument library.

Audio for Video Games

This practical module develops your creative and technical skills in sound design and basic audio implementation specifically for video games, as well as covers the creation of a broad range of sound assets and audio related content.

You are also introduced to industry standard middleware, which enables sound designers to implement their assets in game.

You can take either this module or the ‘Advanced Sampling Project’ module.

Audio Post-Production

This practical module builds upon key skills acquired in the Sound Engineering and Music Production, Mastering Music, and Sound Design, ADR and Foley modules and explores the complex technical and creative post-production processes involved in ‘dubbing’ or ‘mixing’ sound and music for film and TV.

Specialist Project or Research Project

In this independent, project-driven, module, you have the opportunity to pursue your own enthusiasms and specialisms. This will usually take the form of a portfolio of creative work or a written research project.

Studio Infrastructures, IT and Design

This module aims to build significantly upon the theoretical knowledge acquired at Level 4 in Virtual Studio Technologies and Fundamentals of Acoustics, and practical studio experience gained throughout the BA thus far.

Delivered with input from one of our industry partners, the module explores the industrial approaches and methodologies involved in the research, planning, design, technical specification and ultimate construction of professional hybrid studios.

Group work is used to simulate industrial working practices and prepare students for potential routes to employment within this part of the music technology and design industry.

Collaborative Project

The Creative and Digital Technologies Department is founded on the principle of collaborative practice and actively encourages students to work across disciplines in the creation of film and related media content.

This double module allows BA Audio Production and Music Technology students to work alongside their colleagues on the Digital Film Production course as part of a tight-knit production team.

Here, you will take charge of the sound and music related roles on the Dissertation Film Project: on-set and on-location sound recording; sound design, ADR and Foley; score composition; and the production of the final audio dub.

Teaching and Assessment

Feel the support of our experienced and expert staff

Teaching

You will be taught by a range of experts in audio-based technologies from composers to recording engineers.

Our commitment to smaller class sizes allows you to feel more confident to discuss your ideas in a supportive environment and allows your tutors get to know you and how best to aid your development.

Classes include lectures, seminars, skills sessions, technical classes and practical workshops. You will need to complete independent study outside scheduled teaching and will take on practical individual and group work throughout your degree.

Meet programme coordinator Professor Stephen Baysted

Stephen Baysted

Professor of Film, TV and Games Composition

Award-winning British Film, TV and Video Game composer Stephen Baysted is well known for his versatility and for his emotionally charged and expressively powerful music.

Stephen’s acclaimed music scores have been enjoyed by viewers and players worldwide in a succession of award-winning films, TV programmes and video games, including the multi-award-winning Project Cars franchise.

Assessment

You will be assessed using a range of assignments, including:

  • Written coursework
  • Practical coursework
  • Practical examination
  • Presentations (screenings and auditions)
  • Portfolio and project work

Experience

Discover industry standard software and equipment

Discover our £35 million Tech Park

Our Bognor Regis Campus boasts the £35m Tech Park and brings together science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics courses on one state-of-the-art site.

Facilities include:

  • SSL Duality Console
  • Pro Tools MTRX system
  • An extensive range of Manley high-end outboard processing
  • Bricasti, Neve, API and Universal Audio
  • ATC 5.1 monitoring
  • Avid S6 console
  • Soho standard dubbing and grading suite
  • 26 iMacs with Pro Tools, Cubase and Logic software
  • Professional sample libraries from Spitfire Audio and Adobe Suite

Seize professional networking opportunities

The University of Chichester’s Tech Park has played host to several high-profile recording sessions for feature films, TV dramas and video games.

Students from our BA (Hons) Audio Production and Music Technologies course are often involved in the recording, assisting the sound engineers with the complex studio and microphone setups, and gaining invaluable experience working in a high-pressure commercial context with leading industry practitioners.

Our ability as a university to host such high-profile commercial projects really does make our courses, and the wider opportunities we can offer you, unique.

Poppy Audio Production

Poppy

BA (Hons) Audio Production and Music student
"The state-of-the-art facilities in the Tech Park are all up to industry standards and really are second to none. The fact that all the courses are based within the same building means it’s really easy to collaborate with students from across the Creative Industries. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to work as a boom operator on a couple of film projects that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to. All my lecturers are very kind and are always there to answer any questions I might have or help me out when I need it. I feel that, as a student, my voice is heard and that staff are always willing to listen. I really love the fact that Chichester is a smaller university - seeing people that I know around the campus, being able to give them a wave, has really made me feel at home here."

Study Abroad

Explore the opportunity to study part of your course abroad

As a student at the University of Chichester, you can explore opportunities to study abroad during your studies as you enrich and broaden your educational experiences.

Students who have undertaken this in the past have found it to be an amazing experience to broaden their horizons, a great opportunity to meet new people, undertake further travelling and to immerse themselves within a new culture.

You will be fully supported throughout the process to help find the right destination institution for you and your course. We can take you through everything that you will need to consider, from visas to financial support, to help ensure that you can get the best out of your time studying abroad.

Careers

Graduate ready for a range of audio careers

Music technology and audio production are used across the creative industries in games, film, TV, advertising and more. This degree will introduce you to a range of audio careers as you develop the technical, creative, and industrial skills you will need to success in audio post-production.

You could work in: 

  • Professional recording studios
  • Video games studios
  • Gaming
  • TV and film
  • Advertising

Josh

BA (Hons) Audio Production and Music Technologies graduate
Once I had gradated I very quickly started work for EMG UK as a Technical Assistant. The BA in Audio Production and Music Technologies at Chichester has proven invaluable both in relation to my current role and future career paths within the company. The commercial events I had the opportunity to work on in University's Tech Park gave me the confidence to apply for a more technical position, and provided many talking points during my interview. Having an audio production degree will allow me to quickly specialise as an Audio Guarantee for EMG, responsible for delivering sound for live TV broadcasts. After working at EMG for just 3 months, I’m already going out on production in Southampton to work as a Tech Assist for BBC's Match Of The Day."

Further study

You could decide to continue your studies to postgraduate level.

Our postgraduate degrees include: 

  • MA Screen Acting
  • MA Composition for Film, TV and Games
  • PGCE
  • PhD Research

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

Course Costs

Course Fees 2024/25

UK fee
£9,250
International fee
£15,840

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fee page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Entry Requirements

Typical offers (individual offers may vary):

UCAS
104-112
tariff points from A levels or combination with AS / EPQ / BTEC/ Cambridge Technical.
A Levels
BBC-BCC
BTEC/Cambridge Technical
DMM-MMM
Access to HE Diploma
Pass
IB
28 points
IELTS
6.0
with no element lower than 5.5.

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