BA (Hons)

Music and Sound Production

WW37

Does professional studio recording and sound design thrill you? Are you seeking to push audio boundaries, discover emerging musical trends or forge new collaborations with musicians and creative artists? You can achieve all this and more on our Music and Sound Production programme, which is designed to provide you with an in-depth exploration of music and sound’s role in the convergent media industries of today enabling you to become the professional you want to be. 

Students in the studio

Course overview

We believe that you learn best by doing, so over the duration of the course you not only develop a robust portfolio but the skill set needed to enter the workplace. 

Rated 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2025 (CUG, 2024)

This course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the music production industry and to help you to develop a wide range of technical production skills. There’s an emphasis on creativity and modules are structured to allow you to explore your own creative interests as you refine your professional practice. 

Year 1 allows you to experience the breadth of opportunities available in Music production, establishing a strong technological and theoretical foundation in production methods and delivery formats. Core modules include Studio Recording, Sound Design Environments and Guerrilla Recording. 

Year 2 helps to hone your abilities through specialist modules as you learn how to create and manage live events, music videos and become record producers. The course structure continues to build theoretical and practical understanding while developing your creativity, technical skills and professionalism. Core modules include The Art of Record Production, Film Sound, Game Sound and Live Sound. 

In Year 3, you develop as a confident professional. The defining activity of this year are the Final Major Projects, which will become the centrepiece of your portfolio. You are encouraged to explore your specialisation and produce an original piece of work to a professional industry standard, such as an album of multitrack recordings, a portfolio of sound design, a performance portfolio or a project exploring an area of audio/visual media production of interest to you.

You are expected to push your creative ability to the limit and are supported throughout with tutorials and professional development, together with modules designed to enhance your professionalism, portfolio and employability. 

On graduation, you can seek work equipped with a strong foundation in sound for all aspects of media, a deep knowledge of technological and industrial practice and an understanding of how sound contributes to television, film and radio. Graduates find employment in key areas such as studio-based engineering, sound design and composition as well as production opportunities within broadcast, film and theatre.

Accreditation

Accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES). This programme is seeking to renew this accreditation during 2022/23.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years

Apply

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Typical offer

104-120 points

Fees

From £9,250

Course features

  • Establish a strong theoretical and technical foundation alongside your unique creative output
  • Access our superbly equipped Multimedia Centre featuring industry standard multi-track recording studios and facilities for mixing, post-production and broadcast
  • Push your ability to produce studio recordings, digital music and sound design
  • Top 10 in the UK for Music in The Guardian's Best Universities 2022
  • Expert academic support in modules designed to enhance your professionalism, portfolio and employability 
  • Accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES)

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.                 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 264 hours
  • Independent learning: 936 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
  • Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
  • Teaching, learning and assessment: 132 hours
  • Independent learning: 1068 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course. 

Teaching hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:
  • 72% coursework
  • 6% written exams
  • 22% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
  • 80% coursework
  • 0% written exams
  • 20% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
  • 100% coursework
  • 0% written exams
  • 0% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Further information

For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Studio Recording 30 Credits

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and skills essential for successful audio recording in studio environments serving as a crucial foundation for students pursuing degrees in audio engineering, music production, or related fields. Practical sessions will focus on microphone placement and the importance of capturing sound sources accurately. Emphasis will be placed on developing technical proficiency in operating recording equipment and studio gear. Students will gain hands-on experience with consoles, preamplifiers, compressors, and equalizers, building a solid understanding of signal flow and the audio chain. The module covers both analogue and digital recording workflows, exposing students to the historical context and evolution of recording technologies.

Sound Design Environments 30 Credits

This module sees students working with sound as medium for experience design, immersion and storytelling. The nature of user experience design and sonic environments will be explored alongside the unique properties of sound such as weight, duration, pitch, timbre, texture and envelope. Consideration of implementation and the cohesiveness of the overall sonic work are paramount in this field of practice and students will have an opportunity to work creating original immersive audio for a client brief that demonstrates specificity of design and consciousness of end user. The relative merits of separate production workflows, integrated development environments and middleware will be investigated alongside a more traditional approach. Students will then be expected to work with dynamic and layered production processes to create original audio for a client brief in sound installation and applications. Classes with cover ideas such as ecoaocoustics, design thinking and user experience alongside concepts of more general designed sound and the changing nature of the audio production team in this industry.

Guerilla Music Production 30 Credits

This interdisciplinary module seamlessly integrates the exploration of guerrilla music production with the fundamental principles of digital audio production. Students will explore the nuances of capturing sound in diverse environments, mastering microphone techniques for optimal results in challenging spaces. Practical workshops will extend their skills to 'pure audio,' encompassing acquisition, ingest, and editing, allowing experimentation with various production workflows, from bedroom production DAWs to field recording and sampling. Through a series of practical and theoretical workshops, students will learn contemporary production techniques utilising digital audio workstations for composition, mixing, and production. The module culminates in the creation of two contrasting pieces of music, where students showcase recording, production, and sequencing techniques learned throughout the course, reflecting an analytical approach to sound production.

Electronic Production Skills 30 Credits

This module explores fundamental techniques and technologics used in electronic production workflows. Throughout the lecture series, different stylistic approaches to composing digital music are detailed, exploring both history and the future of digital, and electronic, music. Teaching is formed through a series of workshops that are both practical and theoretical. These sessions will cover the history and social context of digital (and electronic) music genres, contemporary production techniques, and the use of digital audio workstations to compose, mix, and produce digital music. Others areas will be covered as best benefits the production of the assignments to a given brief. Technician and tutor support is given throughout the module. In all areas there is consideration of the over-arching production process including research, planning and preparation and critical review. Students will develop a portfolio of work that includes remixes, original works, synthesiser design and production templates that expresses the skills of a modern music producer. 

Modules

The Art of Record Production 30 Credits

This module builds on the student's knowledge of the recording studio and encourages its use as a creative environment, as well as a technical space. There is emphasis on advanced approaches to recording and using the recording studio to enhance musical phenomena. Practical workshops will provide students with advanced technological skills including multi-microphone arrays, use of space, advanced editing and mixing, and creative use of audio processing. Contextually students will explore the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of music production and explore how pioneering producers made creative and musical choices within the recording studio environment; as well as more unique approaches to recording and mixing.

Film Sound 30 Credits

This module explores the role sound and music play in shaping a viewers experience of the moving image complimenting, augmenting and even subverting the visuals. Lectures will detail how the emergence of sound in cinema radically altered the nature of film making and how the limitations of on set sound and the advent of advantageous processes such as Foley dubbing expanded to form the post production film industry. Time will also be devoted to the analysis and discussion of a viewer’s perception of sound against the moving image and how if understood it can be used to simplify the mix and steer a listener’s attention. Whilst the practicalities of on location sound recording and versatility of 'screen' sounds will be explored  the module is fundamentally a studio-based module and the majority of teaching will take place in the studio. The focus is on recording and mixing for film. Studio sessions will relay the practicalities of Foley overdubs, Dialogue looping, sound effects design and may explore concepts of surround mixing.

Game Sound 30 Credits

This module immerses students in the essential concepts of game audio, emphasizing key skills in utilizing audio implementation middleware and integrating sound with game engines. Covering core aspects such as sound design and synchronization, spatialization, sound cues, dynamic sound objects, development processes, and storyboarding, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between sound and gameplay. The coursework guides students through the pre-production process of sound design, encouraging them to explore the challenges posed by dynamic sound design. Through essay writing, students critically engage with the problematic nature of dynamic sound design in video games, fostering a thoughtful analysis of its complexities. The practical component involves the development of a portfolio showcasing sound design for a specific game environment. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge and creativity to create immersive and impactful audio elements for games. By the end of the module, students emerge with a well-rounded skill set, prepared to contribute to the evolving field of video game sound design.

Live Sound 15 Credits

More information coming soon.

Optional Modules Credits

Music Video
This module focuses on the convergent media form of music video which combines music and sound with visuals that are often creative, abstract, stylised and experimental. The core of music video is having an achievable idea that will complement and promote a musical artist’s work. Concepts of virality will be explored and the delivery mechanisms discussed will be understood to exist in the online domain. However, the historical nature of music video television will also be analysed to provide a cultural and industrial context. With this in mind, students should be able to reflect upon existing music video and the extent to which they are successful in their production. This module aims to give production students a practical and theoretical understanding of making music video as a partner industry for music production.

Live Performance Composition
This module is designed around composing material with a technological mindset that reinforces and supports the nature of live music production and performance. Students will explore non linear workflows that allow for the construction of dynamic scenes, triggers, and responsive workflows before designing a set that showcases interactive playback systems. Technologies such as triggers, loops and interactive control will be discussed in designing a dynamic performance along with strategies for control, restraints and precise handling of audio objects. Students are expected to 'perform' their output live delivering a set that combines programming, automation and good design with the vitality of live performance. Students are also expected to reflect upon the development of this material with understanding of both technological aspects and the overall cohesiveness of staging and performance.

Modules

Final Major Project: Develop 30 Credits

This module focuses on the development phase of individual projects within the music production and performance industries. It is designed to meet the unique needs and aspirations of each student. Initial lectures offer comprehensive guidance on initiating and shaping a project and the emphasis is not only on the final production but on the strategic planning and systemic understanding of the music industry throughout the development process. While the module primarily centers around Extended Independent Study, key supervision sessions provide targeted support to ensure the projects are evolving effectively. The module will culminate with students presenting a professional project pitch, a meticulously researched proposal demonstrating a systemic understanding of the music production and performance industries. Introductory lectures will illuminate the concept of a major project and guide students on effective presentation methods, ensuring they are well-equipped to showcase their work within the industry. This module aims to cultivate the strategic thinking and professional communication necessary for success in the dynamic landscape of music projects.

Final Major Project: Produce 30 Credits

This module places a primary focus on the meticulous production of professional music and sound projects, such as albums, film sound design, or performance portfolios. Tailored to individual student needs, the content is designed to guide students through the entire production process, ensuring the creation of high-quality and industry-standard projects. Students traverse this project supported one-to-one by a supervisor. At the outset, supervisors will provide essential guidance on initiating and structuring the project, setting the foundation for successful execution. Throughout the module, tutorials are the primary contact method and are conducted to develop the practical element as well as monitor and enhance student progress. The module culminates in the presentation of a fully realized and professionally executed music project.  This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive landscape of music production.

Professional Production Project 30 Credits

This module gives students the opportunity to work on two seperate client led music production projects. The first will attend to an external brief relating directly to the students own aspirations (record production, film sound, composition, songwriting etc) whilst the second will expose them to the benefits of participating in teaching, community led or third sector ventures. Students are encouraged to engage with the ethos of a not for profit organisation and use their production skills to benefit the community at large. Lectures will introduce the terminology and workings of business environments to students before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Employment practices such as freelancing and workings of business environments are explored before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Students will also explore different strategies towards promoting their work in within these industrial contexts, and explore the ways in which contemporary musicians and artists navigate different audiences, clients and employers.

Music Industry Practice 30 Credits

This module gives students the opportunity to work on two seperate client led music production projects. The first will attend to an external brief relating directly to the students own aspirations (record production, film sound, composition, songwriting etc) whilst the second will expose them to the benefits of participating in teaching, community led or third sector ventures. Students are encouraged to engage with the ethos of a not for profit organisation and use their production skills to benefit the community at large. Lectures will introduce the terminology and workings of business environments to students before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Employment practices such as freelancing and workings of business environments are explored before relating them to the specifics of the music and creative industries. Students will also explore different strategies towards promoting their work in within these industrial contexts, and explore the ways in which contemporary musicians and artists navigate different audiences, clients and employers.

Entry requirements

104-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the optional costs for this course:

Mandatory

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

Optional

Field trip

Students have the option to attend the BVE Expo each year. Admission is free, but students are required to cover their travel costs. Indicative cost £10-50.

Technology

Short term loans of hard drives are provided by the loan counter but we recommend students come equipped with their own hard drive for the duration of the course. Indicative cost £50-80.

Equipment

Students choosing the optional module 'Interactive Sound and Music' are advised that it would be advantageous to purchase their own soldering iron. Indicative cost £20-80.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards

CAREER PROSPECTS

On graduation, you can seek work equipped with a strong foundation in sound for all aspects of media, a deep knowledge of technological and industrial practice and an understanding of how sound contributes to television, film and radio. Graduates find employment in key areas such as studio-based engineering, sound design and composition as well as production opportunities within broadcast, film and theatre.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and/or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
“I love everything about being a Music student. The space here is just amazing and we get to meet leading professionals from the industry.” Chelsea, BA (Hons) Popular Music student

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18 January 2025