Music and Sound Production
WW37Does 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.
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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
WW37
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,535
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
This module introduces the various skills required to record music in professional recording studio environments providing students with a foundation in techniques including:
- Microphone theory practical and techniques
- Multi-track Recording
- Analogue and Digital Recording Principles
- Digital Audio Workstations
- Recording Studio Workflow
- Using the recording studio safely and in compliance with Health and Safety regulations
- Hybrid Recording Workflow
Students will study the practice of analogue recording techniques, developing portfolios that demonstrate a both command of the recording studio within analogue and digital domains alongside developing skills in mixing multitrack recordings. Students will be expected to follow technical briefs and reflect upon the work they have done with insight and understanding.
This module focuses on the design of sound in the context of modern production environments such as interactive applications and computer game audio. Students will explore broader theories of design thinking alongside lectures that explore the sonic characteristics whilst also contextualising the application of concepts to different media outputs beyond purely musical production.
Consideration of implementation and the cohesiveness of sonic works are paramount in this field of practice. Concepts of more general designed sound will be explored before discussion of game sound, interactive installation and non-linear applications and within a changing industry. 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 designs to brief.
This module explores innovative and resourceful approaches to music production outside of traditional studio environments. Students will investigate the acoustic ‘real world’ properties of diverse spaces and instrumentation, experiment with microphone techniques, and engage with field recording and audio-based bedroom production workflows. Alongside this, students will study the history and context of digital and electronic music, exploring key artists and trends and how sequencing and sampling work in modern workflows. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience in sound acquisition, digital composition, and manipulation of virtual instruments. Through individual projects, students will produce a diverse portfolio, combining robust field recordings and contrasting digital compositions, demonstrating both technical proficiency and creative versatility.
Building on skills developed in earlier modules, this module focuses on the practical and applied aspects of music production, including arrangement, mixing, and session management within a DAW environment. Students will refine their workflows, developing technical proficiency in synthesis, sound design, and resampling while addressing the stylistic and aesthetic demands of electronic music genres. Through hands-on tasks, students will explore creative approaches to arrangement, balance technical precision in mixing, and learn to manage production sessions efficiently. Emphasis is placed on delivering polished, professional results that align with contemporary industry standards.
Modules
This module builds on the foundational studio-based recording skills at level 4 by exploring the use of the recording studio as a creative environment, as well as a technical space and the role of the producer as a creative professional with a sonic signature. 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.
This module explores the world of post-production sound design for film and moving images, providing students with the knowledge and practical understanding required to carry out an effective piece of work in this specialist field. Students will gain an understanding of how multi-modal sensory information competes or combines, altering a viewer’s interpretation of sound when placed alongside the moving image. Theories such as Gestalt will be discussed as both an explanation of perception phenomenon and as a conceptual tool used by sound designers to exploit psychoacoustics. Alongside this, more purely practical techniques and strategies will be taught such as Foley & ADR recording; where they sit in the film sound industry and how one accommodates them in a studio, as well as the basics of on-location sound recording for capturing authentic audio at the source. Students will show their mastery of these theoretical and practical skills by designing sound for a short video sequence provided by the lecturer.
This module explores the creative and technical processes of game audio production, emphasizing the aesthetic and interactive elements that define sound in video games. Students will engage with the principles of non-linear sound design, dynamic audio systems, and collaborative workflows, creating bespoke audio assets tailored to a shared project. Through hands-on activities, including a formative game-jam-style exercise, students will examine game aesthetics, player experience, and the role of sound in immersive environments. The module emphasizes iterative prototyping, collaboration, and gaining insights into middleware tools, fostering both technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of sound’s contribution to interactive media.
This module introduces students to the technical and logistical challenges of working in live sound environments, requiring them to design, install, and operate sound systems for live events. Students will develop their ability to manage live audio systems competently and safely, considering the unique demands of working with performers, technical staff, and audiences. Emphasis is placed on pre-production planning, risk assessment, and health and safety protocols, ensuring students can address the complexities of live events effectively. Alongside this, students will undertake a practical skills assessment, demonstrating their ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot live sound systems under realistic conditions. Through the creation of a comprehensive portfolio, students will further showcase their understanding of technical specifications, control measures, and industry-standard documentation required for professional live sound operations.
Modules
This module provides a structured and scaffolded framework for students to develop their Final Major Project, focusing on the conceptual, methodological, and practical groundwork necessary for a professional-level output. Through pitching, prototyping, and critical reflection, students will refine their ideas, iterate their creative approaches, and align their work with industry standards. By emphasizing the development process, the module supports the production phase of their major project, enabling students to produce work that is well-planned, contextually informed, and technically proficient. Students will demonstrate their ability to justify creative decisions, critically analyse outcomes, and apply professional methodologies to their practice.
This module represents the culmination of your studies, challenging you to produce a professional-level project that aligns with industry standards and reflects your development as a creative practitioner. Students will produce a considerable piece of work, such as an album of multitrack recordings, a portfolio of sound design, a performance (live/recorded) portfolio, or project showcasing an area of audio/visual media production which interests them. The nature and exact specifications of the project are decided by negotiation between the student and supervisor and approved via proposal.
This module challenges students to explore advanced techniques in recording, production, and mastering while fostering creative innovation and professional rigour. Students will design and develop bespoke production tools, such as unique audio effects, impulse recordings, or instruments, and apply these tools in practical projects. The module emphasizes mastering and restoration with deliverables tailored to online platforms, sync licensing, and immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Students will collaborate with real-world clients focusing on high-quality outputs that balance artistic vision and industrial requirements documenting their creative processes and technical decisions in detailed process reports. This approach ensures students gain practical expertise, creative fluency, and a clear understanding of industry standards, preparing them for a variety of professional contexts in music and sound production.
Student employability, post-graduation, is a primary feature of this module. The module gives students the opportunity to work on two separate music production projects. The first assignment provides an opportunity for students to respond to an external live brief relating directly to the student’s own aspirations in either; record production, film or video sound, composition, songwriting, student led workshops, live sound recording et al. The assignment will allow learners to realise the key 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 and/or workshopping skills to benefit their chosen communities.
Lectures in the second part of the module place employability at the core and 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 self-employed business environments are explored, before devising individual business plans that relate to the learners’ individual music production interests within the broader creative arts industries. Students will also explore different strategies towards promoting their work within these industrial contexts and explore the ways in which contemporary musicians and artists navigate different audiences, clients and employers. Students will develop enhanced curriculum vitae in preparation for ongoing employment opportunities.
Entry requirements
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.
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 6.0 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.
2025/6 Course Tuition Fees
UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
---|---|---|
Year 1* | £9,535 | £16,700 |

Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
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 £79.45 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. 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 £7,145
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.
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

“I love everything about being a Music student. The space here is just amazing and we get to meet leading professionals from the industry.”
