A MUSIC PRODUCTION DEGREE FOR THOSE SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING GREAT MUSIC
For audio producers, sound engineers, multi-instrumentalists, and original music creators looking to produce outstanding music for the commercial market.
The BA (Hons) Professional Music (Production) degree at WaterBear has been designed to provide you with the tools and motivation you’ll need to fulfil your music goals, realise your professional ambition and create consistently high-quality musical output. You can build your own music projects and activity into the course, and like all degree courses at WaterBear, it gives you the perfect blend of artistic freedom alongside practical strategies to forge a solid career in music.
Whether your goal is to become an independent artist, professional musician, entrepreneur, or build a diverse portfolio career, you’ll engage in a comprehensive and flexible learning experience designed to support your strengths, interests and your professional, artistic, and academic development.
Join us this September in Brighton or Sheffield. To find out more, apply today.
Select the links below for individual module study on this course.
Modules
LEVEL 4
Creating innovative music is the lifeblood of this course. This module is about getting your chops together to create and produce great music and find a sound that represents you as an individual. This is me today, and this is where I want to go.
Weekly timetabled classes include Composition with Technology, The Art of Production, Recording and Capture and Production Tools. This module is assessed via the submission of a demo recording that showcases your best work, with supporting narrative to reflect on the process and result.
This module deals with the music industry, past and present. Exciting case studies of artists that have made an important contribution to music. How did they do it? And how can you employ these insights into your own music projects, right now?
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Navigating the Music Industry. Assessment is a case study of contrasting business models within the music industry.
Building on the Your Music Production module, this is all about expanding your skills and abilities. Pushing the boundaries of composition and production techniques, and producing experimental, original work. The direction you take your music is controlled by you.
Weekly timetabled classes include Technology in Music, Production Techniques, Audio Lab and Art of the Remix. This module is assessed via the submission of demo recordings that
showcase your best contrasting work, with supporting narrative to reflect on the process and result.
Creating your individual career plan, with careful design and thorough testing. You will develop knowledge of current music industry practice to create career plans that are a). realistic and b). achievable.
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Your Strategy. Assessment is via a report to identify a viable, personalised career model.
LEVEL 5
Time to Stop, reflect and consider: Who exactly are you? Competent producers can create and produce music to a decent standard, but a real artist stands for so much more. Lots more in terms of music creation, production and live sound in this module.
Weekly timetabled classes include Production Techniques, The Art of Mixing and Mastering, Live Sound and Sonic Art. This module is assessed via the submission of studio or live recordings, with supporting case study analysis to illustrate your key influences.
Now’s the time for the rehearsal and practice to stop and for you to show the world what you’re made of. Working to put on shows and events. From live streams, gigs, conferences, performances and music events, to a fully-fledged national tour. It’s all fair game.
Weekly timetabled classes include Project Management and Your Events. Assessment is via a live event that you will curate. The scale and scope of the event is up to you.
This module will push you to expand your music and creativity into new and ground-breaking environments. Different methods of recording, innovative production techniques, new ways of creating. You’ll use this as inspiration to create a wide range of original material.
Weekly timetabled classes include Pre-Production and Performance & Realisation. There will also be optional advanced production classes for those wanting to push their ability to the next level.
This module is assessed via the submission of studio or live recordings that showcase your innovation, with accompanying programme notes, innovation pitch and press release.
In this business-focussed module, you’ll bring all your creative faculties to the table to create innovative new business models for the future music industry.
Weekly timetabled classes include Innovation in Project Management and Innovation in Music Business. Assessment is via a business plan submission designed to illustrate an innovative and viable new business idea.
level 6
Having thought about what to do for that final project, you’ll now need to prepare for it. This is where that work will be done, and the process documented. You’ll be getting plenty of mentoring and guidance too, so don’t worry.
There will be Digital Presence classes alongside special focus practical development workshops to help you further your project. There is one weekly timetabled class common to all pathways associated with this module – Project Portfolio Management. There will also be optional Songwriting & Production classes for those wanting to push their ability to the next level.
Assessment in this module is via the submission of Preparation Portfolio, including proposals, timeline and rationale.
In creating this specialist report as a dissertation, you’ll be honing your academic chops as you undertake formal research. You’ll also be preparing the ground for your ambitious final project in the Professional Project module.
There is one weekly timetabled class common to all pathways associated with this module entitled Specialist Report. The Specialist Report assessment will take the form of a research project paper focussed on a specific area relevant to today’s music scene.
Your final major project is the springboard into your creative future. You are encouraged to be practical and realistic, but also ambitious and to challenge yourself. There is no limit to where you can take this or what you can do. Anything is possible.
Weekly class time to support this module will take the form of regular group tutorials, to monitor progress against deadline. There will also be optional advanced songwriting and production classes that continue for those wanting further time developing their technique. Assessment in this module is via the submission of a Portfolio of work and project outcomes, contextual presentation of work and next steps career strategy.
*Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. Any changes affecting students’ expected programme delivery are communicated in advance. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Programme Manager.
FAQs
Success as an audio producer starts with developing the technical skills required to unlock creative potential. It’s also about working collaboratively and developing the confidence and ability to communicate what’s in your head. Every week, in our mac labs or recording studios, you’ll be honing your audio production skills, sound engineering techniques, compositional skills, and expanding your creativity. You’ll be able to showcase your music live on stage in a real music venue, or in the studio. In your business classes, you’ll learn all you need to know about the realities of being a professional producer in today’s music industry. There are also regular networking events, masterclasses, collaboration and work opportunities so you can build your all-important contacts list.
This course is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries.
Integrated Foundation Year option: There is also the option to study this course over 4 years, which includes an integrated foundation year.
If you’re one or more of the following, this course is for you:
- Audio producer
- Studio engineer
- Sound designer
- Sound editor
- Composer
- Multi-instrumentalist
Every producer at WaterBear has their own story to tell and their own path to follow. We provide a supportive, safe environment for you to experiment and create. You’ll also develop a tailored career plan to support your personal goals and ambitions.
Each academic year of the BA (Hons) 3-year course consists of 2 study blocks of 15 weeks each. The time each week you’ll spend in teaching and learning activities can be broken down as follows:
Timetabled classes:
In each study block, you’ll spend the majority of your structured learning activity in timetabled classes. You’ll also get access to all your module content prior to your timetabled classes via WaterBear’s dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so you can prepare for your classes in advance.
1-1 Mentoring sessions:
Alongside your weekly classes, you’ll get access to WaterBear’s 1-1 mentoring programme, your gateway to bespoke expert advice as and when you need it. Bookable meetings with seasoned pros, experts across a wide range of fields, where you’ll receive tailored support and guidance in three key areas: music industries, musical development and academic achievement. What you focus on is entirely up to you — the mentoring programme is designed to support your own personal journey.
Asynchronous online learning:
As well all the digital content linked to your chosen course, you’ll get access to all other content for every other degree course at WaterBear, via our Canvas VLE. That’s a huge library of information you can dive into to expand your own learning experience and gain knowledge in other areas and subjects that may interest you.
Other activities:
You’ll be able to book free time in professional recording and rehearsal studios, attend additional optional classes in areas like music photography, videography, content creation, music theory, self-development, and music management. There are also social events, clubs and societies, live gigs and performances, virtual meetups, networking opportunities, industry development weeks, industry conferences, record label showcases, songwriting camps and various kinds of other activities to explore.
In summary, regular teaching and learning activities include:
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- One-to-one mentoring
- Student forums
- Assignments, assessments, and feedback sessions
- Live performances and gigs
- Special events and conferences
- Peer collaboration via Canvas VLE
- Free recording time in professional studios
- Free rehearsal time in professional studios
- Masterclasses and clinics
- Work experience
- Networking
This BA (Hons) Professional Music (Production) course is designed to develop careers in:
- Audio / visual production
- Music production and engineering
- Music education
- Digital content creation
- Technical support
- General music industry work
- Studio recording
- Live sound engineering
- Music composition
Initial applications for the BA (Hons) 3-yr on-site and 2-yr online options can be made via the Apply Now button below.
You can also apply directly via UCAS using the links below.
BA (Hons) Professional Music (Production) UCAS course codes are as follows:
Brighton
Course code: W373
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Brighton
Campus code: W
UCAS course application page
Sheffield
Course code: W379
Institution code: F33
Campus name: WaterBear, Sheffield
Campus code: L
UCAS course application page
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 session, either in person or by video conference. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements and career goals.
Falmouth University Terms and Conditions can be found at https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/student-regulations.
The course tuition fee for the 3-yr BA (Hons) is £9,535 for each year of the programme. UK residents may be eligible for undergraduate tuition fee and maintenance loans.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The College may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. For more information on fees and finance, please visit Falmouth’s tuitions fees page here.
We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 applicant session, either in person or by video call. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements and career goals.
As a guide, we require A Levels (or in combination with AS / EPQ / BTEC / RSL / Cambridge Technical / etc.) equal to a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff Points (BTEC / Cambridge Technical DMM, RSL Extended Diploma at Merit / Distinction), or international equivalent.
After graduating, you will have a number of routes to further study available, including the MA Music Performance, Production & Business, MA Songwriting, MA Music Education and MA Music Business courses at WaterBear, and other postgraduate specialist programmes.
There is also the option to study this course over 4 years, which includes an integrated foundation year.
This course is available to international applicants if they are based in the UK with a settled status (no restrictions on how long you can stay). This course is not available to those located outside of the UK. Alternative options available to international applicants include our range of online 2-year distance learning degree courses. See pages (xx-xx) for more information.
Language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to achieve equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of equivalent approved tests too. Visit the English Language Requirements page of the Falmouth University website for more information. https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements.
In order to get the most out of the BA (Hons) Professional Music (Production) course, it is essential that you have regular access to the correct resources. Having your own equipment will provide maximum flexibility to support both your college and personal project work.
Essential basics:
- Your instrument (instrumentalists)
- Expendables (strings, sticks, picks, leads, etc.)
- Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, manuscript paper, etc.) (Purchase cost around £20)
- Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.) (Purchase cost around £250-£400)
- DAW software (Purchase cost around £50-£100)
- USB memory stick (Purchase cost around £10)
- Reliable Internet connection
We recommend:
- Computer (laptop / desktop) capable of running DAW, audio interface, plug-ins and A/V processing software (recommended 8-16GB RAM, 7,200 RPM Hard Drive, 8MB buffer, 1TB hard drive (Purchase cost around £600-£800)
- Reliable, high speed Internet connection
- Professional DAW software (ProTools, Logic, Cubase, Ableton, etc.) (Purchase cost around £200-£450)
- External hard drive (Purchase cost around £25-£50)
- Dynamic microphone(s) (e.g. Shure SM57 / SM58) (Purchase cost around £80-£100)
- Audio interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) (Purchase cost around £100-£200)
- Headphones (e.g. Sennheiser HD 200, Beyerdynamic DT770) (Purchase cost around £75-£150)
We offer various scholarships and bursaries, which can be applied for by anyone studying related courses at WaterBear. Our scholarships are reviewed yearly, with applications generally opening 3-6 months prior to the course starting. Scholarship awards generally cover the cost of all course tuition fees.
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Life at WaterBear
A collection of some of the best moments submitted by artists and musicians on and off campus.
OUR MUSIC DEPARTMENTS
As a musician and artist, your environment and community are key to your growth. We provide creative learning spaces, expert teaching, and world-class facilities to help you thrive.
