Audio Production BA (Hons)

At Level 4, you will acquire a solid foundation in basic audio skills and audio production aesthetics.

Induction and study support equip you for degree-level study, while regular tutor contact with core programme staff ensures that you are guided in developing core skills and a critical and aesthetic framework.

Much of your learning will be through practical activities, where you will be encouraged to both ‘think’ and ‘do’. Lectures and seminars deliver basic principles and knowledge that underpin practical audio work. You will consolidate this through independent study.

Typical studio and live production paths and workflows will be covered (such as audio recording, mixing and mastering, or designing and running a live audio event), as well as alternative and experimental approaches that have become increasingly common with the assistance of the rapid technological advances (for example, music production, digital audio).

Topics covered typically include, but are not limited to:

• Basic sound theory
• Signal flow
• Live and studio audio production workflows
• Audio systems and formats
• Digital and analogue audio
• Audio processing and mixing

At Level 5, you will engage critically with the principles and concepts involved in audio production and place those principles within critical contexts.

You can tailor your learning through the choice of areas of study, according to your interests and ambitions by choosing two out of three available options:

• Technology
• Music
• Sound design

You can select areas of interest within the broader audio and music production context. You will take on practical projects in either simulated or real-life professional projects and productions.

At this level, you can negotiate projects, placements or roles on events or productions, to help you prepare for professional practice in your chosen areas of interest. You will further develop a greater sense of personal and professional responsibility.

At Level 6, you are expected to be a self-directed learner and select a technological or creative pathway which will lead you to either a BSc or BA qualification, while regular tutorials associated with specific projects will guide you and ensure that your learning is appropriately contextualised. Placements and the study of a variety of industry contexts will enable you to assess the appropriateness of different approaches to given situations.

You will have shown you can:

• Engage with and analyse the principles and concepts involved in audio production
• Employ advanced techniques, practices and processes
• Reflect critically on your own performance within a professional context, relating it to the work of others and your development as an adaptable practitioner
• Demonstrate readiness for the world of work and an understanding of the contexts within which your chosen field exists
• Complete a major research project relevant to audio production

In your first year, you will complete around 270 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 930 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Exam; Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios.

In your second year, you will complete around 260 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 940 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios.

In your third year, you will complete around 60 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1140 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios.

Audio Production Programme Specification