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Postgraduate

MA Music Production

Woman playing keyboard and smiling.
Composition Studio, London College of Communication.
College
London College of Communication Start date
September 2023 Course length
1 year 3 months full-time (45 weeks across a four-term model)

MA Music Production will prepare you for a career as a highly skilled producer of music and audio through 4 key areas: creative practice in music production; technical studio and production skills; historic, aesthetic and critical listening and research skills; and employability within the creative industries.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Creative practice in action: With structure, time and facilities to explore specialist production techniques, you’ll work creatively to develop and redefine your own practice.
  • Connected collaboration: As part of a global community of likeminded creatives, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with other Screen School disciplines including film, television, animation, games design and virtual reality (VR).
  • Industry-aligned: Designed with industry specialists, this course provides opportunities to connect with creative practitioners and partner companies.
  • Build your career: You’ll focus on developing your career path by building a portfolio, creating work aligned with your interests, growing your network, and demonstrating your skills through opportunities such as public exhibitions.
  • Facilities and research: Our new, state-of-the-art studios will be your primary working space, with access to control and composition rooms, live rooms and multi-channel mixing rooms. You’ll also benefit from our close relationship with the Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice (CRiSAP) research centre.

Open Evenings

The next Open Evening for this course will be announced soon.

Course overview

MA Music Production will prepare you for a career as a highly skilled producer of music and audio. With a focus on 4 key areas, you’ll be supported to explore creative practice in music production; technical studio and production skills; historic, aesthetic and critical listening and research skills; and employability within the creative industries.

Designed to meet the needs of students who have completed an undergraduate programme in a related subject, this course is also suited to professionals who wish to return to study and further develop their own music production practices.

What to expect

  • Redefining your practice: Throughout your time on the course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how to work creatively across the convergent digital technologies of contemporary music production.
  • Course progression: You’ll follow a curriculum that maps onto 3 distinct course stages, moving from technical and research practices in Term 1 to industry and collaborative practices in Term 2, before focusing on individual project and production delivery in Terms 3 and 4.
  • Practical learning: Supported by leading academics and industry professionals, you’ll be given the structure, time and facilities needed to explore a range of specialist production techniques.
  • Creative development: You’ll develop your own creative practice in areas such as studio and live recording, mixing, mastering, songwriting and composing for a wide range of media applications including film and television, games and virtual reality (VR).
  • Specialist facilities: The course is delivered using purpose-built, industry-standard audio facilities at LCC, including a suite of new studios and live rooms, a multi-channel performance lab, and an extensive range of audio equipment for recording and producing music.

Industry experience and opportunities

Working within one of the leading art and design universities in the world, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, and also with industry practitioners and partner companies.

Throughout the MA, you’ll build a portfolio of work that showcases your creative talent, and have space to both critically reflect on and evaluate your own practice, enhancing your own uniqueness as a music producer.

Mode of study

MA Music Production is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

In response to the Climate Emergency, UAL has embedded responsible practices within the curriculum. We shaped our courses around principles of social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values for ethical practice and empower you to work towards an equitable future.

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves 5 units, totalling 180 credits.

Autumn, Term 1

The Practice of Music Production (40 credits)

This unit will cover the fundamental tools used in the process of music production.

You’ll demonstrate that you have an advanced understanding of core technologies and learn how to apply your knowledge practically, grounding and enhancing your own music production practice through contextual, technical and creative study.

Critical Perspectives on Music Production (20 credits)

Through critical group discussion of both historical concepts and current research and practice, you will evaluate your own music production practice in reference to global contemporary debates on the art of record production and the wider creative industries.

You’ll also undertake self-directed research in order to create an individual music production practice proposal.

Spring, Term 2

Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

In this unit, you will identify, form and develop collaborative working relationships with a range of potential partners - either within the University or externally. You’ll design and deliver a cross-disciplinary project to a bespoke brief, replicating the kinds of collaborative work that music production typically involves.

Music Industry Practices (40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll study the music industry by examining its past, present and future, along with the diverse technical, social, cultural and political influences that shape music industry practices.

You’ll participate in sessions to develop key skills needed to work within the industry, ranging from business planning, copyright and intellectual property to funding applications and performance rights. You’ll also have the opportunity to prepare for your career beyond the course by working to a set industry brief.

Summer, Term 3

Final Major Project (60 credits)

This unit will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the development of your own practice and research relating to music production through the completion of a Final Major Project.

Working within an extended period of practice-based research, you’ll synthesise the practical, reflective and conceptual developments in your work throughout the course, and also produce an accompanying critical reflection on that practice.

Autumn, Term 4

Final Major Project (60 credits - continued)

Learning and teaching methods

  • Practical workshops
  • Studio recording practice
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Guest lectures and workshops
  • Project work
  • Peer critique
  • Research
  • Learning sets
  • Group working
  • Virtual learning environment

Online Open Day

Programme Director Adam Stanovic gives an overview of the MA Music Production and studying at London College of Communication.

Facilities

  • The mixing board in the Composition Studio.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Sound and Music

    Access our range of resources, studios and workspaces that support Sound Arts and Music Production practices.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-based and Audio-visual

    Studios, workshops and technical spaces for photography, video production, special effects, audio-visual and live events projects.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

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Entry requirements

Applicants will be considered for admission if they have achieved an educational level equivalent to an honours degree in a relevant subject such as music production, music technology, audio technology, sound design, sound arts, or a closely related subject. However, we do not exclude candidates who have graduated from other less strongly aligned disciplines. All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of previous work in the broad area of music production.

This educational level may be demonstrated by:

  • Honours degree;
  • Possession of equivalent qualifications;
  • Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required;
  • Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.

  • IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.

For further guidance, please check our  English language requirements.

Selection criteria

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • An academic or professional background in music production (or a related area)
  • Sufficient prior knowledge and experience of and/or potential in music production to be able to successfully complete the programme of study
  • Knowledge of aural culture and an ability to engage in critical discussion
  • A clear sense of their own creative practice within the broad field of music production
  • An interest in collaborative practices

Apply now

Home International

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider these key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • The strength of your personal statement and portfolio
  • Your qualifications and transcript (or projected results)

There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for all postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Extra information required for applications to this course

You will need to supply:

  • Portfolio
  • Video task

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Music Production. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.

This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.

What happens next

Portfolio

All applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio (maximum 3 audio files) as part of their application.

The portfolio may include examples of your past recordings, mixes, compositions, performances, or any other form of audio that demonstrates your skills in the broad area of music production. You may include up to three examples that showcase your best work. You are welcome to include written work alongside the portfolio where it helps the course team to understand your creative intentions and/or processes.

If you have links to web projects or media assets, please note these in your CV.

Video task

  • We'd like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you
  • Please speak clearly in English and face the camera
  • Your video task is submitted along with your portfolio. Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept

As part of your video task please respond to the following question:

We would like you to choose one piece of work from your portfolio, and explain your creative intentions, your role in the project, the various challenges that you faced, and your thoughts about the finished work.

Interview

Applicants are not usually interviewed by the course team.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider these key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • The strength of your personal statement and portfolio
  • Your qualifications and transcript (or projected results)

There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for all postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Extra information required for applications to this course

You will need to supply:

  • Portfolio
  • Video task

Start your application now

There are 2 ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course:

The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Music Production. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.

This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.

What happens next

Portfolio

All applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio (maximum 3 audio files) as part of their application.

The portfolio may include examples of your past recordings, mixes, compositions, performances, or any other form of audio that demonstrates your skills in the broad area of music production. You may include up to three examples that showcase your best work. You are welcome to include written work alongside the portfolio where it helps the course team to understand your creative intentions and/or processes.

If you have links to web projects or media assets, please note these in your CV.

Interview

Applicants are not usually interviewed by the course team.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

Careers

MA Music Production will develop your employability skills for a wide range of music production career paths in areas including:

  • Studio engineering
  • Live sound engineering
  • Song writing
  • Music performance
  • Composing for media
  • Game audio
  • Acoustics
  • Audio post-production.

With the increasingly freelance nature of employment in the creative industries, this course will also offer you the guidance and confidence to become a freelance professional.

More widely, Careers and Employability at UAL will support you in your journey to becoming an innovator in the creative and cultural sectors through a programme of events, seminars, workshops, online resources and funding opportunities.

London College of Communication

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 6500
Address
Elephant & Castle

London
SE1 6SB