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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Music Production

Student sitting at a mixing desk in the College sound studio
Brandon Mosqueda Caidedo in the sound studio at LCC, photo credit Alys Tomlinson
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W374
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Music Production prepares you for a career as a highly skilled music and audio producer.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Creative practice in action: You’ll be creating from Week 1 of the course – working on music production projects and industry briefs, building up a portfolio that showcases your creative talent, and discovering your own unique style as a music producer.
  • Connected collaboration: You'll work with other students across LCC's Screen School to understand the value of creative collaboration through areas like film, television, animation, games design and immersive technology.
  • Industry-aligned: This course is designed, delivered and accredited with the music industry professional body, JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support). In addition to achieving Certification in Pro Tools, you’ll also have opportunities for further training through Screen School’s position as an Avid Learning Partner (ALP).
  • Build your career: With a focus on developing your career path, you'll connect and network with creative industry practitioners and partner organisations while demonstrating your abilities through opportunities such as presenting your work to public audiences.
  • The course programme is comprised of internationally recognised artists, designers, composers and writers. You will benefit from the close relationship to our BA (Hons) Sound Arts course and the Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice (CRiSAP).

Open Days

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

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

BA (Hons) Music Production will support you to develop a deep understanding of how to work creatively across the digital technologies of contemporary music production, preparing you for a career in the creative industries.

Exploring key areas of music creation, composition, recording and production within the critical framework of a professional environment, the course is designed around 3 strands which run through each year of study: Creating Music, Recording and Producing Music, and The Music Professional.

Createch is an emerging field where creativity and technology interact, and is also the fastest growing sector of the creative industries. Developed along related principles, BA (Hons) Music Production offers a unique balance between creativity and technology using an integrated approach to theory and practice.

What to expect

  • Working on audio production projects and industry briefs, you’ll create practical work and have opportunities to collaborate – both across disciplines and with external partners.
  • You’ll build your portfolio while reflecting on and evaluating your own practice.
  • In Year 2, you’ll study a specialist option from songwriting, composing for media or audio post-production, which you can explore further in the Collaboration Practice unit and Final Major Project.
  • ​This course is delivered within industry-standard audio facilities at LCC. You’ll also have access to an extensive range of audio equipment that can be borrowed from the Kit Room, and be able to use technical areas including the 3D Workshop, Digital Space and Creative Technology Lab.

Work experience and opportunities

Enterprise and employability are central to all 3 strands of the course design, enabling you to develop your skills and apply them to your own creative practice.

Regular guest lectures and masterclasses from industry practitioners provide insight into the creative industries, while the Music Professional Strand covers areas including an introduction to career paths, practical methods for funding, and ways to market and promote your music.

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers in music production including studio engineering, live sound engineering, songwriting, music performance, composing for media, game audio, acoustics and post-production.

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications: 

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS): An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking a variety of placements and industry experiences. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

Diploma in Creative Computing: An optional, year-long opportunity which allows you to develop the computational skills that are shaping the future of the digital creative industries. After successfully completing the Diploma and the final year of your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree title: for example, BA (Hons) Music Production (with Creative Computing).

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Music Production runs for 93 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

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.

In common with all courses at University of the Arts London, this course is credit-rated. The course is 3 years and taught at levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Music Production qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

You’ll build technical skills to create, record and produce music; planning skills to manage audio projects; and academic skills to support your learning.

Introduction to Music Production (20 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the context of contemporary music production, key skills required by music producers such as critical listening and production analysis, and academic and planning skills needed to manage audio production in response to industry briefs.

Audio Principles for Music Production (20 credits)

You’ll explore the technologies and techniques of contemporary studio production, the function and application of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and techniques for recording musical instruments in a studio environment.

Creative Audio Programming (20 credits)

You'll consider the theories, technologies and techniques of programming for music production. You’ll also explore the function and creative application of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in sound manipulation, sampling and synthesis.

Music Industries (20 credits)

This unit introduces you to key stakeholders within the music industry, developing your understanding of industry responses to an evolving commercial and technological environment. You’ll also explore career options as an employer, entrepreneur or artist.

Creative Mixing Techniques (20 credits)

You'll enhance your understanding of mixing techniques for multi-channel playback systems in audio applications such as VR, moving image, installations, music composition and record production. You'll also build written and reflective skills by researching your chosen applied area and reflecting on your developing practice.

Composition Skills for Music Producers (20 credits)

You’ll enhance your understanding of practical music theory by analysing musical components such as melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and form. Building on previous music software skills, you’ll explore approaches to composition and arranging techniques in a variety of genres by producing a composition-based portfolio.

Year 2

Music Cultures (20 credits)

You'll develop your awareness and understanding of key historical, contextual and technological developments in popular music, including recording and production. Your communication and analytical skills will grow through critical debate and analysis of music cultures and sub-cultures.

Audio Principles for Live Sound (20 credits)

Building on your knowledge of mixing and microphone placement, you’ll apply your learning to different approaches for live music scenarios. You’ll test theoretical concepts like networked audio, dispersion and speaker arrays in a live music environment.

Specialist Options (20 credits)

In this unit, you’ll choose 1 of the following options: 

  • Songwriting: explore techniques available to songwriters, developing your knowledge and skills to write, arrange and produce songs in a variety of genres.
  • Composing for Media: develop your knowledge and skills across composition and music production for media applications like film, TV, games and installations.
  • Audio Post-Production: investigate how sound supports and influences narrative in film and television, learning how to create a cohesive soundtrack for moving image.

Music in the Marketplace (20 credits)

You’ll build on knowledge of the music industry gained in Year 1 to identify, analyse and apply methods for funding, marketing and promoting music in the contemporary marketplace.

Aesthetics of Music Production (20 credits)

This unit will develop your understanding of music perception and the application of acoustic and psychoacoustic principles to recording and production. You’ll listen critically to acoustic spaces, audio equipment and audio material, and learn how to apply this to key production decisions.

Creative Industry Project (20 credits)

You’ll conceptualise your ideas while establishing, building and working in teams to respond professionally to an industry brief. You’ll work collaboratively with an external client to produce creative work that will be showcased publicly.

Year 3

Innovations in Music Production: Artificial Intelligence Applications for Music Production (20 credits)

You’ll explore the concepts and innovations of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production through assistive and creative technologies, and learn about practical software techniques for applications such as composition, mixing and mastering.

Research Skills for Music Producers (20 credits)

You'll investigate and apply relevant research, managing and planning methodologies to propose a Final Major Project in your chosen specialist area.

Final Major Project (60 credits)

You’ll design, develop, implement and evaluate a significant creative project to a professional standard, applying your research and planning skills to create a music production-related outcome.

Professional Practice Portfolio (20 credits)

You’ll develop your ability to identify and evaluate opportunities in the creative and cultural industries relating to your area of professional practice. You'll build your enterprise skills and gain confidence to become a freelance professional or to set up your own business. You'll collate and present a portfolio of work relevant to your chosen area of the industry, demonstrating your professional skills and understanding of career paths.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Practical workshops
  • Studio recording practice
  • Location recording practice
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Guest lectures and workshops
  • Project work
  • Peer critique
  • Research
  • Learning sets
  • Work-based learning
  • Group working
  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Course leader Diego Benalcazar gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Music Production at London College of Communication.

Facilities

  • Student working in sound studios, with keyboard and large screen.
    Photography, Alys Tomlinson. Student working in 7.1 Surround Studio 3.

    Sound and Music

    Find out about the range of facilities on offer to students studying Sound Arts and Music Production.

  • 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

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

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

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

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

Entry requirements

Home/EU/International

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

104 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at Grade C or above (preferred subjects include: Music, Music Technology, Art and Design, English, Media, Business, or other subjects within Social Sciences
  • Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design; Media, Music and Performing Arts)
  • Merit in UAL Extended Diploma 104 tariff points in Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subjects: Music Technology, Creative Music Technology, Music Technology and Production, Music, Live Sound and Music Events, Media)
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum

And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

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 study or work experience;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • A combination of these factors.

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

English Language Requirements (International/EU)

IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking is required for this course. 

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.

Selection criteria

The details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Evidence of an informed interest in and appreciation of music production.
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach (through research and practice) to this area of study.
  • Commitment to the study and development for your potential career.

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W374

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W374

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

BA (Hons) Music Production will develop your employability skills for a wide range of music production career paths, including studio engineering, live sound engineering, songwriting, music performance, composing for media, game audio, acoustics and post-production.

With the increasingly freelance nature of employment in the creative industries, the 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.