Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 Years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

UCAS points

104-112 (September 2024 entry)

UCAS code

J930

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

If you do not achieve the typical entry points required, you may want to consider studying this course with foundation year.

View with foundation year optionView with foundation year option

Course description

Four key reasons to choose this course

You'll gain an excellent understanding of the music industry and recording studios, and learn about the technology of the studio, and playback systems. You'll explore the process of sound recording and production, design and build your own sound-making tools, and complete a portfolio of commercial recordings. You'll also develop your awareness of the commercial environment, and how best to promote your music.

This course is accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), which means it meets the highest professional standards set by industry. You’ll become part of a vibrant music scene within both the University and the city of Derby. Our teaching team includes experienced academics and practitioners who have in-depth knowledge of the industry and are breaking new ground in the discipline.

In the video below, Cristian reflects on his experience as an international student studying Music at Derby:

Music Production suite in use at Markeaton Street
A female in a black top looks over their shoulder with a brightly lit fairground behind them

I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of studio recording and studio acoustic design which has been helpful in understanding the acoustic properties of my creative space and improving it for the best results.

Motunrayo Ashley Yinusa
BSc (Hons) Music Production student

JAMES accredited courses

Our Music courses are accredited by the Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), the professional music industry accreditation body, so you can be confident that they meet the high standards demanded by industry.

Head of Music and Performing Arts, John Crossley, explains what this means for students: "The re-accreditation for our music programmes continues our long standing relationship with JAMES and the Music Producers Guild (MPG). The assessors were very impressed with our facilities, our committed teaching team and how we have dealt with the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic. This stamp of approval from professional producers in the industry means that our students can be confident not only with the quality of the programmes of study but also the opportunities and support they receive as they follow their exciting careers."

Dr Paul Vandemast-Bell, Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Music Production.

View Industry accredited Music and Music Production courses video transcript

A headshot of a male student in a denim jacket

Beginning this journey is up there with the best decisions I ever made. I have gained knowledge in areas such as music business and management and have become a credible producer with experience of sound engineering on tracks.

David Owusu-Afriyie
Music Production graduate
Music recording equipment
Student band
A female and male sit in a music recording studio at a post-production sound desk

Take a look at our professional facilities at Markeaton Street:

John Crossley, Head of Discipline for Music and Theatre and Dance at the University of Derby talks about the industry-standard Music facilities at our Markeaton Street site.

View Professional Music facilities at Markeaton Street video transcript

A male sits in front of a keyboard and some computer screens and speakers in a studio

The lecturers are very inspirational and supportive, encouraging us to experiment with new techniques and be creative so we can reach our potential. I have learnt about acoustics, analogue and digital equipment and improved my post-production skills.

Sergiu Tita
BSc (Hons) Music Production student and professional producer Nasty Beat

What you will study

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

Learning and assessment 

The course is set in the context of the music industry and the recording studio, covering all aspects of the production process through to the completion of recordings to a commercial standard. There is an emphasis on practical studio skills where you will prepare, record, process and edit material to create a finished product. You’ll also undertake laboratory work, conducting experiments in areas of science and technology such as recording studio acoustics or electronics.  

Strong employer links are a hallmark of this course. Our staff are actively engaged in projects across the industry, which opens doors for you to work on real-world projects, gain work experience, and hear from visiting performers and industry representatives. We have strong connections with companies such as Avid, Apple music products training division, Focusrite, Oxford Sound & Media, and Yamaha Commercial Audio.   

Various assessment methods are used on this course, all designed to support your progress and give you just the right level of challenge. They include coursework, portfolios, assignments, case studies, oral and graphic presentations, collaborative and interdisciplinary team work projects, laboratory work, internet-based investigations, computer testing and exams. 

Facilities 

You’ll discover a superb range of music making facilities at our Markeaton Street site, including state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal space, auditoria, music technology labs and three post-production rooms equipped with latest software.  

The University has invested almost £350,000 in these facilities, ensuring you have access to resources which match those of professional studios in the UK and overseas. We offer a wide range of instruments, amplifiers and outboard gear on which you can develop your skills, together with a classic 48 channel Neve recording console.   

Thanks to our close relationship with Focusrite we were one of the first institutions in the world to install the RedNet system in our recording studios, which placed us at the forefront of developments in audio-over IP.

While these studio facilities will provide an excellent setting for your taught sessions, they are also available for you to book at other times to fine-tune your personal music projects.

You will also hone your performance skills at venues across the city, including Derby Theatre which the University owns and runs as a professional producing theatre.

People you will meet 

You'll be taught by practising professionals, who have an excellent knowledge of the music industry.   

A student working in the music studios

Music studios

The music studios at our Markeaton Street site are state-of-the art.

Take a look at the studiosTake a look at the studios

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Who will teach you

Dr Paul Vandemast-Bell
Programme leader

Dr Paul Vandemast-Bell is a lecturer in Music Production and leads the BSc (Hons) Music Technology and Production programme. He is a composer and sound designer, and publishes research in the field of Live Electronic Music.

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points104-112
A LevelBBC-BCC
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6. Must include passes in compulsory Level 3 subjects

Offers will be made initially based on your application, including predicted grades and/or grades you have already achieved. You may be given the opportunity, within your offer letter, to submit a portfolio. If you submit a strong portfolio we will make you an unconditional offer, to reflect the quality of your work and your potential.

Additional entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

Playing a critical role in the UK’s creative economy, the music industry is undergoing dramatic change. New digital distribution models are emerging, live events are rocketing in popularity, and exciting new ways of music-making are constantly evolving. It means that professionals specialising in music technology and production are in greater demand than ever before – in the UK and overseas.   

Sound and music technology is important in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry. Sound recordists, music producers, audio engineers, broadcasters, musicians, composers, film-makers, computer game designers and sound designers all use music technology in some form or other. Our graduates have progressed into many fields of professional activity including production and studio work, outside broadcast management and web design.  

You can also consider taking your skills to the next level by studying our MA Music Production like Harry and Jordan who feature in the below video: 

YouTube video of University of Derby graduates Harry and Jordan talking about their experience of studying Music at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate level

View our Music students YouTube video transcript

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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