Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate MA
Music Production
Advance your skills in recording, mixing, arranging or composition to prepare for future opportunities in the music and media industries and further study.
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
16 Sep 2024
Build upon your practical and theoretical experience of contemporary music production and apply a range of creative production approaches in industry-standard studio facilities. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge to take your production ambitions further, nurture your confidence to work within the music and media industries, and prepare you for further study.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Learn from internationally-recognised researchers and experienced industry professionals
- Explore the technical and creative aspects of recording, arranging, mixing and producing
- Produce a wide range of commercial and non-commercial musical projects
- Critically analyse the productions of others in a variety of contexts
- Work with peers and collaborate with other artists and producers
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to a suite of high-quality, professional music studios approved by JAMES, the accrediting body of the Music Producers Guild and the Association of Professional Recording Services.
Industry expertise
You’ll learn from regular visiting speakers from the music and film industries and a highly skilled and experienced teaching team. We have fantastic links with local and national music, arts and festival organisations, which help to ensure you can get the most from your course.
Artist in Residence Sessions
Our Artist in Residence sessions will give you the opportunity to work alongside professional artists and gain an insight into what it’s like to work on a professional music project. We have previously welcomed artists Chris T-T, Ian Prowse, I Monster, Tom Williams, Utah Saints and Matt Deighton.
Why study Music Production at Leeds Beckett University...
- Accredited by JAMES - we were the first university in England to become a JAMES Integrated Learning Centre
- Links with local and national music, arts and festival organisations, which will provide a variety of opportunities to test your knowledge and practical skills
- Taught by experienced industry professionals
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses
- In the new Leeds School of Arts building you will have access to dedicated music studios; Foley studios; dubbing and music recording studios; acoustic labs and a host of post-production suites
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Music, Music Production or Audio Technology, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
You should include reference to the following areas in your supporting statement:
- What you have previously studied and what you learnt about music production
- Why you want to study MA Music Production at Leeds Beckett University
- Who your influences are as a songwriter/performer/producer and why
- What music you are currently listening to and why
- The type of music you like to write/perform/produce and why
- An example of something you have found particularly challenging in your previous studies and/or music production work and how you met this challenge
- What you want to do once you've finished your studies
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please provide at least three examples of your music production work that clearly evidence your creative production skills and relevant music production experience. Examples can include:
- Sound/video recordings of your production work.
- Original sound recordings that you have composed, recorded, mixed, arranged or produced.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Music, Music Production or Audio Technology, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
You should include reference to the following areas in your supporting statement:
- What you have previously studied and what you learnt about music production
- Why you want to study MA Music Production at Leeds Beckett University
- Who your influences are as a songwriter/performer/producer and why
- What music you are currently listening to and why
- The type of music you like to write/perform/produce and why
- An example of something you have found particularly challenging in your previous studies and/or music production work and how you met this challenge
- What you want to do once you've finished your studies
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please provide at least three examples of your music production work that clearly evidence your creative production skills and relevant music production experience. Examples can include:
- Sound/video recordings of your production work.
- Original sound recordings that you have composed, recorded, mixed, arranged or produced.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please provide at least three examples of your music production work that clearly evidence your creative production skills and relevant music production experience. Examples can include:
- Sound/video recordings of your production work.
- Original sound recordings that you have composed, recorded, mixed, arranged or produced.
Your work should be uploaded to a media-hosting site such as YouTube, Soundcloud or Bandcamp. You should also include a pdf. document with an overview of each of the examples (i.e. when, where and for whom was the production completed?) and identify your role/s in the production process (Are you the performer, composer, producer or recording engineer?). Links to these documents should be added to the supporting statement in your application.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
We regularly review our courses to ensure we are offering you the best educational experience. This course is currently being reviewed for 2020 entry, therefore the information below is correct for students joining us in 2019/20, but there may be changes for students who wish to join us in 2020/21. These will be confirmed in the course specification made available to new applicants on this page from August 2020.
What you'll learn
Develop a practical understanding of the creative possibilities of the studio environment as you create your own musical product.
Work closely with your tutors, researching and applying current theory and practice alongside a learning plan that meets your own aims and objectives.
Gain a balanced and critical view of the state of the creative industries. You will explore current creative and technological limitations and become involved in forecasting future changes and developments.
Develop a range of theoretical perspectives drawing on contemporary research into the ecology of the music industries and how different stakeholders across the music sector work together.
Enhance your awareness of the methods and skills which are required in order to carry out research into the ideas and practice of music technology.
The final project provides an opportunity for you to engage in research and advanced practice in an area of your own choosing.
What you'll learn
Evaluate the relationships between sound, music and image, and devise and create examples of audio-visual media to a professional standard.
Study contemporary approaches to orchestration and arrangement of music for the moving image and create scores and MIDI realisations to a professional standard.
Explore the contextual background you'll need to study the music industries. This module will map out the contemporary music industry and investigate its development as a vehicle for popular music. You'll develop a range of theoretical perspectives and will draw on contemporary research into the ecology of the music industries. You'll study how different stakeholders across the music sector work together.
Develop your understanding and critical awareness of audio visual practices and enhance your practical skills in the application of sound in a range of audio visual contexts, from sonic design for moving image, to generative and installation contexts.
Examine performance, record production, video and reception and the meaning of music for your small scale, individual research project which focuses on the analysis of popular music artefacts.
This module will enable you to address the challenges of producing musical content for interactive media, with focus on the implementation of music in video games. You'll critically evaluate the role of music in games, and use industry-standard tools to implement dynamic music for video games. The music and systems you construct will demonstrate your critical understanding of dynamic music techniques. You'll practise using formats appropriate for professional or academic audiences to effectively communicate your work.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,900
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,900
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including specialist music and recording studios with control room and live area for instruments and amps, plus mixing facilities and editing suites
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Headphones (£50-150)
- External hard drive (£60)
- Access to a suitable computer, DAW software and audio interface to be able to work independently at times off campus (£500-1500)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including specialist music and recording studios with control room and live area for instruments and amps, plus mixing facilities and editing suites
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
Essential Costs
- Headphones (£50-150)
- External hard drive (£60)
- Access to a suitable computer, DAW software and audio interface to be able to work independently at times off campus (£500-1500)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
MA Music Production Build your practical and theoretical experience in the creative and innovative applications of music technology in a studio environment. This course will give you the skills to take your ambition further and provide you with the confidence to work for major record labels and recording artists across a range of genres.
Anechoic Chamber Music and Sound students at Leeds School of Arts use the Anechoic chamber to analyse the design characteristics of audio equipment, and for psychoacoustic testing to determine peoples perception of sounds.
Audio Lab Music and Sound students work with test equipment such as the Kemar dummy in a state-of-the-art audio lab at Leeds School of Arts.
Reverb Chamber Music and Sound students at Leeds School of Arts use omnidirectional sound sources in the reverb chamber to measure absorption and reverberation.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Throughout my course I've been inspired by guest lecturers and fellow students who have given me insights into areas of the music industry I'd never been exposed to before. I've since become involved in music for a video game thanks to one of my course mates opening my eyes to the possibility of working in that field. I'm also preparing to release an EP which I am working on with another producer.
Florence Glen
Freelance singer/songwriter
Career Prospects
Your course will open up career opportunities in music production, interactive media, television, radio, research and education. It also integrates well with digital animation and video, games and the wider music and audio industries, ensuring you will be well placed to get ahead in these competitive fields.
- Music producer
- Music technologist
- Performer
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Leeds School of Arts | music and sound facilities Find out more about our industry-standard music and sound facilities.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
