Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Music Technology
Graduate with the expertise to work in studio and live sound engineering, music production, game audio, acoustics and post-production.
Course Overview
-
J931 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
20 Sep 2021
Develop the skills you will need to work in the expanding and diverse modern professional audio and music industries.
As part of your course you’ll:
- Explore the technologies and techniques used in the recording, production and reproduction of sound and music
- Fuel your creativity while expanding your theoretical knowledge
- Access industry-standard facilities, including our impressive recording studios, post-production rooms and portable recording and audio analysis devices
- Have the option to work with external clients in your final year
This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) which encourages the delivery of workshops and lectures from industry professionals. A placement option and your final year project will provide you with opportunities to work with industry partners.
Artist in Residence Programme
The Artist in Residence programme gives our students an opportunity to work with professional artists and gives them a taste of what is it like to work on a professional music project. We have welcomed artists Chris T-T, Ian Prowse, I Monster, Tom Williams and Utah Saints.
See examples of work from previous students by visiting the Leeds School of Arts festival site.
Why study Music Technology at Leeds Beckett University...
- 4.3% of students from BSc (Hons) Music Technology in work or further study 15 months after graduating*
- Accredited by JAMES - we were the first university in England to become a JAMES Integrated Learning Centre
- Taught by music industry professionals
- Opportunity to gain invaluable work experience through a placement year in industry and work with external clients in your final year
- 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
*Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020
BSc (Hons) Music Technology Develop the skills you will need to work in the expanding and diverse modern professional audio and music industries.
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
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Level 6 Entry:
Applicants should have a HND, Foundation degree or equivalent award in the cognate subjects of Music, Music Technology or Sound.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.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Mature Applicants:
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants are required to meet our standard English language and Maths requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, for example we accept some Functional Skills Tests.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
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.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.
We were awarded silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study - the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
Overall workload
294
Hours teaching and learning
906
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year one is assessed predominantly by coursework with some examination assessments.What you'll learn
Listen critically to spaces, audio equipment and audio material. You will develop your understanding of acoustic principles and the human auditory system.
An introduction to the technologies and principles that underpin analogue and digital music signals and systems.
Develop your understanding of the kinds of computer-based audio technologies that can be used within a creative context, either as stand-alone applications or along with more traditional audio tools. You will also develop an understanding of the internal structures and processing of the synthesizers and audio effects that are used in the production of music and sound.
Learn about the technologies and principles that underpin analogue and digital music signals and systems. Through workshops and tutorials you will develop the knowledge and skills required in the creative audio industries.
Develop the knowledge and skills you will to undertake research and practical projects at the level required for Higher Education. Working in teams, you will choose an area related to the local music industry and present your research findings and then engage in some practical enquiry in response to those findings.
Study contemporary music genres, music history and music subcultures to deepen your understanding of the impact of political, economic, sociological, technological, ethical and legal factors on music and the music industry.
The first in a series of studio recording modules, this module will introduce you to and develop your fundamental, practical audio production skills. You will also learn about the hardware and software systems used in audio recording and establish good working practices for audio projects.
Overall workload
250
Hours teaching and learning
950
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year two is assessed predominantly by coursework with some examination assessments.What you'll learn
Organise and manage a studio project through the stages of production, demonstrating your understanding of recording and production techniques. You will evaluate the project throughout all stages of production.
Explore the background to and historical context of the music industry. You will examine its current health, and consider the implications of this for the people working in the industry.
Study the audio signal chain and the key factors that impact on audio performance.
Choose from a range of project briefs which you will respond to over the course of the module. You will develop your knowledge and skills in your subject area as well as enhancing your ability to propose, plan and manage a project, to work as part of a team and to reflect on your own practice.
Option modules may include
Investigate the ways in which sound can both influence and underpin the narrative in film and television. You will gain the skills needed to record, manipulate and mix post-production sound for film and television.
Build your knowledge of the various techniques, concepts and skills associated with the setting up and operation of a live sound system.
Explore key topics within the broad, overlapping fields of acoustics and psychoacoustics, with an emphasis on their relevance within music and sound technology.
Gain an understanding of the concepts and challenges of producing audio for interactive games. You will evaluate examples of game audio and produce your own interactive audio that demonstrates the principles you have learned.
Examine the key technologies, techniques and concepts for spatial audio, from from the cinema and early explorations in the commercial audio world, through to the very latest developments in sound field synthesis and virtual reality.
Enhance your understanding of interactive music and learn the key concepts, artistic approaches and technical skills to design, develop and perform with interactive music systems.
Covering a range of genres, you will explore compositional approaches and production techniques to help you build a portfolio of work and develop your skill set in the area of electronic music production.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Overall workload
190
Hours teaching and learning
1010
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year three is assessed predominantly by coursework with some examination assessmentsWhat you'll learn
Plan and propose your major project. Lectures and tutorials will cover techniques and concepts that will support you in the research and preparation stages and project supervisor meetings will guide you through each stage of the project process.
Undertake the project planned during the Project Proposal module. To help you progress, you will have regular contact with a project supervisor and learning set meetings led by a specialist in the subject area. You will also keep an online journal where you can evidence, discuss and evaluate your work.
Develop and demonstrate your professional industry skills and understanding through the creation of a portfolio of work related to your chosen area of the industry.
Option modules may include
The process of bringing sound and music to an audience in a variety of situations through sound reinforcement. You will study audio specifications, acoustics, surround sound, loudspeaker design and live sound systems.
Gain an understanding of the key technologies and innovations in audio manipulation for sound design. You will produce an original portfolio of work in response to a given brief demonstrating a range of sound design techniques.
From studio design to evaluating auditoria and from standard noise survey techniques to the development of innovative acoustic treatment solutions, explore the applications of acoustics.
A combination of experimentation, critical listening and contextual discourse, this module will help you develop the essential skills and processes used in modern studio productions.
Develop your ability to record high-quality location sound in rural and urban environments for potential use in radio, television, music, games, and installations or in other artefacts.
Explore the history of community music and investigate the application of music technology across community arts.
Examine the technical, social and cultural factors that influence the production and consumption of contemporary music.
Work on pre-existing recordings to develop your skills in mastering a collection of musical tracks.
Study the key concepts of electro-acoustic composition and the application of these concepts both creatively and technically.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year are not yet confirmed.
The tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year are not yet confirmed.
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.
Optional Costs
- Portable HDD headphones. Cost will vary.
- Headphones (£50).
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year are not yet confirmed.
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.
Optional Costs
- Portable HDD headphones. Cost will vary.
- Headphones (£50).
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The key strength of our course is the way we approach challenging engineering and technological issues in practical, hands-on music technology environments.
Michael Ward
Course Director
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