Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Music Technology
Explore creativity through music technology and graduate with the expertise to work in live sound, studio production, game audio, immersive audio, acoustics and post-production.
Course Overview
-
J931 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Develop the skills you’ll need to work in the expanding and diverse modern professional audio and music industries on this JAMES-accredited course.
As part of this 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 to open doors to a wide variety of career destinations
- Take your skills beyond the recording studio and apply your creativity and technical knowledge in live sound, game audio and post-production sound
- Access industry-standard facilities, including our impressive recording studios, production suites, rehearsal rooms and portable recording and audio analysis devices
- Explore specialisms based on your interests through our option modules
Professional accreditation
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 between your second and third years will provide an opportunity to gain experience in industry.
Teaching expertise
You’ll be taught by a teaching team of industry professionals and academic staff at the forefront of their fields. We’ll help you develop experience and expertise in areas across music technology. You’ll be supported in your studies through our learning officers who offer a wealth of knowledge about the extensive range of equipment that we have.
Extra-curricular opportunities
The Artist in Residence programme will give you an opportunity to work with professional artists. The programme will give you a taste of what it's like to work on a professional music project. We have welcomed artists:
- Chris T-T
- Ian Prowse
- I Monster
- Tom Williams
- Utah Saints
You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with students from many areas within the Leeds School of Arts at the wider university.
Specialist Facilities
The Leeds School of Arts building houses a huge range of spaces to help you develop your creative and technical skills. You’ll have access to our recording studios, production suites, mastering and ambisonics room, postproduction sound dubbing theatre, and the anechoic and reverb chambers. You’ll also be able to use our rehearsal rooms to develop your musicianship or join a band alongside your studies.
Student work
See examples of work from previous students by visiting the Leeds School of Arts festival site.
Why study Music Technology at Leeds Beckett University...
- 90% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*
- 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
- Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north
- Access to specialist facilities in the new Leeds School of Arts building
*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 20-21
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
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
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 at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.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:
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.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
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 should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.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:
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.
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.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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What you'll learn
Study the audio signal chain and the key factors that impact on audio performance.
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.
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.
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.
Build your knowledge of the various techniques, concepts and skills associated with the setting up and operation of a live sound system.
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.
Explore key topics within the broad, overlapping fields of acoustics and psychoacoustics, with an emphasis on their relevance within music and sound technology.
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.
What 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.
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.
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.
Option modules may include
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.
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.
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. You’ll analyse a field recording brief, plan and execute field-recordings in locations and prepare recordings for the end-user. You’ll then critically evaluate your work, identifying any ethical issues surrounding it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.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.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.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.
BSc (Hons) Music Technology is the perfect blend of technology and creativity opening the door to a huge range of career opportunities.
Michael Ward
Course Director
BSc (Hons) Music Technology Develop the skills you will need to work in the expanding and diverse modern professional audio and music industries.
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.
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.
Reverb Chamber Music and Sound students at Leeds School of Arts use omnidirectional sound sources in the reverb chamber to measure absorption and reverberation.
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.
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.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
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