The Music Production and Creative Sound Engineering specialism is for the aspiring studio producer who wants to help artists and bands reach their creative potential. You will learn the fundamentals of the studio production process, how to use mixing consoles and outboard gear effectively as well as how to manage and lead creative sessions to ensure the best possible outcomes. Music producers are the driving force behind the music industry, whether it is helping artists and musicians to fulfil their creative potential, or releasing and performing music as artists in their own right. The music production programme will equip you with all the skills necessary to make your mark in the music industry, be it as an artist, recording engineer, mixing engineer, producer or any combination of these roles.
Our Music Production & Creative Sound Engineering specialism is offered through our Creative Industries Futures course, available as a BA / BSC (Hons) Degree, with optional Foundation Year or as an integrated MCCI Masters Degree.
Subject
Music
Pathway
Music Production
Specialism
Music Production & Creative Sound Engineering
Modules & Skills Units
Modules and Skills Units studied as part of this course (indicative list) include: Skills units are reviewed on a cyclical basis. To ensure we are delivering the most up to date industry experience these are subject to change.
The impact and influence of music: from creator to consumerMIF-404
This module enables students to understand the impact of music, musical applications and activities on physical and mental health.
Students will consider and contrast the potential and actual impact of music on well-being in different contexts. The module requires students to consider and analyse the components of musical applications and activities to support or challenge current research on this topic and to connect the theory with the practice.
Level - 4
Preparing for Collaborative WorkCIF-405
This module enables students to prepare and organise themselves and their work to engage in an interdisciplinary collaborative creative project with other students with some guidance and support. Students will also prepare to engage with relevant professional networks and any professional contributors by researching working contexts, philosophies, and work. Students will identify their strengths and development needs and examine team profiles and characteristics for participating in an effective collaborative project through a series of practical workshops.
Level - 4
Music, Media and TechnologyCIF-402
This module enables students to examine the role of music across a range of media.
Students will consider and compare the purpose, structure, and method of how music is used across different platforms and for different audiences.
The module requires students to review creative industries theory and practice of creating, sourcing and using music in media in a variety of formats and technologies and to connect the theory with the practice.
Level - 4
DAW Composition & ArrangementSKU-PRO-01
This Skills Unit re-enforces the underlying skills required to produce music within a Digital Audio Workstation. Introducing students to other DAWs and focusing on how arrangement skills can assist the role of the producer.
Level - 4
Sound Recording TechniquesSKU-PRO-02
This Skills Unit, introduces the students to Large Format Mixing Consoles, a wide range of microphones and associated techniques and how to record and process a range of instruments commonly found in Contemporary Music.
Level - 4
Sound Design 1: Synthesis & SamplingSKU-PRO-03
Synthesis and Sampling techniques are not only used within Electronic Music, but also commonplace across most modern music genres. Looking at different synthesis types from Subtractive, Granular and Wavetable but also including FM, Physical-Modelling and Spectral and the wide and varied ways that Sampling can be incorporated into Production styles.
Level - 4
Fundamental Audio & Mixing ConceptsSKU-PRO-04
Understanding the fundamentals of audio is vital for any Producer, to be able to problem-solve and adapt their workflow. Digital Audio principles and correct routing, signal flow and gain staging will help the students to take their mixes to the next level, by comprehending why and where problems may occur.
Level - 4
Music & the Creative IndustriesCIF-401
This module enables students to understand how music-related skills, practices and theories are being applied in other industry sectors to problem-solve, connect and innovate.
It examines the principles and terminology used in these professional contexts and requires students to research and investigate the potential futures of music, musicianship, and music applications.
You will consider your place as a musician or music practitioner within the creative industries landscape, mapping out your path and how to maximise opportunities to make money and grow your profile and career.
Level - 4
Music, society, and Culture: Perspectives and DebatesMIF-404
Music is ubiquitous and global, existing everywhere and anywhere across the world, every minute of the day.
Music is also deeply personal and has unique meaning across countries and local communities.
The creation of new music is often a blend of beat, bar, melodies and harmonies, with influence from other artists and genres, from rap to k-pop. As a musician or music practitioner it is incredibly important to understand where sounds come from, how you can use them and where it will land with the audience that you are trying to build. There will be those who like what you do and others who criticise. The easiest way to become a target for criticisms is if you are perceived to have not taken care to understand music within societies and across cultures, being aware of issues and challenges that have shaped and continue to shape your industry.
For example, as a creator you may love the syncopation or phraseology of another language, but it may not always be appropriate to lift, stitch and sample words from other cultures in an unsympathetic way.
At one level this is known as ‘censorship’, which we often associate with regulation, government or policy. However, this module also places an emphasis on self-regulation and self-censorship by having a deeper understanding of how music works across cultures and societies.
Words matter, words can start wars or friendships.
Therefore, in this core module we aim to inform you, whilst also allowing you a safe space to discuss and debate yourselves about your own views and forms of artistic and academic expression. There is often no right or wrong, it is just important that you can discuss and explain your creative outputs in an evidence based and critical manner. This is a skill that is valued in the professional sphere too, giving you the ability to know who you are as a creative practitioner and explain your influence and values to your industry networks and audiences.
Level - 4
Engaging in Collaborative WorkCIF-406
This module enables students to work collaboratively on a shared project brief. Students will carry out a collaborative creative project in which they will apply their Level 4 personal, interpersonal and soft skills; their technical and sector specific professional skills; their creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and their project management, research, networking and presentation skills. Students will regularly and routinely meet to develop, manage, problem-solve, reflect on and evaluate the project progress and success at meeting the project brief with support from staff with professional industry project experience.
Level - 4
Creative MixingSKU-PRO-12
Building on skills and knowledge gained in the Mixing Fundamentals Skills Unit, this course explores the creativity that emerges from breaking the rules and pushing recording and mixing equipment beyond their sensible limits. Here, you can explore creative approaches and processes as applied to mixing and begin to develop a unique sound as a producer.
Level - 5
Specialist Collaborative WorkCIF-501
This module enables students to contribute through their chosen specialism to an interdisciplinary collaborative creative industries project. Students should engage with the appropriate professional networks for their specialist or interdisciplinary field.
Level - 5
Specialist Route SkillsCIF-503A/503S
This module enables students to use tools, techniques, and procedures to work toward producing work of a professional standard in their chosen specialist route. These sources will be used to critically reflect and analyse their work and the work of other practitioners in the appropriate frameworks. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 5
Professional Collaborative WorkCIF-502
This module aims to enable students to explore, examine, and review the function of a professional project. Students will work in a professional context to deliver a project in their specialism. Students will be responsible for identifying the requirements of a professional project brief. They will plan, deliver and review a professional project to current industry standards with their peers. Students will register themselves or/and their work as appropriate with a professional association and actively manage their professional networks, professional ethics and professional communications.
Level - 5
Professional Route SkillsCIF-504A/504S
This module enables students to create a portfolio of professional, specialist work demonstrating transferable skills to meet sector expectations. Students will apply sector specific creative and technical skills in different industry contexts. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 5
Live Sound EngineeringSKU-PRO-11
The Live Sound industry is directly linked to Music Production. This Skills Unit wll enable students to understand how their mixes can translate across to venues PA systems. Giving the opportunities to learn new skills used by Live Sound Engineers within setup, monitors and Front of House and previous technical knowledge can be adapted from Studio Production to work in a live environment.
Level - 5
AcousticsSKU-PRO-09
Acoustics crosses over into many audio applications and industries. Getting the best out of your control room, monitoring, live room recording and other acoustic spaces are some of the many ways that a deeper understanding of acoustics can help.
Level - 5
Ensemble RecordingSKU-PRO-08
Recording an ensemble of instruments is a skill used across numerous genres. Working with the acoustic space and how this interacts with the musicians, this Skills Unit enables students to ehnance their recording skills by working with instruments within ensebles such as – String Quartets, Jazz bands and grouped or choir vocals.
Level - 5
Musical Directing and Studio CraftSKU-PRO-06
Every Producer working in a studio environment at some stage will work with other Artists. This Skills Unit, links Production students to Musicians with a focus on communication & collaboration. Getting the best performance from an Artist, while also managing the technical responsibilities in the studio is a skillset that prepares the students for the Industry.
Level - 5
Leadership and CPDCIF-603
This module enables students to engage with continuing professional development and to review and develop their leadership skills in different contexts. Students will examine different models of leadership and review and develop their range of leadership tools, techniques and expertise in this area.
Level - 6
Immersive AudioSKU-PRO-20
The world of Immersive audio is ever changing and evolving, This Skills Units aim, is for students to be able to explore areas such as the use of Dolby Atmos and the way that sound can be produced and mixed to work in immersive environments.
Level - 6
Critical ReviewCIF-601A/601S
This module includes a research or practical project that critically reviews one or more current issues, constraints or practices that impacts the music and wider creative Industries, the application of music to other industry sectors or broader cultural or workforce issues relating to music and the creative cultural industries. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 6
Leading Professional Collaborative ProjectCIF-602
This module aims to enable students to build their leadership and professional skills through an interdisciplinary collaborative professional project. Students will design the requirements of the professional project brief, manage the project and communications and evidence project outputs.
Level - 6
Independent PortfolioCIF-604A/604S
This module enables students to create a portfolio and digital presence that includes course output, work experience, freelance work or volunteering targeted to professional opportunities or further study. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 6
Navigating the IndustrySKU-PRO-21
This Skills Unit is designed to link students to the working Industry, preparing them for their chosen areas of expertise and how to adapt and use their specialism within the workplace.
Level - 6
Mix with the ExpertsSKU-PRO-19
Leading mixers from a variety of genres will share their knowledge and experience in this skills unit through masterclasses, workshops and mix deconstructions.
Level - 6
Mixing for Screen & BroadcastSKU-PRO-17
This skills unit will introduce you to the unique requirements and challenges of mixing audio for visual media and broadcast. Alongside learning about approaches and processes involved in mixing for media, you will gain a deep understanding of the technology that underpins media broadcast including both terrestrial and online delivery platforrms.
Level - 6
MasteringSKU-PRO-15
Mastering is the final stage of any audio production, This Skills Unit, gives students the opportunity to advance their mastering skills, using both software & hardware. As Digital Distribution continually evolves, keeping up to date with the latest formats and specifications is important. From vinyl, CD and digital mastering, the students will learn the skills to finalise their own music within Industry standerds.
Level - 6
Arrangement and OrchestrationSKU-PRO-14
This Skills Unit focuses on the arrangement & orchestration techniques used by Producers. Taking a song in its basic format and being able to expand its instrunentation is a valuable skill. Linking to previous work with Ensembles, the students will work with a variety of music & instruments to understand how they can be arranged within their productions.
Level - 6
Professional Practice FrameworksCIF-701
This module enables students to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the professional sector specific expertise required for a creative industries profession. Students apply these creative and technical skills in a wide range of interdisciplinary contexts. Students will create or synthesise tools, techniques, and procedures to produce work that solves complex problems and disrupts in order to meet interdisciplinary objectives.
Level - 7
Applied Research (Focus and Impact on Creative Industries Futures)CIF-702A/702S
This module enables students to evidence academic expertise in an applied research context. Students will engage and reflect on the developmental process and develop learning strategies for applied research. They will work on a project collaborating with local communities, industry or academic networks as appropriate. This module runs across two terms, the first term focuses on the specific focus of the applied research and the second with the delivery and impact measurement for the research. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 7
Ideas into ActionCIF-703
Within this module students will investigate the project management processes needed to develop a project from concept to release. Students will explore projects from the perspectives of different collaborators in the research. They will identify potential collaborators for the different stages of developing and implementing their ideas and will develop skills and techniques to effectively pitch at a high level to a variety of audiences.
Level - 7
Making Connections and Building a CommunityCIF-704
This module enables students to Identify, inform, and establish a network of peers and relevant industry and community contacts to develop opportunities and advocacy in key organisations in the local community, research organisations, charities and the creative industries as well as connect with communities of investors. Students will engage core stakeholders in activities and communications to enable effective development of opportunities and increased advocacy using professional development tools such as action learning, critical reflective practice, clinical supervision, or other appropriate methods. Students will design, coordinate, and evaluate internal and external communications in a portfolio of evidence that tracks responses, activities, ethical considerations, influence, and impact.
Level - 7
Specialist Entry PortfolioCIF-001
This module aims to support students to develop a portfolio demonstrating their readiness for the MIF undergraduate programme.
Level - Foundation
Creative Project ManagementCIF-002
This module aims to provide students with the skills to effectively organise and manage projects.
Level - Foundation
Application of Creative Practice: Introduction To Synthesis & Sound DesignSKU-FDN-009
This module aims to help learners expand their palette of timbres and textures using appropriate hardware and software in the production of original and contemporary work.
Level - Foundation
Digital Product Development: Introduction To Production & Digital SoftwareSKU-FDN-005
This module aims to give students the knowledge and skills to create contemporary digital products using appropriate software e.g. Sequencing (Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Level - Foundation
Academic Practice & Effective CommunicationCIF-003
This module aims to provide students with core academic skills in using resources, referencing, presentations and the tools to communicate their ideas effectively.
Nic Britton started his career in Music Production back in the early 90’s. Working as an Engineer for Network Records in his home town of Stoke-On-Trent. During this time, Nic worked with the founders of Detroit Techno and Chicago House, luminaries such as Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins, Underground Resistance, DJ Pierre and the French Techno DJ Laurent Garnier.
During the late 90’s and 00’s, Nic was a core member of the production team TILT. Working on remixes for artists such as- Mel C, Dido, Malcolm McClaren, Boy George and Jeff Waynes “War of the Worlds” as well as numerous DJ’s and Producers including Paul van Dyke and Paul Oakenfold.
Working with TILT on remixes and original tracks including five UK Top 20 singles and a UK Number One remix, Nic to this present day, more recently remixed a Billboard Top 20 hit by U2 as well as writing and producing for other artists.
Across his career, Nic has worked with most of the major record labels like Sony/BMG and Universal but is more commonly known for releases on Perfecto and Black Hole Recordings as well as underground labels like Pro-B Tech and Stripped Recordings.
Nic also reviews equipment and hardware and has had numerous reviews and masterclasses published.
Regarding teaching, Nic has taught across Music Technology since 2006 on a variety of levels from 2 through to 6, working for colleges and universities before joining ACM in 2017.
Currently Nic is working on a variety of projects with TILT including collaborating with members of a famous band from Manchester and writing the theme music for an upcoming documentary for a large streaming platform.
Paul Ressel
Paul Ressel is a multi-award winning producer and composer based in London. He has produced for artists including Lana Del Rey, Bryn Christopher, Scratch (The Roots) and Grammy nominee Cofield Mundi.
Paul has composed music for film and media projects for the BBC, MTV, Discovery Channel and Amnesty International among others. His composition and production work for his own artist projects, including Humaniser, Vuvuvultures and SAMA Award winners Lark, has seen Paul signed to Universal Music Publishing, Z Artist Management and Cadiz Music, and he is currently releasing a number of albums for sync through music publishers Audio Network.
This industry experience feeds into Paul’s work as a music educator. With comprehensive experience in Higher Education, Paul has taught and developed curriculum for music technology and production programmes in the UK and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Career credits
Lana Del Rey – Big Bad Wolf (co-writer/producer), Cofield Mundi – Ceremony (co-producer) (SAMA, GRAMMY nominee), Lark – Razbluito (writer/producer) (SAMA winner – Best Alternative Album), Bryn Christopher – Fearless (producer/remix), National Geographic – Live Curious (composer)
Justin Lyndley
Justin started working in recording studios in the early 90’s, and has worked on a huge number of recordings as Producer, Engineer, Mixer, Re-mixer, Mastering Engineer, and Musician.
He has released records as an Artist on Wall of Sound Records, toured extensively, DJ’d, worked as a Sound Supervisor at SKY and RT, trained as a therapist at Humaniversity in Holland and has a degree in Fine Art (Sculpture).
With extensive experience in Higher Education, Justin has taught and developed curriculum for Music Production degree programmes, has a postgraduate qualification in HE Teaching and Learning (PG cert HE) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Career credits
Elvis Costello, Klaxons, Bloc Party, King Krule, Shame, Mystery Jets, Jack Penate, INXS, James, Lily Allen, Jocelyn Brown, Tricky, Silvah Bullet, Amon Tobin, and many more, along with a variety Jazz and Classical Artists and Composers.
Shea Stedford, Audio Production Tutor
Shea has been a producer, DJ and engineer with over 15 years of industry experience. He has held multiple DJ residencies across Europe and has worked for production houses like Xenomania whilst engineering in studios such as Streaky Mastering.
He has engineered for artists including Little Mix, Girls Aloud, The Saturdays, MNEK and Donae’o, produced production music for Warner Chappell, Boost and Counter Music with ongoing syncs for networks including BBC, BT Sport, Discovery Channel, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Shea has also released Electronic Dance music on Labels such as Soulvent Records, BETA recordings, SoulDeep and House Essentials.”
Shea says: “As an ex ACM student myself I can honestly say that the ACM experience played an essential part in my success in the music industry.
I came to ACM with tunnel vision, wanting to make Drum and Bass and with no interest in anything else.
After being shown all the various key areas of the industry within my Modules I gained huge respect and love for business, recording, engineering and sound design. I got the chance to collaborate with both my peers and tutors which ended up leading on to industry opportunities, long-lasting work and relationships that continue to this day.
If I could give one piece of advice to prospective students it would be: Be opened minded and trust that everything you will learn is essential in building a foundation for every possible avenue In the music industry.
Career credits
2x Library Music Award Nominee, Recording Engineer – Little Mix – DNA Album, Released music on well-respected Drum and Bass Labels, 2x Resident DJ – ZigZag – Malia, Owner of Pro EMP – Electronic Music Consultancy
Abel Quintana
Abel Quintana started working in music 10 years ago in Cadiz, Spain. After finishing his diploma in Live Sound and Radio he started working as a live sound engineer and recording live bands when he decided to come to the UK and continue his studies at ACM in 2013. In 2016 Abel started working with Mike and the Mechanics at the legendary studio of the band Genesis, The Farm, where he assisted in the production of the Album ‘Let Me Fly’. He also recorded at Metropolis (The Llamas), Air Studios (Kyko) and Abbey Road Institute (Lost in Venice) and other studios such as Big Smoke Studios and Burghfield Studios. Abel also collaborated with Eagle 3 Radio in Surrey, recording live performances of artists such as: Mystery Jets, The Drifters, Lauren Aquilina, BB Diamond, Secret Company among others. During these years Abel developed professional skills in studio, recording, mixing, mastering and producing for other bands and artists. After graduating from ACM (BA Hons Contemporary Music Production) he studied a Masters (MMus Creative Practice and Composition) at the University of Surrey where he studied orchestration and alternative ways of performing and teaching music. Since then he composed several pieces for production companies in Mexico and Spain and collaborated with other musicians and companies. Simultaneously with his Masters he started experimenting with video game engines such as Unreal Engine creating virtual spaces where the listener could experience music in 3D while walking inside the instrument. Currently he is developing his own production brand, Tsobu, which englobes electronic pop and indie music with touches of experimental and cinematic music and collaborates with other music projects.
Career credits
Mike & The Mechanics, Abbey Road Institute, Air Studios, Metropolis Studios, Big Smoke
Bob Earland
Bob Earland is a musician, producer and engineer with over 20 years of experience in the music industry and recording credits including albums by Roots Manuva, Wiley, and Speech Debelle. He has also toured extensively as a session musician with bands such as Clor, and Jacknife Lee, as well as live performances of his own solo projects.
In 2013 he began working with the Radiophonic Workshop providing technical support and playing modular synthesisers and percussion for their live shows. This has included a collaborative project with Dick Mills and Stealing Sheep, to compose an alternative soundtrack for the film ‘La Planète Sauvage’, performed as part of the 2014 Brancharge film festival. A live recording of this was later released on Fire Records in 2021 and promoted with additional live performances at the Science Museum IMAX theatre and Bluedot festival the following year.
2023 sees the release of Dark Horses’ pandemic-delayed third album ‘While We Were Sleeping’, which Bob co-produced, and mixed, also contributing additional modular synth parts. It is due for release on March 17, 2023, with two limited edition coloured vinyl pressings on Little Cloud Records. Following the release, Bob has been joining the band onstage, recreating some of the studio effects and modular synth parts, at promotional shows in Brighton and London.
Career credits
Radiophonic Workshop, Roots Manuva, Wiley
Joel Harris
Under his ‘Books’ alias Joel has been releasing music since 2015 on digital and vinyl via various experimental electronic labels including Ortem, Groundwork Recordings and Detuned Transmissions. His debut album ‘Station’ was released in 2018 and was well received by the UK dance music press including Mixmag and DJ Mag. His music combines modern production techniques with field recording and sound design to create intricate, atmospheric soundscapes for the club sound system. As a DJ, Joel has performed across the UK and parts of Europe and has held a residency at London’s genre-defining One.Seventy club night.
Joel has worked extensively with UK Hip-Hop producer ‘Aver’, engineering, mixing and co-producing tracks on his two most recent studio albums on Village Live records. These have received airplay on BBC 6Music as well as DJ Mag’s Hip Hop single of the month award. Another collaboration is currently in production alongside a number of exciting projects.
For the last two years Joel has been studying a Master’s in Music Technology at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with distinction in July 2020.
Jamie Sellers
Jamie Sellers is a songwriter and producer, originally from Glasgow but now based in Essex. In a career spanning ten years Jamie has built a name for himself in the industry as a go-to writer/producer for many up and coming and established acts across the pop music spectrum. In this time Jamie has accumulated a UK Number 1 Single and a UK Number 1 Album, 3 other UK Top 40 Singles, Two Number 1 Albums in Japan, A Top 5 Album in Spain, A Top 20 US Billboard Dance Chart Single and Top 20 Singles in Belgium, Sweden and France.
Jamie is the owner of Run Wild Music, a boutique recording studio and artist development company, where Jamie and his team of emerging writers and producers work with some of the UK’s most exciting new talent. Some notable acts that Jamie has worked with are Little Simz, Ronan Keating, Alesha Dixon, Shaznay Lewis, Chelcee Grimes, Liv Dawson, Max George, 5ive, B*Witched, Grace Davies, GIRLI among a great many others.
Career credits
Little Simz, Ronan Keating, Alesha Dixon, Shaznay Lewis, Chelcee Grimes, Liv Dawson, Max George, 5ive, B*Witched, Grace Davies, GIRLI among a great many others.
Course Details
Award
BA / BSc (Hons) Creative Industries FuturesMCCI Creative Industries Futures
In 1999 ACM pioneered the World’s first accelerated degree delivering two 45-week terms that allowed a traditional three-year degree to be delivered across two-years. Over the subsequent 20 years this model has been adopted as the gold standard delivery for two-year degrees, with the government recognising the model developed by ACM in legislation in 2017.
The accelerated model provides a quicker route to industry by condensing a three-year degree into two years through the addition of an extra third term during the Summer. This means that students study a year and a half’s worth of a degree in a one year time timeframe. This model means that students do not study more intensively during any given weeks of the course, the extra learning takes place during weeks that students would normally be on an extended Summer holiday at a traditional University.
The accelerated nature of the course does still allow for time off, with seven weeks of the year taken as holiday between terms. This system mirrors the type of holiday periods students are familiar with through their study at School and College. Due to ACM’s industry connections, partnerships and vocational project briefs, students get numerous opportunities to work whilst on programme, even gaining academic credits for their work. This means it is possible to study and build a meaningful CV during your accelerated course, with opportunities to learn and earn whilst on programme.
Our foundation year combines academic skills with real life creative projects to give you the experience you need to begin your career within the creative industries.
If you’re passionate about creativity, but don’t have the right qualifications for our full degree, then our foundation year is for you.
For budding producers, musicians, creative artists and songwriters. Whatever your age and background, our aim is to support your learning journey.
Our foundation programme has been carefully designed and crafted to build your confidence, creative skills within your discipline and develop your essential academic skills to prepare you for succeeding at Degree level.
We use a variety of teaching methods to support your learning that may include:
Lectures and seminars both online and in person
Discipline specific skills units
Online activities
Access to masterclasses and workshops
Independent study
Portfolio building
Collaborative projects
Throughout the foundation programme, you can expect to engage in a variety of academic and skills based modules in line with your chosen discipline such as:
Portfolio Development
Creative Project Management
Academic Practice & Effective Communication
Introduction to Songwriting & Song Structure
Introduction to Production & Digital Software
Introduction to Instrumental Development
Introduction to Stagecraft, Collaboration & Performance
This pathway is for students who prefer to join the programme entirely online as remote learners.
This could be for a range of reasons including to manage your projects or work schedule more effectively or because you are located too far from an ACM campus in the UK, or situated outside the UK for the duration or part of the programme.
This could include a number of students from an organisation, co-working space or a professional association who wish to provide a shared learning space for students on the programme in specific locations for their staff or members.
Duration
Degree
2 Year accelerated delivery
3 Year accelerated delivery including Foundation Year
3 Year traditional delivery Integrated Masters
3 Year accelerated delivery including postgraduate year
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview. View audition guide
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview.
2 Year Degree
All candidates should hold at least 2 A-Levels (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification), possessing a minimum of 104 UCAS points.
We normally require Grade C/4 GCSE (or an equivalent qualification) in English. Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘4’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
* New UCAS 2017 tariff system.
Foundation Level 0
All candidates should hold at least a Grade C/4 in English GCSE.
Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘0’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Masters Level
All applicants will undertake an audition that will assess their suitability for the programme based on their subject and academic ability.
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Details regarding the English Language requirements for Middlesex University programmes can be viewed here.