Study the Art of Production
The Producer (EMP) study-route provides its students with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to produce, mix and master music, whether you want to help realise another artist’s vision or create your very own. Our music production course covers the fundamentals of studio recording, the science of acoustics, the art of composition and all the music technology you could hope for, students of this producer (EMP) study-route can further specialise in electronic music production, audio engineering and/or creative sound design for new media by adding in the elective modules most relevant to their interests and career aspirations.
This programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.
ACM Producer Route UCAS Codes
BA(Hons) Music Industry Practice (MIP) – The Producer Route:
UCAS Institution Code: A48
- Electronic Music Production Degree 2 Years WH83 | 3 Years W383
Producer (EMP) Modules
All students on the Producer (EMP) Study-Route must study the following modules in addition to the mandatory modules of the Music Industry Practice programme.
- Become a consummate technician of sound. Music Information Technology enables you to develop your understanding and skill in using various music software packages covering MIDI sequencing, sound synthesis, recording and editing techniques. Module credit value: 15
- This module will challenge your understanding of musical performance through exposure to novel creative ideas and work processes. Exploring the creative application of technology in musical performance, MIP-409 is an essential module for every budding Creative Artist. Module credit value: 15
- Get the best results from a recording. This module provides you with a thorough understanding of the theories and concepts of recording practice. Welcome to the studio! Module credit value: 15
- This module delivers a solid grounding in musical composition and arrangement in order to develop and enhance your overall musicianship. Module credit value: 15
- This module builds on earlier software-based modules by developing your knowledge of Digital Audio Workstations, focusing particularly on the creative use of software in the field of professional audio production. Module credit value: 30
- Understand what makes Producers tick. This module builds on the skills and knowledge you have acquired at Level 4 by engaging you in a detailed analysis of some of the music and sound industry’s most successful producers and writers. Module credit value: 30
- Become the acclaimed Producer. This module facilitates your transition from learner to professional producer, properly equipped to enter the contemporary music and creative industries. Module credit value: 30
- Hear the difference. This module introduces you to the fundamental technical aspects of audio engineering and music production, with an emphasis on the concept of fidelity and the development of listening skills. Module credit value: 15
- This module provides you with knowledge of advanced recording, mixing, and other creative [production techniques used by world-famous producers, artists and sound engineers of the last 30 years. Module credit value: 30
- Songcraft gives you unique insight and perspective as to the nature of the creative songwriting process. Module credit value: 15
Over the last 20 years we’ve learnt that there are some things that every music industry professional needs to know about. Things such as copyright, the pseudo-currency of the music industry, who the key players are and how the various sectors of artist management, records, publishing and live work and are changing. That’s why our Music Industry Practice programme includes a small number mandatory modules that we believe everybody should study.
- Getting to the roots of music. This module helps you to understand the broader social context of music. Link happenings in the wider-world with the development of music and analyse the cultural associations of specific musical genres. Learn where the music came from. Module credit value: 15
- This module gives you a thorough understanding of the music industry and its key players, as well as exploring our industry’s pseudo-currency; copyright in artistic works. Music Industry Studies gives you the best start imaginable for a career as a music industry professional. Module credit value: 15
- This module asks you to consolidate all the skills and experience gained during the course of your studies to deliver a substantial practical project associated with your chosen specialism. A songwriter might deliver an album and songbook. A sound designer may work on an interactive game soundtrack. Entrepreneurial students might launch a real business venture. There are so many options, and the choice is all yours! Module credit value: 30
- This module requires that you professionally present you and your work to the music marketplace, making you ready to compete successfully with other industry professionals upon graduation. Module credit value: 30
- Deliver a research-based dissertation in a field related to the music or wider creative industries in order to drive understanding in a particular area, forward. Module credit value: 30
Credit-bearing elective modules are a requirement of your qualification. Students must choose 2 from the indicative list below.
The final module selection will be available at course induction where you can select modules which will work in tandem with your core timetable.
- Live a better life with music. This module delivers a detailed understanding of music therapy in health and education settings. Now you, too, can understand the importance of music, not only as art and entertainment, but as a positive force in the lives of others. Module credit value: 15
- Gain a thorough understanding of the theories and concepts that underpin mix preparation and mastering, the final polishing exercises involved in a recorded product’s route to market. Module credit value: 15
- Make music for all kinds of arts and entertainment platforms, from film and television to gaming. Learn the theory, psychology, commerce and practicalities of musical composition taking place outside of our home industry. Module credit value: 15
- This explores the development, role and future of music journalism as a form of critique, commentary, tastemaking, and promotion. You will come to understand the role that writers have in shaping and appraising music culture, as well as learning about the key players and platforms involved in the commerce of journalism today. Pick up a pen and put your thoughts on paper. Module credit value: 15
- Raise the bar of the avant-garde. This module explores the non-traditional creation of music and sound using a variety of experimental techniques. Challenge the norm and be at the cutting edge of music making. Module credit value: 15
- Discover both medium and message. This module provides you with a core understanding of the fundamentals of television, radio and internet broadcasting technology, production, programming and presentation technique. Module credit value: 15
- Inform and inspire. This module introduces you to theories, principles and models of education necessary for you to impart your wisdom to others. Be the best music teacher you can be. Module credit value: 15
- Bring sound and story to life. This module teaches how music and sound can be integrated into all kinds of interactive media such as theatre, art-installations, e-books and computer games for the purpose of entertainment and education. Augmented Reality. The world as you might see and hear it. Module credit value: 15
- This module aims to examine and develop the career strategies and professional skills of a freelance musician, including the essential skill of working with musical direction in the contemporary music environment. Module credit value: 15
- Understand what moves a crowd and makes them spend their money. This module explores the relationship between music and psychology from commercial, emotional and academic perspectives. Module credit value: 15
- This module provides you with an advanced understanding of music theory. Become a sensei in the science of music. Module credit value: 15
- Learn the role of music in bringing communities together. This module explores the context and function of music in the community, covering historical, social and economical areas of study. Module credit value: 15
Zero-credit elective modules (subject to availability) have no bearing on or requirement in your qualification, they are purely optional. We recommend that students study 2 of these modules, but there is no minimum or maximum stipulation.
- This module gives you the opportunity to learn and master a second instrument, thus improving your versatility, creativity and employability.
- This module provides you with further technical proficiency in playing piano/keys, arguably the starting-point for so many of those who love music.
- This module teaches you about web and app design – knowledge and skills that are very useful in a multitude of situations in today’s digital world, whether for building your own artistic presence online or building a presence for others.
- Learn how to enhance live performance with movement and dance. Whether choreographing your own movement or the movement of others, learn how to link music and body in this elective module.
- This module prepares you for effectively presenting your talent to the wider world. Learn how to work the camera, from both behind and infront of the lens. Explore what to say to journalists, and also what not to say!
- As you build towards the dream portfolio, where you yourself are in charge of your own career destiny, it is extremely likely that you will at some point find yourself working in a self-employed manner. This module teaches you how to manage your business affairs as a self-employed individual, including how to handle taxation and other finance-related necessities. It’ll help you work smarter and faster, saving you both time and money in the future.
- Bring your ideas to life in writing. This module gives you the opportunity to become an accomplished storyteller, whether your intended output be media journalism or the lyrics of a song. Master the written word.
- Discover the power of group singing, verse and chorus. This module introduces you to the essential techniques and skills required to arrange and perform in vocal ensembles. Whether you are a singer, bandleader, conductor or composer, learn how to bring together a group of voices together for maximum effect.
- You’ll learn all about the technologies involved in the broadcast and programming industries and how some of your favourite radio programming is made in this elective module. Master the art of Radio Production. Speak to your audience. This module explores the art of voice presentation within the broadcast and programming industries. Whether you’d like to become a radio presenter or commercial voice artist, learn how to use your voice to maximum effect.
- Remixing →Turn tracks on their head. This module gives students the required skills and knowledge to understand the art of remixing.
- Give good technical support. Enable production and performance sessions to run smoothly and professionally through study of this module.
- Create in a different way. In this module, students are shown how to utilise a variety of software, hardware and performance techniques to enhance and improve originality in composition and production.
- Master the de facto production package, Pro Tools. This module gives practitioners of audio production the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge of the world’s most favoured Digital Audio Workstation software.
- Ableton →As a sequencer, experimental sound creation tool and live performance device in one neat and intuitive package, Ableton is the choice of many top artists, record producers and remixers, particularly within the many Electronic music genres. Become an Ableton guru.
- Moving picture mediums such as Television, Video, Film and Games are commonly matched with sound, but the ability to match the medium, type and style of the moving picture with the right sound is not an easy task. This module shows students how to get it right every time.
- Create viable and interesting sound designs. From equipment choice to capture technique, become proficient in Location Recording, Foley and ADR. Whether at Wembley Stadium or the local pub, equipment choice and capture technique in a live setting is very different to that in a studio environment. Learn the intricacies of a perfect live recording set-up in this module.
Our Foundation Year is for those people who haven’t taken a traditional route through education or the working world and, having spoken with our teams, determine that they would benefit from an additional year of study with us at the start of their programme.
In the Foundation year students will complete the eight modules below alongside academic skills training.
On successful completion of the Foundation Year students will progress onto the relevant route of the accelerated 2-year programme.
- Realising the sounds you hear in your mind. This module gives you the knowledge and skills required to realise musical ideas using MIDI sequencing techniques. You can create incredible music at the click of a button.
- This module provides you with a solid foundation of music theory. Master the language and science of music.
- Music has always brought people together – and now you can understand why. This module gives you the opportunity to learn and discuss the ways in which contemporary music affects, reflects and entertains society.
- One studio recording can make or break an artist. Discover how. This module provides the opportunity to learn how to manage a studio recording session and communicate effectively with artists and musicians.
- Whenever and wherever you’re capturing music, learn how to do it well. This module provides you with multiple methodologies for capturing and engineering live sound.
- This module teaches you how to use electronic hardware and software in live performance environments, as well as how to create a piece of music using a wide variety of software synthesisers and samplers.
- The music industry is a wild and complex beast that you’ll never tame. And so knowing what keeps it happy and healthy is important. This module gives you a foundational understanding of the music industry and its key players, in turn giving you one of the best starts imaginable for a career as a music industry professional.
- Amps aren’t the only pieces of equipment that musicians can plug in to. This module introduces the ways in which you can harness various platforms, including social media. Stay ahead of the curve and make your audience work for you.
Our Students | Ed Stokes, 19
Contemporary Music Production
Degree, 2014-16
ASPIRATIONS
» Music Producer and Songwriter
» Work for major labels
» Produce well known artists
» Have a number one hit record
» Be the next Max Martin
“ACM has given me the knowledge that has enabled me to be a step closer to achieving my goals. I hope one day I will achieve the dream of becoming a successful music producer and songwriter with the backing of ACM pointing me in the right direction!”
Destinations
- Continue reading →
This bespoke study option has been created for those wishing to pursue a career as a Studio and/or Record Producer. Elective Modules in Pro Tools, Audio Technical Support, Mix Preparation, Mastering and Experimental Music make it particularly useful for this career destination.
You will study towards a BA (Hons) in Music Industry Practice and join the Producer Route of the programme. Other Modules you will study include Audio Fundamentals, Studio Recording Technique, Acoustics, Media Composition, Music Information Technology, Creative Software Skills, Creative Audio Technology and Production Analysis.
The programme is delivered in an accelerated fashion over two years (or available as a three year option for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements) and is validated by Middlesex University.
UCAS Codes
UCAS Institution Code – A48
Two Year Course – W374
Three Year Course – WH74View this destination on the UCAS site.
View more destinations for those students who wish to follow the Producer Route.
- Continue reading →
This bespoke study option has been created for those wishing to pursue a career in Creative Sound Design. Elective Modules in Location Recording, Sound To Picture, Interactive Audio and Experimental Music make it particularly useful for this career destination.
You will study towards a BA (Hons) in Music Industry Practice and join the Producer Route of the programme. Other Modules you will study include Audio Fundamentals, Studio Recording Technique, Acoustics, Media Composition, Music Information Technology, Creative Software Skills, Creative Audio Technology and Production Analysis.
The programme is delivered in an accelerated fashion over two years (or available as a three year option for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements) and is validated by Middlesex University.
UCAS Codes
UCAS Institution Code – A48
Two year Course – W371
Three Year Course – WH71View this destination on the UCAS site.
View more destinations for those students who wish to follow the Producer Route.
- Continue reading →
This bespoke study option has been created for those wishing to pursue a career in Electronic Music Production. Elective Modules in Ableton, Remixing, Mix Preparation, Mastering and Experimental Sound make it particularly useful for this career destination.
You will study towards a BA (Hons) in Music Industry Practice and join the Producer Route of the programme. Other Modules you will study include Audio Fundamentals, Studio Recording Technique, Acoustics, Media Composition, Music Information Technology, Creative Software Skills, Creative Audio Technology and Production Analysis.
The programme is delivered in an accelerated fashion over two years (or available as a three year option for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements) and is validated by Middlesex University.
UCAS Codes
UCAS Institution Code – A48
Two Year Course – WH83
Three Year Course – W383View this destination on the UCAS site.
View more destinations for those students who wish to follow the Producer Route.
- Continue reading →
This bespoke study option has been created for those wishing to pursue a career in Radio Production. Elective Modules in Radio Presentation, Radio Production, Broadcast Studies and Music Journalism make it particularly useful for this career destination.
You will study towards a BA (Hons) in Music Industry Practice and join the Producer Route of the programme. Other Modules you will study include Audio Fundamentals, Studio Recording Technique, Acoustics, Media Composition, Music Information Technology, Creative Software Skills, Creative Audio Technology and Production Analysis.
The programme is delivered in an accelerated fashion over two years (or available as a three year option for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements) and is validated by Middlesex University.
UCAS Codes
UCAS Institution Code – A48
Two Year Course – 561T
Three Year Course – T561View this destination on the UCAS site.
View more destinations for those students who wish to follow the Producer Route.
“Progressive, holistic, conscientious. Quite honestly a truly magical place to learn. A wealth of highly skilled professionals ready to impart their knowledge on to future generations.”
Gary Langan Queen, Yes, ABC, Spandau Ballet, Co-founder of ZTT Records
Ready for ACM?
Jump over to our Apply Now page, select the relevant course and fill in our online form. Good luck!
Course Details
AWARD
BA (Hons) Music Industry Practice
DURATION
Full Time Study (Accelerated Programme)
2 Year (6 x 15 week Terms)
3 Year including Foundation Year
FHEQ CREDITS
Degree 360
UCAS CODES
Institution A48
Awarding body
Middlesex University
CAMPUS DELIVERY
Birmingham
Guildford
Entry Requirements
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview.
2 YEAR DEGREE
Minimum age 18
All candidates should hold at least two Cs at A-Level (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification), possessing a minimum of 64 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
Minimum age 17
All candidates should hold at least 18 tariff points* with a minimum of 12 points from one 6-unit award.
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 ‘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.
* New UCAS 2017 tariff system.
Details regarding the English Language requirements for Middlesex University programmes can be viewed here.
Fees & financing information can be found here.
