Undergraduate BA(hons) or BSc (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (Music) Rap & MC

Modules 

MIF – 407 Music Industry Futures 

Studying alongside students from every music pathway, you’ll explore the people, organisations and processes that shape today’s music business, from recording and publishing to live events and emerging technologies. You’ll gain an understanding of how Rap and MC artists collaborate with industry professionals, whilst developing a broad awareness of the opportunities, challenges and career paths that define the modern music industry.

MIF-411 Specialist Creative Practice 1

Build the practical skills that form the foundation of your future career as a Rap & MC artist. This module is taught through hands-on Skills Labs where you will explore the core aspects of songwriting and what factors and attributes contribute towards effective Rap & MC development, as well as the fundamentals of the evolution of Rap & MC and perfecting your pen game.

MIF-412 Specialist Creative Practice 2

As you build on the foundations established in Specialist Creative Practice 1, you’ll refine your technical approach, strengthen your creative decision-making and develop your Digital Audio Workstation Composition and Arrangement skills, using DAWs such as Logic and Ableton. You will also explore the fundamentals of Rap & MC with others and the importance of co-writing within the music industry. Through your practical Skills Labs, you’ll develop more advanced techniques that support your ongoing growth as a Rap & MC Artist.

MIF-413 Music Culture & Communities

Music shapes cultures, communities and influences the world around us. In this module, you’ll study alongside other pathways across music and explore how the music industry connects with society, identity and creative communities. Through discussion, research and shared perspectives, you’ll gain a broader understanding of the cultural impact of music whilst developing valuable research skills that will inform your own practice as a Rap & MC Artist and help you create work that connects with music industry professionals and audiences.

CIF – 405 Preparing for Collaborative Projects

During this module you’ll develop the skills needed to prepare you for working with peers across the music degree to apply your Rap & MC skills to an interdisciplinary creative project.

CIF – 406 – Engaging in Collaborative Projects

Following on from CIF-405, you’ll work collaboratively on a shared project brief with students from other disciplines. You’ll build upon your skills to support larger projects with the creative industry and contribute your Rap & MC skills to fulfilling a creative brief.

Skills Units

SKU-CAC-01 Introduction to Songwriting

This skills unit is an introduction to the core aspects of songwriting, covering topics such as structure, lyrical & melodic devices & harmonic construction. Students will explore what factors and attributes contribute towards effective commercial songwriting.

SKU-RMC-01 The Evolution of Rap & MC 

Rap music demands skill, and being a great MC means perfecting your pen game. This skills unit focuses on the craft of creating rap songs in a way that evokes powerful emotions in the audience by using vivid narrative to construct a picture with words.

SKU-PRO-01 DAW Composition & Arrangement 

This Skills Unit reinforces 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.

SKU-CAC-02 Co-Writing, Collaboration & Constructive Feedback 

Running alongside the core module “Engaging in Collaborative Work”, students can use this skills unit to explore the fundamentals of songwriting with others, and the importance of co-writing within the music industry. Students will also gain experience in giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Modules 

CIF – 501 – Specialist Collaborative Work

This module allows you to apply your songwriting skills within ambitious, cross-disciplinary creative projects. Working alongside students from across the music degree, you’ll respond to industry-inspired briefs, taking on the role of a Rap & MC Artist to shape songs and compositions into collaborative outcomes. Along the way, you’ll be strengthening your project management, communication and creative problem-solving skills.

CIF – 502 – Professional Collaborative Work

You’ll take your collaborative experience into a professional context by delivering a major project that reflects the realities of the music industry. Working with students across the course, you’ll apply your Rap & MC expertise to help realise ambitious creative work, managing technical and creative challenges and developing the confidence, adaptability and professional mindset needed to succeed as a songwriter in today’s collaborative creative industries.

CIF – 503 – Specialist Route Skills 

Refine the skills needed to write and release professional songs. Your skills labs will take you through the fundamentals of your pen game, creating rap songs in a way that evokes emotion in the audience as well as how to look after your voice to support rehearsals, touring and recording. Combining advanced technical practice with critical reflection, you’ll build the confidence, creativity and professional understanding required to deliver industry-ready songs.

CIF – 504 – Professional Route Skills 

Building on your Specialist Route Skills, you’ll expand your Rap & MC expertise by applying your skills to a range of professional projects. Through advanced skills labs, you’ll further develop your skills in stagecraft, musicianship and performance, alongside delving into copyright, royalties, publishing and income streams. Through building a portfolio of professional work, you’ll demonstrate the technical ability, adaptability and critical thinking needed to succeed across the modern music industry.

Skills Units

SKU-RMC-03 Pen Game & The Power of the Mixtape 

Rap music demands skill, and being a great MC means perfecting your pen game. This skills unit focuses on the craft of creating rap songs in a way that evokes powerful emotions in the audience by using vivid narrative to construct a picture with words.

SKU-CAS-03 Vocal Health & Development

As a singer/songwriter, vocal health is incredibly important. This skills unit will give students the correct tools to maintain a healthy vocal career & knowledge on specific vocal techniques for rehearsals, touring & recording.

SKU-CAS-05 Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance

This skills unit aims to help each student discover and develop their persona as a performing artist, whilst maintaining the integrity that is fundamental to effective live performance.

SKU-BUS-12 Copyright, royalties, publishing, and income streams

This Unit builds on the introductory look at these topics that students received at L4. Through an in-depth exploration of copyright, royalties, publishing, and income streams, students will learn how to protect their work and make money from it.

Modules

CIF – 601 – Critical Review Preparation

Prepare for your dissertation by developing the research, analysis and critical thinking skills needed to investigate contemporary issues in the Rap & MC landscape. You’ll explore current debates, technologies and professional practice whilst learning how to evaluate sources, develop research questions and construct evidence-based arguments. This module will provide the foundation for independent research, helping you identify a topic that reflects your interests and future career ambitions.

CIF-601 Critical Review

Undertake an independent research project exploring an area of Rap & MC that matters to you. Whether investigating emerging songwriting trends and technologies, creative practice, writing workflows, or the wider social and cultural impact of music, you’ll critically evaluate contemporary issues using academic research and professional evidence. You’ll produce a substantial piece of work that demonstrates your ability to think critically, conduct independent research and contribute to conversations shaping the future of Rap & MC Artistry.

CIF – 603 – Leadership and CPD

Prepare for life beyond your studies by developing the advanced technical skills and professional mindset expected of Rap & MC artists. Through specialist Skills Labs, you’ll explore music business and DIY Artistry, focusing on the relevant fundamentals of music business for a songwriter. You will explore the necessary skills required to release music & market yourself as a creative artist, alongside advanced stagecraft and musicianship to support your live performance as a Rap & MC artist. As you refine your technical expertise, you’ll reflect on your strengths and develop your leadership skills.

CIF – 602 – Leading a Professional Collaborative Project

Bring together everything you’ve learned throughout your degree in your final major collaborative project that showcases your skills as a songwriter. Taking a leading role within an interdisciplinary team, you’ll manage the creative and technical demands of delivering a professional standard body of work. Supported by specialised Skills Labs in advanced Rap & MC techniques and theories essential for success in the creative domain, you will emerge equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive landscape of music.

CIF – 604 – Professional Portfolio 

You’ll prepare to launch your career by creating a professional portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity and technical expertise as a Rap & MC artist. In this module, you’ll curate your best work to develop a strong digital presence that reflects your creative identity.

Skills Units

SKU-CAS-06 Music Business & DIY Artistry

This skills unit focuses on the relevant fundamentals of music business for a performing songwriter. You will explore the necessary skills required to release music & market yourself as a creative artist.

SKU-CAS-08 Advanced Stagecraft, Musicianship & Performance

This skills unit aims to provide an opportunity for students to integrate their instrumental, vocal, and stagecraft skills into a coherent whole, consistent with professional levels of live performance. Students will explore their stagecraft and musicianship in depth as a way of enhancing creativity and musical expression.

SKU-RMC-05 Independent Rap Professional

In this skill unit, you’ll dive deep into the world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) music sales, tailored specifically for aspiring rap artists. From understanding the fundamentals of DTC sales to building your online store and maximising fan engagement, each week will equip you with practical skills and insights to thrive in the music industry.

Throughout the unit, you’ll explore crucial topics such as branding, data analytics, content creation, and monetisation strategies. By the end of our journey, you’ll emerge with a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage DTC sales channels to build a successful rap career and sustain long-term growth. Get ready to embark on an empowering journey towards becoming an independent rap professional!

SKU-CAC-09 Professional Specialism

In the ever-evolving landscape of music production and live performance, the need for versatile and skilled professionals is paramount. This degree module aims to elevate the capabilities of recording and performing artists, as well as songwriters, by delving into advanced techniques and theories essential for success in the creative domain. From studio intricacies to live production wizardry, participants will embark on a journey of discovery, honing their craft to perfection.

Through hands-on experience, theoretical exploration, and practical application, participants will emerge from this module equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive landscape of recording and live production. Whether shaping sonic landscapes in the studio or captivating audiences on stage, graduates will be prepared to unleash their artistic potential and make a lasting impact in the world of music and performance.

CIF – 701 – Professional Practice Frameworks

Develop the professional expertise expected of senior practitioners in the music industry. You’ll critically evaluate your own creative practice, reflect on your professional experiences and benchmark your skills against recognised industry standards. This module helps you strengthen your credentials and prepare for leadership roles within the evolving music industry.

CIF – 702 – Applied research 

Undertake an in-depth research project centred on an area of Rap & MC that aligns with your professional ambitions. Whether developing an advanced creative portfolio, investigating emerging songwriting technologies or exploring innovative musician practice, you’ll combine rigorous academic research with specialist practice to produce a substantial body of work that reflects your expertise and individual interests.

CIF – 703 – Ideas into action 

Transform ambitious ideas into professionally realised projects. From initial concept through to delivery, you’ll refine your practice whilst building the organisational and entrepreneurial skills required to deliver projects in professional environments.

CIF – 704 – Making connections 

Success in the music industry is built on relationships as much as talent. This module helps you expand your professional network by connecting with industry practitioners, creative organisations, community partners and potential collaborators. You’ll develop the confidence to build meaningful professional relationships, identify new opportunities and position yourself within the wider music industry.

Advanced Creative Practice Skills Labs

Alongside your postgraduate studies, you’ll have access to advanced Skills Labs each term, giving you the opportunity to further develop your specialist technical expertise. These practical sessions allow you to explore emerging creative practice techniques and encourage you to experiment with new technologies, ensuring your skills remain aligned with the latest developments in the music industry.