- Study Mode: Full time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Four Years
- Start Date: September 2021
You can also study this course:
The key aims of the course are to develop a wide range of music production and performance skills, making use of technologies to compose, perform, record and produce original music. This will lead to a substantial portfolio of original work in performance, composition and production.
Throughout the course you'll develop your problem solving, listening and research skills and in turn you can direct these entrepreneurial abilities towards a productive freelance future.
Open Days
We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.
Application Guide
For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.
Why study this subject?
Considering a career as a music producer, performer, composer, researcher or educator?
By combining music production and performance you'll give yourself a unique blend of skills, opening up numerous career opportunities within the music industry. With the UK music industry alone contributing £5.8bn to the UK economy in 2019, (Music By Numbers, UK Music) there has never been a better time to follow your passion.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
BNU pioneered Music Business and Management degrees over 20 years ago. Studying with us means you'll be associated with our highly regarded teaching programme and you'll benefit from learning with a leading team of expert lecturers. Our teaching staff have a wealth of professional and academic experience, with many still actively working in the music industry.
At the heart of this course is a commitment to preparing you for work in areas like studio-based music production, live sound, composition, performance and music-related entrepreneurial ventures. The course offers a vibrant, innovative and engaging curriculum that delivers work-ready graduates who'll be equipped to compete in the national and international employment marketplace.
All our music degrees at Buckinghamshire New University come with membership of UK Music’s Music Academic Partnership (MAP).
UK Music is the collective voice of the UK’s world-leading music industry. We represent all sectors of our industry – bringing them together to collaborate, campaign, and champion music. The members of UK Music are: AIM, BPI, FAC, The Ivors Academy, MMF, MPA, MPG, MU, PPL, PRS for Music. UK Music also has an informal association with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment).
MAP is a ground-breaking collaboration between educational institutions and UK Music, and is designed to maximise the relationship between the industry and educational institutions in order to inform the next generation of industry professionals.
MAP does this by nurturing collaborative projects, such as research and careers events, panel events, various education and skills work, policy work, and career opportunities. Fundamentally MAP provides extra opportunities to individuals who want to build careers out of their passion for music. This helps to future-proof the music industry by ensuring new entrants have the right mix of experience and skills.
What facilities can I use?
We have extensive and advanced industry standard recording facilities at BNU, including three recording studios with separate vocal booths and live rooms, as well as three professional edit suites.
The course builds on existing department strengths and partnerships, including relationships with impressive industry names like Sennheiser and Focusrite.
What will I study?
This course will help you to develop many of the skills required by the creative industries, preparing you for life in music environments, such as studio-based music production, live sound, composition, performance and music related entrepreneurial ventures.
On completion of this course you'll be able to demonstrate a high level of competence in the use of music equipment and technology. Moreover, you'll have the intellectual curiosity and potential for continued artistic and creative development. These attributes will be demonstrated through your leadership, listening, critical reflection, teamwork, and organisational skills.
How will I be taught and assessed?
This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.
A variety of assessment formats will be used throughout the course, including in-class assignments, workshops and presentations. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focused, forming a constructive part of your learning process.
Placements Plus
BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.
We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.
Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.
What are the course entry requirements?
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the 3-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a Level 4 course, will be considered for the 4-year programme including a Foundation Year. If you wish to enquire further, please send your query along with any academic evidence or references to admissions@bucks.ac.uk
Find out more about our General Entry Requirements.
This module map provides a list of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
Year 1 Modules
Preparing for Success Knowledge and Creativity
Preparing for Success Self-development and Responsibility
Inquiry and Research Skills
Introduction to Music Management, Production and Performance
Year 2 Modules
Professional Performance Context
Professional Performance Reflection
Music Composition
Performance Development
Introduction to Recording
Introduction to Pro Tools
Live Sound 1
Live Sound 2
Year 3 Modules
Professional Performance Practice
Recording and Mixing Techniques
Creative Audio Production
Introduction to Research Methods
Industry Experience
Professional Performance and Musicianship (optional)
Professional Performance Application (optional)
Live Sound: Consoles and Sound Systems
Live Sound: Networks and RF
Year 4 Modules
Professional Production Project
3D Audio in Music
Live Event Project
Live Event Project: Experimental
Professional Performance Strategy
Professional Performance Entrepreneurship (optional)
Placement Plus (optional)
Dissertation (optional)
Creative Performance Technology (optional)
How much does it cost
Home and EU
Home and EU, Academic Year 2021-2022
£9,250 per year
International
International, Academic Year 2021-2022
£13,750 per year
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
By integrating studies in creative music practice, critical listening and audio production our BA (Hons) Music Production and Performance course will help you to understand the connections between these different activities and how they can be integrated into future careers as producers, performers, composers, researchers or educators.
Graduates can also choose to study for a postgraduate course.
