COURSE IN DEPTH
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Acoustic Fundamentals
20 credits
This module will develop students’ understanding of acoustic fundamentals and will also develop a methodology for testing a range of musical instruments, using a range of applicable techniques to extract and analyse data.
Sound Recording
20 credits
This module provides a base for you to develop key skills in recording and mixing, imperative for all fields of music technology and sound engineering. You will become familiar with the hybrid analogue mixing/digital recording studio environment and explore recording techniques and processes applicable to a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments. You will study analogue-based audio systems and processes, and microphone technology. You will apply this knowledge through a series of studio based recordings.
Digital Audio Fundamentals
20 credits
This module will introduce the nature of digital signals, presenting the international standards for digital audio data and the common processes involved in the capture and processing of digital signals. Later the module will allow you to develop strong skills in the standards for compression and distribution of digital audio signals and via a cross discipline approach, the module will illustrate common methods form computing and how valid these are for digital signal distribution.
Music Studies
20 credits
This module is the first in the Music and Critical Studies theme of the degree programme. It provides the foundation for Music and Critical Studies in year 2, as well as giving context to the Music Technology and Sound Recording theme to the degree. This module will allow you to develop your musical awareness to give a setting and context to recording work across a range of genres. The aural training work raises aural awareness, widening the sense of musical appreciation, as well as providing a foundation for analysis of popular genres of music in year 2.
Sequencing and Synthesis
20 credits
This module provides a base for you to develop key skills in sequencing and synthesis, imperative for all fields of music technology and sound engineering. This foundation will be built upon in level 5 and level 6 modules. Working with Digital Audio Workstation-based music applications and processing, especially with respect to MIDI programming and sequencing, you will gain experience of control systems and processes.
Audio Electronics
20 credits
This module will develop key understanding of electronic fundamentals as applied to audio systems. Subject matter relates primarily to the analogue domain and will encourage you to develop your passion for the equipment found in the studios, learn how they sound and what makes them important during the recording, mixing and mastering process. Specific attention is applied to audio transducers; loudspeakers, microphones and headphones.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Sampling, Editing and Production
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop skills in key applications. It provides the opportunity to explore sampling and editing to lay a foundation for recording and production work in the module which follows and then for their advanced application at Level 6.
Recording, Production and Delivery
20 credits
This module enables you to develop an individual recording portfolio based on your personal areas of interest whilst acquiring core techniques and skills in key applications. It provides the opportunity to explore editing, mixing and a range of recording techniques to lay a foundation for more advanced recording and production work at Level 6.
Digital Signal Processing
20 credits
Digital technology is widely used throughout all the stages of the digital media processing, production, transmission, distribution and broadcasting activities. This module provides application based fundamental digital signal processing (DSP) knowledge and skills.
Music and Critical Studies
20 credits
This module allows you to develop musicological, aural and performance analysis skills to support recording and production work in both year two and beyond. Technical aural training runs alongside musical aural training as required for the aspiring professional producer, engineer, or other form of music technologist.
Music and Audio Industries
20 credits
This module will allow you to gain an in-depth understanding of global music and audio industries and how organisations have sought to adapt to technological change. This module enhances employability through the development of your understanding of employer requirements and approaches to recruitment.
Acoustic Applications
20 credits
This module will provide a practical insight into acoustic consultancy by assessing through theory and practice. It will cover building, interior and environmental acoustics in a way that aids employability by utilising methods that are typical of industrial practice.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Individual Honours Project
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Multi-Channel Sound Production
20 credits
This module is inherently interdisciplinary by providing an opportunity to design professional-standard music, Foley, dialogue and fx recording work whilst developing high-level skills in surround sound and editing audio to picture. This incorporates a range of skills crucial to potential employment in audio, film, game and VR-related industries.
Production and Mastering
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity to develop professional-standard recording work within personal areas of interest assimilating all the skills acquired through the Sound Recording theme of the degree. You will acquire high-level skills in key areas such as mastering to facilitate sophisticated recording and production work.
Digital Audio Effects OR New Interfaces for Musical Expression
20 credits
You will be given the chance to develop a range of audio processing techniques and will learn the basics of efficient realtime algorithm design. DAFx is a well-established area in audio engineering and provides you with the technical knowledge required to work in a wide range of disciplines. The module will cover linear and nonlinear systems, time and frequency domain processing algorithms and will explore future generations of methods in the field such as adaptive, cross-adaptive and intelligent music production systems.
Game Audio
20 credits
The Game industry has overtaken the film industry in terms of revenue and audio is an integral part of developing high impact titles. In this module, you will explore the fundamentals of sound design for interactive environments, including sound effects, Foley sound, soundscapes and dialogue. The module will cover the integration of audio into game engines like Unity and middleware such as FMOD, and mixing techniques particular to the gaming industry.
