BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production

You will develop specialisms which could include:

• Music composition and production for film, television, games and immersive media, such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR).
• Sound design
• Sound postproduction
• Sound engineering
• Audio production in studio and live settings

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key topics of your integrated foundation year will include:

• Core principles of media communication design
• Narrative construction and structure
• Symbolism, meaning, and interpretation
• Colour theory and aesthetic principles
• Character development and genre exploration
• Sequencing techniques and timing
• Editing, lighting, and sound design
• Mise-en-scène and visual composition techniques
• Proficiency in software and applications (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition)
• Comprehensive understanding of the production process: Pre-production, Production, and Post-production
• Social, cultural, ethical, and technological considerations (AI, data privacy, representation, and inclusivity)
• Utilisation of digital labs, photography studios, broadcasting, and multimedia facilities

If you choose to add an Integrated Foundation Year on this course, you will be first introduced to the fundamental principles of design. Your foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your strengths, build confidence and prepare for the demands of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules are as follows*:

• Module 1: Diagnostic exploration - making informed choices
• Module 2: Technical - Technical knowledge in practice
• Module 3: Specialist - Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4: Integration - Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

* - modules are subject to revalidation

Students will develop skills in sound and music production, including studio and location recording, composition, electronic arrangement, editing and post-production.

They will build confidence in music composition and sound design by working to set briefs, while gaining a foundational understanding of the industry and career pathways. Students are also encouraged to begin exploring contextual studies research.

Modules include:

• Music and Sound Theory Fundamentals
• DAW Software Techniques
• Studio Recording and Mixing
• Audio Production Workflows
• Professional Life Practice - Developing Your Practice
• Professional Life Practice - Exploring Your Practice

Students will deepen their understanding of industry equipment and software, exploring specialist areas of music composition and sound design.

They will refine their practice using standard industry workflows and take part in collaborative creative briefs, working as part of a team.

Modules include:

• Composition
• Sound Synthesis and Digital Audio Processing
• Music for Film and TV
• Sound Postproduction for Film and TV
• Advanced Mixing and Mastering
• Music and Sound for Games and Interactive Media

Students will bring their learning together in a final portfolio of skills.

Alongside this, they will complete a self-initiated project. We ask students to show their contextual studies research and thinking in a long form dissertation. The final portfolio will act as a showreel or promotional tool for entry into the industry.

Modules include:

• Specialist Project
• Major Project
• Professional Profile Development
• Professional Life Practice - Situating Your Practice

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our portfolio process.

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in creative media production or music. Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of a portfolio. 

We may also consider a combination of portfolio and academic qualifications and take into consideration progress made during studies and/or relevant work experience.

Your portfolio should consist of a single Word or PDF document containing online links to three examples of original Music or Sound Design. 

If possible, please include at least one example created for a form of audio-visual or interactive media (e.g. music or sound design for a short film, animation or game).

If you do not have three examples of original composition work, you may also include sound recordings or audio production work, such as band recordings and audio mixes, or examples of musicianship, such as a video of you playing an instrument.

The content can be uploaded in online platforms, such as Soundcloud, Youtube or Vimeo, or a personal website. Include short paragraph of text explaining your role on each piece.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in creative media production or music.

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.