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.

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 interview and/or portfolio process.

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in creative media production or music. Applicants are expected to submit a portfolio of work, which can take the form of a showreel/demo showcasing a range of their skills or links to previous and current samples of work. Applications without a portfolio are accepted, but the applicant will be asked to attend an interview with a panel of course staff members.

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

Music and sound production is a continually developing field that is key to the creative industries. Graduates go on to work in roles like composition and song writing, studio and live music and audio production, the audio-visual industries like film, television and games, sound engineering, or pursue postgraduate studies and academic careers.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website.  The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page.

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate application form.

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of an interview and portfolio.

Portfolio

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.

Interview

Be prepared to discuss the pieces in your portfolio during you interview, covering how and why you made the work from both a technical and creative angle. 

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne has strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students