Sound Design

Electronics For Music 1

Would you like to take back control of your music? Are you happy with the sound of your equipment? On this module, you will learn how to produce simple electronic circuits such as amplifiers and wavetable synthesisers, as well as building control surfaces to control Logic, Ableton etc. You will develop essential skills to design and develop you own equipment and put performance back into your music.

Module code: MUSI40603

Film Production Processes

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the film production process involved in visual storytelling. You will explore the creative and organisational processes required to professionally produce moving image content. The project work and guided independent study enables you to understand the importance of research and apply key visual composition and audio production techniques. You engage in shooting exercises and work in groups to produce a portfolio of moving image work and the associated paperwork.

Module code: FILM40228

Non Fiction Film Production

A hands-on practical module introducing you to the processes and creation of non-fiction films. You’ll be able to develop the business, creative and technical skills required for non-fiction productions. You will analyse a range of films and directors, the use of camera and form, as well as editing processes, to create a non-fiction film. All while gaining the ability to analyse and reflect on contemporary non-fiction/documentary.

Module code: FILM40229

Creative Music Practice 1

Creativity is a fundamental part of recording and songwriting. This module serves as an introduction to music theory, performance, listening and improvisation in production, composition and recording.

Module code: MUSI40601

Recording Studio Production

This module is an introduction to the key principles and techniques required to be successful in a modern recording studio. It includes some theory and practice in both hardware and software.

Module code: MUSI40600

Creative Software Tools For Sound 1

Creating interesting and engaging sounds is a big part of modern composing, sound design and production. This module will give you the tools you need to shape amazing sounds and the tools that create them. Your work in this module will focus on the practical skills you need in both synth programming and an introduction to building your own music software tools.

Module code: MUSI40602

Sound Design For Film And Games

Have you ever noticed how important the sound design elements are in film and games? The different components which make up a sound track all need to work together to make a cohesive experience for the user. On this module you will create a portfolio of sound design elements and learn a variety of post production techniques which will help you towards an exciting career in sound.

Module code: MUSI50610

Venue Acoustics

You will be introduced to aspects of sound propagation, history and development of the acoustic environment of larger rooms and performance spaces including concert halls and theatres. Students will develop an understanding of the components and specification of sound systems including concepts of system gain and level. A practical session will form the basis of a case study to be completed before the assessment. Students would typically place all equipment, correctly wire it and undertake a series of tests to ascertain its correct function.

Module code: MUSI50613

Fiction Film Production

This module will advance your knowledge of the film production process from concept to post production. You will write an effective fiction film that draws upon new knowledge and understanding gained in the Screenwriting module. You will learn by doing, creating, and experiencing the film production process. Evidencing all your learning and professional approaches in an on-going individual production file containing in depth research, production documents and a reflective learning log.

Module code: FILM50335

Digital Performance

This module aims to develop your skills in preparation and implementation of various live performance techniques using suitable software and hardware. The module will incorporate a variety of contemporary live performance methodologies, theories and practices and will result in a performance at two live events during the year. You will learn approaches to the performance of live electronic music, practical real-time software techniques, performing with controllers and sensors Live electronics, the relationship of performance, listening and composition, Interactive music systems and the use of visuals in live performance.

Module code: MUSI50605

Film Industry Practice

This module aims to progress your understanding of the development and creation of film and TV projects with more detailed finance and business aspects. This will also include an introduction to the various methods of working in the industry with details on freelancing, working as an employee and setting up and exploiting business opportunities.

Module code: FILM50334

Studio Techniques

You will become familiar with the application of recording studio hardware and software through practical studio based sessions culminating in planning and running a multi-track recording session for a band, followed by various mixing sessions on analogue/digital equipment and using modern DAW software.

Module code: MUSI50612

Practical Studio Techniques

An in depth look at a modern recording studio, using our state of the art recording facilities you will be shown every aspect of the recording chain culminating in running a recording session with a guest band and practicing several mixdown strategies including both hybrid and in or out of the box mixes.

Module code: MUSI50608

Daw Production Techniques [Intermediate]

Module code: MUSI50616

Creative Music Practice Framework Pathway

Module code: MUSI50618

Creative Music Practice 2

Writing and creating music is a major part of any music course, and this module aims to give a practice focused overview of the different approaches taken to writing music. Across the course of the module you will hone your skills writing both popular and experimental music. Your work in this module will focus on the practical skills you need to create interesting and innovative music, and put them to the test.

Module code: MUSI50614

Creative Software Tools For Sound 2

Are you curious about the possibilities of manipulating sound with software? Would you like to create sonic artworks using customised interactive environments? On this module you will work with software such as Max for Live, Reaktor, or Supercollider to learn how to transform audio events in exciting and unexpected ways. There will be plenty of opportunities to develop your creative skills and explore ideas which will help you in your future career.

Module code: MUSI50615

Studio And Venue Acoustics

Often the difference between an okay recording and a fantastic recording is the acoustics of the space used during the production process. This module will help you specify and design both recording studios and performance spaces, going into detail about the differences between recording and mixing spaces. Also covered is the use of PA systems and acoustics in performance venues.

Module code: MUSI50611

Daw Production Techniques

Digital Audio Workstations are the centrepiece of the music production environment, they get used for almost all audio work across a wide range of industries. This module will push forward your knowledge of the industry leading DAWs, enabling you to understand the need for resilience and adaptability in selecting your tools and give you the skills and experience you need to take your music production to another level.

Module code: MUSI50617

Work Experience In The Film, Games, Music And Television Industries

This module has been designed to evaluate work experience gained in a relevant industry over a minimum period of six weeks which can be accrued from the end your first year studies to the beginning of level 6.You should be employed in a suitable media environment for a minimum of six full-time working weeks (or equivalent) following completion of your level 4 and 5 studies. The work undertaken will obviously vary greatly from one workplace to another. The aim of the module is to reflect on industry experience, analyse and research industry comparisons to the experience and show learning and understanding of working in industry. The aim is to expand industry experience and knowledge in preparation for employment upon graduation this year.

Module code: FILM60195

Commercial Recording Management

Do you know how to start up your own music business? Do you know the ways you can make your business succeed? This module gives the skills you will need to develop a successful recording business, from producing accounts to getting your own artists into our state of the art recording facilities. From equipment planning to the final mix, you will learn what your clients are looking for and develop a plan for your business success.

Module code: MUSI60130

Mastering Techniques

As a mastering engineer, you will be called upon to use various audio processing techniques to produce a professional standard finished end product. Mostly you would be dealing with mixed stereo audio tracks that require the finishing touches to bridge the gap between the music production process and replication and distribution. Additionally, there might be times when you will have to rectify problems in old or degraded master tapes or vinyl for example and you will be required to convert music files to compressed formats for digital delivery. It is necessary to be familiar with all these processes to become proficient in the mastering field and an expert mastering engineer.

Module code: MUSI60621

Individual Music Technology Portfolio

This module prepares you for undertaking a sustained research based project such as the dissertation. It exposes you to a wide range of different research approaches while allowing you to focus on those areas which interest you the most. In the course of this module you will produce a detailed proposal which may be used for the dissertation, while also learning techniques for writing literature reviews.

Module code: MUSI60137

Advanced Pro Tools Hd Techniques

In this module you will build upon your existing knowledge of Avid's Pro Tools systems to develop the core skills necessary to manage and carry out a major project using a Pro Tools HDX system. You will have the opportunity to record, edit and mix your work using a professional standard Pro Tools studio. You will learn how to customise and optimise the Pro Tools environment. You will explore session management. You will develop a repertoire of advanced workflows which will enable you to achieve high quality results quickly and efficiently. You will explore a variety of selection, automation, and mixing and editing techniques to produce work to a very high standard. A thorough understanding of this powerful environment will set you apart from the competition when you are starting out on your career in audio.

Module code: MUSI60279

Sound Design For The Creative Industries

Sound is an essential part of the experience in some many different creative contexts. On this module you will explore the use of sound in such fields as experimental film, theatre, radio and animation. You will choose one of these areas to focus on in more detail and then create a portfolio of sounds which you can applying in a realistic context. You will develop essential skills for working with sound in visual media.

Module code: MUSI60623

Mixing And Mastering Technology

Do your mixes sound good but could sound more commercial? This module looks at mixing skills and techniques used by top industry professionals in order to get your mixes ready for commercial release. From mixing to mastering, you will develop the skills to make your mixes sound professional whether on vinyl, digital download, CD or in surround sound. You will have lectures from top industry mixers, mastering engineers and producers to inspire your mixes and give you the commercial sound you’ve been looking for.

Module code: MUSI60139

Advanced Sound Design

The module aims to challenge students to create content across a variety of forms and outlets with an emphasis on strong visuals and sound design. The module can be used to create a high quality show reel piece with content negotiated in line with the learning outcomes. Students will learn a wider range of applications for audio visual work. Students will generate and pitch individual projects and crew for other students films. Aspects of sound design and psychoacoustic concepts will be delivered and experimented with by the students. Practical tasks will form the majority of the content with an aim to fine tune technical and production skills gained through the rest of the course.

Module code: FILM60145

Audio Visual Composition

The module will investigate the historical and contemporary context of audio-visual composition and performance practices and interactive composition techniques for music and visuals. The creation of original fixed media audio visual compositions will also be explored. You will develop patches suitable for interactive performance and/or composition in TouchDesigner, Max / Max4Live, Pure Data, Processing and Quartz Composer. You will also be able to critically appraise available packages for audio visual composition and performance.

Module code: MUSI60138

Mixing And Production Techniques

The module will cover the types of production and mixing techniques usually associated with commercial recordings produced with the music industry. As well as this, there will be an exploration of how production techniques have developed and how computer based recording packages can be used to change musical content, with students being able to develop a knowledge of production skills and their possible application to a pre-recorded multitrack recording, and to use technology to apply production skills to amend and improve the quality of a production mix to a multi-track recording.

Module code: MUSI60193

Work Placement In The Entertainment Industry

Having taken a year out in the heart of the music industry on a placement year, this module allows you to gain valuable credit by writing up and presenting your experiences when you return to full time study. You'll present a detailed write up of elements of your experiences gained during your time out  which will count towards your final degree.

Module code: MUSI60153

Intermedia Art

This module will explore visual music and interactive composition for music, multimedia and intermedia. You will develop an interactive performance and a fixed media audio visual composition which will be presented in our state of the art studios. Your knowledge and skills will be expanded by learning the background and historical context of contemporary intermedia practices in the digital arts and visual Music and this will lead you to develop your own style of creative expression.

Module code: MUSI60625

Individual Music Technology Project

This module offers the opportunity to develop advanced, specialist knowledge in the your chosen subject area by undertaking a significant body of work on a self-managed basis. The Final Year Project is the opportunity for you to demonstrate both academic knowledge and practical abilities in a specialist area of your choice. You will create an online portfolio of work and an accompanying dissertation that details the research and critical analysis that informs the project. It is considered the pinnacle of your academic career and should be both challenging and rewarding. It provides the opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills that you have built up over your university career by drawing them together in the creation of an independent, self-managed piece of work.

Module code: MUSI60152