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

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

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

Sound Design In Context

Create your own original sound design and learn from a selection of great industry-leading practitioners

Module code: MUSI40628

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sound Design In Visual And Non-Visual Narratives

Gain the skills, knowledge and experience that allow students to take your sound design skills to the next level. Working with visual and non-visual projects, students will experience industry ready skills and practices to equip them for the broad range of experiences offered to sound designers in the broadcasting and film industries.

Module code: MUSI50624

Individual Music And Sound Project

Module code: MUSI60628

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

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

Individual Music And Sound Portfolio

Module code: MUSI60627

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

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

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

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

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

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