Programme summary for BA (Hons) Music Production & Culture
This programme offers an original critical vocational combination of cultural theory and music practice. It enables you to develop skills in music production at the same time as studying the position of music in contemporary culture.
Focusing on music that ranges from the popular to the avant garde, the programme will engage with local communities and global networks, tapping into London's £11 billion music economy. As well as providing access to industry-standard resources on the Docklands campus, the programme encourages you to study and practice music from within this critical nexus of creative and economic activity. You will study the various contexts within which we can begin to understand and analyse music – where it comes from, what it means, and why it matters. The degree will introduce you to key concepts in music theory, including the politics of aesthetics/technology, race/ethnicity, gender/sexuality and globalisation/ markets, and it will also provide histories of the rise of popular music and music technologies.
About the programme
This far-ranging and challenging programme is taught by specialist composers, producers and music theorists. The programme encourages you to develop your musicianship while at the same time developing a critical understanding of the place of music in the world. The two halves of the degree inform and interact with one another, so that the production informs theory and theory informs production.
2-subject degrees
You can combine this programme with a range of other subjects as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Music Industry Management with Music Culture, and Music Culture with Cultural Studies.
Programme structure
Music Culture students are required to pass eighteen modules, taking three modules a semester for the duration of the three-year programme. Students take core production and theory modules during the first and second years. During the third year, students get to write a dissertation, develop an extended piece of music, and go on a music industry/community placement. At points, students can also take options in other degrees, ranging from Cultural Studies to Media Studies to Music Industry Management. Students are assessed through a combination of production-based activity (performance, production and composition), critical writing (research-based essays, reflective essays, dissertation) and seminar presentations, with second and third year marks contributing to the final degree award. In addition, students are encouraged to take a range of extra-curricular professional courses at Stratford Circus, one of our collaborative partners and a leading arts venue in East London.
Music Culture As A Joint Degree
Music Culture can be taken as a joint degree with a range of other subjects, including IPAD programmes such as Dance, Performing Arts and Theatre, as well as other programmes, including Cultural Studies, Media Studies and Music Industry Management. Students who take Music Culture as a Major take a range of theory and production modules, while those who opt for Music Culture as a Joint or a Minor get to opt for theory modules. Applicants who apply for the Major need to be able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to making music, whereas those applying for the Joint or the Minor do not require a background in music-making.
Career opportunities
The programme enables you to study with working musicians and to go on a work placement enabling you to gain invaluable experience for your future career. In addition, you can receive subsidised private tuition in instrumental playing, vocals and production.
Support
All students are allocated a personal tutor for the duration of the programme, while additional support is provided via the Student Enquiry Desk. The university (including the Students Union) provides support for students in terms of study skills, housing, finance, careers, learning resources and counselling. Professional musicians are employed to contribute to the core delivery of the programme, while the production facilities and library can be accessed across extended opening hours.
Admission
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from:
A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicants require a qualification in Music, Popular Music or Music Technology, or a demonstrative commitment to making music. Applicants are also expected to have passed GCSE English to grade C or equivalent
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 40 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent. We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
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