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Programme Specification for Music Production & Culture BA (Hons)

 

Final award

BA (Hons)

Intermediate awards available

Cert HE, Dip HE

UCAS code

WJ39 

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Music

Date specification last up-dated

July 2012

Profile

The summary - UCAS programme profile

BANNER BOX:

Music Production & Culture is a cutting-edge programme that prepares young musicians for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. The degree provides students with a dynamic mix of modules in instrumental playing, computer-based creativity, songwriting, studio production and sound design. Students also study music history, technology and culture, with options available in music business. Delivered by performers, producers and music writers, the programme embraces music that ranges from experimental rock to electronic dance music.

 

Students perform in East London venues such as 93 Feet East, Plastic People and Stratford Circus, a contemporary performing arts venue, while working in an environment that supports pluralism, collaboration and individual excellence. Located in the Institute of Performing Arts Development, the Music Production & Culture programme also encourages networking with students in dance and theatre and well as the Music Technology BSc. Currently taught in UEL’s Docklands campus, the programme will move to a state-of-the-art facility in Stratford at the beginning of 2013-14. Over the three-year degree you will be provided with the skills, knowledge and support to pursue a range of career paths in music.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirement 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 are also expected to have passed GCSE English and Maths to grade C 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 have demonstrated a specific interest in this area of study and will be generally be expected to have participated in music making activities for a significant amount of time.

Most applicants are interviewed. Interviews provide the applicant and the teaching team with an opportunity to judge the match between the applicant and the degree programme and can also provide an opportunity for the applicant to play a piece of recorded music if appropriate.

 

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.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

BA Music Production & Culture

The programme offers a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills while engaging with a broad range of music practices, thus equipping musicians for the complexities of early 21st century musicianship. At the same time, the degree provides students with a range of history, culture and theory modules that enable students to contextualise their musicianship and develop essential skills in writing and analysis. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to develop their individual creativity and capacity to work in a range of collaborative situations. Options at Levels 2 and 3 allow students to develop specialist interests and skills.

Programme structure

Music Production & Culture students are required to pass eighteen modules, taking three modules a semester for the duration of the three-year programme.

Level 1

Students are introduced to broad range of essential introductory modules in instrumental playing and theory, computer-based music production, Logic Studio and sound design techniques, and forms of improvisation and collaboration. A number of modules are streamed to ensure effective delivery and education. The programme also provides students with an overview of music genre history and the key skills for success in studying Music Production & Culture.

Core:

Music Skills

Computer Music Production 1: Electronic Dance Music

Musical Improvisation and Collaboration

Sound Design 1: Audio Production

History of Music Genre, 20th-21st Century

Study Skills in the Performing Arts

 

Level 2

Students take core modules in songwriting and studio techniques, sound design for the moving image, the culture of music technology, and music writing. Students also get to take specialist options in computer-based music production, advanced songwriting: studio and live production, cultural theory and music industry management.

Core:

Songwriting and Production

Sound Design 2: Sound for Moving Image

Music Technology and Cultural Theory

Music/Writing/Criticism

 

Plus two options from:

Computer Music Production 2: Live Studio Production

Understanding Culture & the Culture Industries

Advanced Songwriting: Studio and Live

Finance for the Event & Music Sectors

The Live Music Industry

 

Level 3

At Level 3 students write a supervised dissertation on a subject of their choice, work one-on-one with a tutor to produce an extended piece of music, and take an employability module that involves them going on a work placement. In addition, students study interactive sound on the internet. Students also take an option in music culture or computer music production.

Core:

Double dissertation

Independent music production

Placement

Sound Design 3: Interactive Sound and the Internet

 

Plus one option from:

Computer Music Production 3: Live Electronic Sound

Music, Sound and the Body

 

Music Production & Culture as a Joint Degree

Music Production & Culture can be taken as a joint degree with a range of other subjects, including IPAD programmes such as Dance and Theatre, as well as other programmes, such as Music Industry Management, Media Studies and Cultural Studies.

 

Learning environment

Production modules are taught in the Multimedia Production Services centre (MPS), a vibrant music/media space situated on the Docklands campus that includes live rooms and numerous audio production suites. The degree is delivered via Pro Tools, Logic and Abelton Live as well as state-of-the-art Apple equipment. The MPS Equipment Store has a wide supply of musical equipment and instruments that students can book out. A full guide to musical instruments equipment available to BA (Hons) Music Culture & Production students can be viewed at http://mpcinfo.co.uk/music-support/music-equipment/165-musical-instruments-list.html. A full guide to the live music equipment available to BA (hons) Music Culture & Production students can be viewed here: http://mpcinfo.co.uk/music-support/music-equipment/48-live-music-equipment-list.html. Students are encouraged to book practice rooms and studios in the MPS centre in order to work on their music, and MPS has introduced extended 9am-9pm opening hours so that students can make use of the facilities during non-peak periods.

Live performances are staged in the student bar, other campus rooms, the Stratford Circus performing arts venue, and local music venues in Shoreditch and Brick Lane (including Plastic People and 93 Feet East). Network hubs in Electronic Dance Music, Live Performance and Live Electronics organise extra-curricular events, including the high-profile Critical Beats series organised in association with Wire magazine in 2011-12. Subsidised vocal and instrumental lessons are supported at nearby Stratford Circus. From 2013-14 the programme will be delivered in a new state-of-the-art building in Stratford.

The Music Production & Culture degree is part of IPAD, the Institute for Performing Arts Development, a national centre for excellence that features groundbreaking undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in creative practice programmes such as theatre and dance plus the Music Technology BSc. The close proximity of the degrees enables students to develop imaginative collaborations. Also located in the School of Arts and Digital Industries, visual arts students form collaborations with music students who need artwork or videos made for their recordings.

Arriving from a wide range of musical and social backgrounds, Music Production & Culture students are attracted by the panoramic span of the degree and want to broaden their musical horizon in order to succeed in the 21st century music environment. Music Production & Culture students are also keen to develop their musicianship by exploring the culture and history of music. Attracted to living in London, one of the most important music-making cities in the western world, Music Production Culture students understand the special position of East London, which has become a notable area for musical innovation.

 

Assessment

To fit the particular nature of the programme all assessment is of the coursework produced. There are no exams. There are no exams.

 

Work experience/placement opportunities

Level 3 students take a work placement module that introduces them to a number of professionals who have developed a career in music and provides a supervised work placement opportunity.

 

Project work

A significant proportion of the assessed work is comprised of music-making projects.

 

Added value

Developing excellent levels of analysis and musicianship, the Music Production & Culture BA equips students to enter a wide range of music related careers. Graduates can pursue a career working as a creative musician, working as an instrumentalist, vocalist, producer or DJ. Alternatively, graduates can pursue a career in the music industry, working for an independent or major label, or in music journalism, seeking employment with a specialist music publication or production company. A series of programming, studio and internet options are also available to graduates. Graduates can also pursue careers in teaching or working for local community organisations. Finally, the Music Production & Culture BA equips students to enter into postgraduate study in production and theory. The rigorousness of the Music Production Culture degree means the award empowers graduates, whatever their chosen path.

 

Outcomes section

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

  • Learn and develop a wide range of playing and production skills (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Make creative use of technologies to produce original music (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Generate a high level of individual creativity (single, major, some joint and minor).
  • Learn how to work collaboratively with other musicians (single, major, some joint and minor).
  • Analyse the historical context of contemporary music culture (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Understand the social significance of music as a cultural art form (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Analyse the evolution of music technologies and markets (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Become aware of one’s musical practice (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Develop an analytical understanding of music industry management (optional for all students).

 

What will you learn?

Knowledge and understanding

  • Contemporary music production and performance practices (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Sound design techniques that span video, film and the internet (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Computer music production techniques that include the making of tracks, live laptop performance and the integration of live instrumentation (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Detailed knowledge of music genre, technology, digitisation and global music culture (single, major, joint, some minor).

 

Thinking skills

  • Expression and analysis, synthesis, evaluation and argument (single, major, joint, minor)

 

Subject-Based Practical skills

  • Reading music, notation, development of harmony, composition, arrangement (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Use of professional tools such as Pro Tools, Logic Audio 9, Abelton Live, digital sound design, stereo microphone techniques, soundscape composition (single, major, joint, some minor).
  • Improvisation and collaboration (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Midi sequencing and audio production, post-production and mastering (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Songwriting and group management of creative projects (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Microphone placement and studio techniques (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Delivery of music across different media forms (video, film, internet) (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Live and recorded music making and performance (single, major, joint and some minor).
  • Critical listening and analytical writing (single, major, joint and some minor).

 

Skills for life and work

  • Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others, demonstrating skills in leadership, negotiation, listening, critical self-awareness, teamwork, organisation of self and others, decision making (single, major, joint and some minor).
  • Intellectual curiosity and the potential for continuing artistic and creative development (single, major, joint and minor).
  • High level of competence in the use of music equipment and technology (single, major, joint and some minor).

 

The programme structure

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 4 levels:

  • 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

 

Credit rating

The overall credit rating of this programme is 360 credits.

 

Typical duration

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time (or four years Extended with level 0) or five years part-time. An extra year is available for students wishing to study abroad or to complete a professional studies placement (in social policy or social research).

It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

 

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. A typical full-time student will study three 20 credit modules per semester and a typical part-time student will study one or two modules per semester.

The Music Production & Culture programme has one point of entry in September.

 

What you will study

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20-credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
 It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. UEL offers subjects in a variety of combinations:

  • Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three with minimum of 40 credits drawn from University wide options
  • Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
  • Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
  • Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

  • Core - Must be taken
  • Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the Programme
  • University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for the BA Music Production & Culture degree.

Level 1 Entry

LEVEL TITLE CREDITS STATUS
SINGLE 		STATUS
MAJOR		STATUS
JOINT 		STATUS
MINOR

1

PA1301 Music Skills

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

1

Computer Music Production 1: Electronic Dance Music

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

1

PA1000 Performing Arts Study Skills *

20

Core

Core

Option

-

1

PA1303 Musical Improvisation and Collaboration

 20

Core

 Option

 Option

Option 

1

PA1304 Sound Design 1: Audio Production

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

1

PA1305 History of Music Genre, 20th-21st Century

20

Core

Core

Core

Option

1

HR1013 Introduction to the Popular Music Business

20

-

Option

Option

Option

 

            

2

PA2301 Music Technology and Cultural Theory

20

Core

Core

Core

Option

2

PA2303 Songwriting and Production

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

2

Computer Music Production 2: Live Studio Production

20

Option

Option

Option

Option

2

PA2304 Sound Design 2: Sound for Moving Image

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

2

Music/Writing/Criticism

20

Core

Core

Core

Option

2

Advanced Songwriting: Studio and Live

20

Option

Option

Option

Option

2

Understanding Culture & the Cultural Industries

20

Option

-

-

-

2

Finance for the Event & Music Sectors

20

Option

-

-

-

2

The Live Music Industry

20

Option

-

-

-

3

PA3000 Double Dissertation *

40

Core

Core

Option

-

3

PA3304 Sound Design 3: Interactive Sound and the Internet

20

Option

Option

Option

Option

3

PA3301 Independent Music Production

20

Core

-

Option

Option

3

PA3002 Performing Arts Placement *

20

Core

Core

Option

-

3

Computer Music Production 3: Live Electronic Sound

20

Option

Option

Option

Option

3

CC3206 Music, Sound and the Body

20

Option

Option

Option

Option
3  HR3021 Music Publishing 20  -  -  -  Option 
3  The Law & Business Affairs in the Music Industry 20  -  -  -  Option 

* Skills curriculum module. Joint Honours Students must take this module unless the equivalent module is being taken in the other half of their programme.

Requirements for gaining an award

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 80 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3

×

2/3

+

The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3

×

1/3

and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification

70% - 100%

First Class Honours

60% - 69%

Second Class Honours, First Division

50% - 59%

Second Class Honours, Second Division

40% - 49%

Third Class Honours

0% - 39%

Not passed

Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Knowledge and understanding is developed through

  • Practice and development of music composition, performance and production skills
  • Lectures, seminars, and discussion
  • Reading, writing and critical reflection on practice

 

Practical skills are developed through

  • The development of a high level of skill in using varied music technologies, including MIDI sequencing, digital audio and live performance technologies
  • The development of a high level of skill and competence in instrumental, and/or vocal and/or technological applications in music
  • Planning, rehearsal, communication and leadership in music-making
  • Musical improvisation and development of musical ideas in composition and performance
  • Aural perception of musical forms

 

General skills are developed through

  • Researching, planning, developing, rehearsing and evaluating assignments, practical and written
  • Collaboration with other musicians
  • Independent study, research and musical practice

 

Knowledge is assessed by

  • Practical music-making
  • Writing essay and giving presentations
  • Producing music and audio compositions and performances across a range of media and forms
  • Specialist written dissertation

 

Practical skills are assessed by

  • Performance, composition and music production activity
  • Extended production project (composition, performance or audio production-based)
  • Assignments that test the ability to use music technology to achieve creative and polished musical outcomes
  • Formative and summative types of assessment

 

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

  • Assignments that involve you to work with other musicians and with a range of technologies
  • Placements and work in industry and community settings
  • The incorporation of SEEC indicators into schemes of assessment to identify general skills under development

 

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started, the following was checked:

 

  • there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
  • adequate resources would be in place;
  • the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
  • the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
  • the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
  • the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms

 

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

 

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

  • external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
  • statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
  • student feedback.

 

Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

 

The role of the programme committee

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.

 

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

  • To ensure the standard of the programme
  • To ensure that justice is done to individual students

 

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

  • Approving exam papers/assignments
  • Attending assessment boards
  • Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
  • Ensuring that regulations are followed
  • Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future

 

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

  • Student evaluation of modules through anonymous questionnaires
  • Student representation on programme committees (meeting two times per year)
  • Informal discussions with lecturers on a one to one or group basis
  • The personal tutorial system

 

Students are notified of the action taken through:

  • circulating the review and enhancement process report
  • student representation on programme committee meetings
  • informal discussions on an ongoing basis
  • one to one meetings with a lecturer where appropriate

 

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

  • Questionnaires to former students
  • Placements Officers
  • Employers

Further Information

Alternative locations for studying this programme

LocationWhich elements?Taught by UEL staffTaught by local staffMethod of Delivery

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-

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Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

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