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Programme Specification for Music Technology BSc (Hons)

 

Final award

BSc (Hons)

Intermediate awards available

Cert HE, Dip HE

UCAS code

J930

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Music

Date specification last up-dated

Jul 2012

Profile

The summary - UCAS programme profile

BANNER BOX:

Music Technology is a cutting-edge programme that prepares young musicians and producers for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. The degree provides students with a dynamic mix of modules in computer-based creativity, studio production, sound design and live music production as well as the opportunity to develop key skills in reading music, working with songwriters/instrumentalists. 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 Technology programme also encourages networking with students in dance, theatre as well as the Music Production & Culture programme. 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

What is BSc Music Technology

 

The programme offers a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills while engaging with a broad range of music practices, thus equipping musicians and producers 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 Technology 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 Technology.

 

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, music writing, computer-based music production, and advanced songwriting: studio and live production (which introduces students to Pro Tools).

 

Core:

Songwriting and Production

Sound Design 2: Sound for Moving Image

Music Technology and Cultural Theory

Music/Writing/Criticism

Computer Music Production 2: Live Studio Production

Advanced Songwriting: Studio and Live

 

Level 3

 

At Level 3 students work one-on-one with a tutor to produce double project, take an employability module that involves them going on a work placement, study interactive sound on the internet, develop live electronic skills on Computer Music Production 3, and take a music business module.

 

Core:

Music Technology Double Project

Placement

Sound Design 3: Interactive Sound and the Internet

Computer Music Production 3: Live Electronic Sound

The Law & Business Affairs in the Music Industry

 

 

Music Technology As A Joint Degree

 

Music Technology 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 Technology 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 Production & Culture BA. 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 Technology 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 Technology students are also keen to develop their skills 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 Technology 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.

 

 

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 in the degree is comprised of music-making projects.

 

 

Added value

 

Developing excellent levels of analysis and musicianship, the Music Technology BSc equips students to enter a wide range of music related careers. Graduates can pursue a career working as a creative musician, producer or DJ. 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. 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. Finally, the Music Technology BSc equips students to enter into postgraduate study in production and theory. The rigorousness of the Music Technology 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 production skills (single, major, joint, minor).
  • Make creative use of technologies to produce original music (single, major, joint, minor).
  • Generate a high level of individual creativity (single, major, some joint).
  • Learn how to work collaboratively with other musicians and producers (single, major, joint, minor).
  • Analyse the historical context of contemporary music culture (single, major, some joint).
  • Understand the social significance of music as a cultural art form (single, major, some joint).
  • Analyse the evolution of music technologies and markets (single, major, some joint).
  • Become aware of one’s musical practice (single, major, joint, minor).

 

What will you learn?

 

Knowledge and understanding

 

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

 

Thinking skills

 

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

 

Subject-Based Practical skills

  • Reading music, notation, development of harmony, composition, arrangement (single, some joint and major).
  • Use of professional tools such as Pro Tools, Logic Audio 9, Abelton Live, digital sound design, stereo microphone techniques, soundscape composition (single, major, joint, minor).
  • Improvisation and collaboration (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Midi sequencing and audio production, post-production and mastering (single, major, joint, minor).
  • Songwriting and group management of creative projects (single, some major, joint and minor).
  • Microphone placement and studio techniques (single, major, joint, 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, minor).
  • Critical listening and analytical writing (single, some major and joint).
  • Production of an extended project (single, major, some joint).

 

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, minor).
  • Intellectual curiosity and the potential for continuing artistic and creative development (single, major, joint, minor).
  • High level of competence in the use of music equipment and technology (single, major).

Structure

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 Technology programme has one points 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 BSc Music Technology degree.

-

LEVELTITLESKILLS
MODULES
(Insert Y where appropriate)		CREDITSSTATUS
SINGLE		STATUS
MAJOR		STATUS
JOINT		STATUS
MINOR

1

PA1301 Music Skills

  

20

Core

Option

Option

-

1

Computer Music Production 1: Electronic Dance Music

  

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

1

PA1000 Performing Arts Study Skills

  Y

20

Core

Core

Core

-

1

PA1303 Musical Improvisation and Collaboration

  

20

Core

Option

Option

-

1

PA1304 Sound Design 1: Audio Production

  

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

1

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

  

20

Core

Option

Option

-

-

-

  

-

-

-

-

-

2

PA2301 Music Technology and Cultural Theory

  

20

Core

Option

Option

-

2

PA2303 Songwriting and Production

  

20

Core

Option

Option

-

2

Computer Music Production 2: Live Studio Production

  

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

2

PA2304 Sound Design 2: Sound for Moving Image

  

20

Core

Core

Option

Option

2

Music/Writing/Criticism

  

20

Core

Option

Option

-

2

Advanced Songwriting: Studio and Live

  

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

-

-

 - 

-

-

-

-

-

3

Music Technology Double Project

 Y

40

Core

Core

Core

-

3

PA3304 Sound Design 3: Interactive Sound and the Internet

  

20

Core

Option

Option

Option

3

Computer Music Production 3: Live Electronic Sound

  

20

Core

Core

Core

-

3

PA3002 Performing Arts Placement

 Y

20

Core

Core

Core

-

3

The Law & Business Affairs in teh Music Industry

  

20

Core

-

Option

-

3

PA3301 Independent Music Production

  

20

-

-

Option

Core

 

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 60 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
  • Project work

 

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

 

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

Location

Which elements?

Taught by UEL staff

Taught by local staff

Method of Delivery

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Where you can find further information 

Further information about this programme is available from:

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