MUSIC
GET TOGETHER WITH OUR
CREATIVE
MINDS The music industry isn’t simply one of the most exciting and high profile sectors to work in; it’s also one of the most challenging. To launch a successful career, you’ll need to be IT literate and have a tremendous knowledge of all kinds of music production systems. At Staffordshire University, we know how to equip you with all of those things. We were one of the very first universities to offer a Music Technology degree back in the 1990s – and, rest assured, we’ve worked hard to make certain that our courses remain highly relevant and up-to-date. Put simply, a Staffordshire University Music degree can give you everything you need to excel, regardless of whether you’re looking to make your mark working in music, film, television, radio or new media – or you’re planning to freelance or want to call on your entrepreneurial skills to start your own business.
David Newman Academic Group Leader
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Study with us and you’ll learn from lecturers with considerable industry expertise. They’ve worked in areas as wide ranging as studio production, performance and touring. In fact, many still do. Together, they’ve built up solid industry contacts. They all understand exactly what employers are looking for, regularly present at global conferences and are involved in all kinds of fascinating research. Then there are our impressive facilities. A brand new studio complex is being purpose built; a mixture of analogue and digital studios equipped with industrystandard hardware and software – all to ensure that when you graduate, you’re ready to hit the ground running in your chosen career. Over the following pages, our aim is to help you decide which of our courses is right for you. To find out more about Music at Staffordshire University, please visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/fsv
PLAYING MUSIC IS WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO. I CAME TO UNIVERSITY BECAUSE I WANTED TO EXPAND ON THE TECHNICAL AND STRATEGIC SIDE OF THINGS. I WANTED TO PRODUCE A MARKETING STRATEGY FOR MY BUSINESS, SO I DID THIS AS MY DISSERTATION PROJECT AND, SO FAR, I’VE RECEIVED A FAIR AMOUNT OF WORK... Jonathon Lodge, BSc (Hons) Music Technology with Management (graduated 2010)
BA (Hons) Electronic Music (Composition & Performance)* UCAS code: TBC
CONTENTS:
BA (Hons) Music Business and Production* UCAS code: TBC
BA (Hons) Music Production*
2 4 6 12 14 16 18 19
UCAS code: TBC
BSc (Hons) Music Technology UCAS code: J931
BSc (Hons) Music Technology (Top-up) UCAS code: J930
BSc (Hons) Sound Design UCAS code: W564 *subject to validation
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS WORK-READY WORLD-READY
Study with us and we’ll equip you to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for.
FIRST AND FOREMOST
We were one of the very first universities to offer Music Technology. Since then, we’ve stayed ahead of the game, ensuring that our degrees, expertise and facilities remain second-to-none.
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100% SUPPORT
We’re with you all the way, providing just the right amount of support – as and when you need it. Whether it’s personal, financial or study-related support, careers advice or help finding employment while you’re a student or when you graduate, we’ll be there for you.
GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERTISE
You won’t ever hear us say ‘Don’t touch that button!’ That’s because we really want you to get to grips with our industry-leading equipment – all so using it is second nature when you graduate.
FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Our lecturers have worked extensively in the music business and have experience in composition, performance, recording, production, touring, radio, community work and working with major artists. We also invite music industry professionals to give talks on a regular basis.
We offer a choice of ways to study for your degree, including: three years full-time, four years with a work placement... or even a two-year HND course at a local college, followed by a top-up to degree at the University. You can even begin your studies with a Foundation degree. Ask for details.
ONGOING INVESTMENT
We all know how technology advances – that’s why we always aim to make sure our students work with the latest equipment. A brand new studio complex is being designed and purpose built at the Stoke campus for September 2016
RUN OUR RECORD LABEL
Run by Music students, Phoenixx Management signs, records and releases material from a variety of artists. Joining the Phoenixx team is a great way to gain priceless experience.
INDUSTRY ACCREDITATIONS
As a mark of their quality, our BSc(Hons) courses are accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), which enables you to gain Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration – recognition of your competence, commitment and skills. We are also able to offer accredited ProTools and Logic training courses.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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All of our Music Courses share key themes and learning outcomes. • • • •
Business - industry knowledge, entrepreneurship Specialist Technologies – the ability to understand and use music production hardware and software Creativity - composing music, live performance Production - recording techniques, creating custom sounds for film/games
The difference between the courses is the emphasis that is placed on each of these themes and you should choose the course that is best suited to your abilities, skills and interests. BA (Hons) Electronic Music (Composition and Performance)* This course aims to prepare students for rewarding and creative practice in experimental and/or popular electronic music. The course begins with fundamentals of music composition and production in Level 4, develops through exploration of more advanced contemporary composition, software tools and performance practices in Level 5 and culminates with an examination of cutting-edge digital arts practices in Level 6.
WHICH COURSE
IS RIGHT
FOR YOU? 6
BA (Hons) Music Production* This course is designed to develop skills and experience in audio production and recording. Using our state of the art facilities, you will examine the creative practices used within the music industry and through research, practical experimentation and development of critical skills, you will acquire the knowledge, practical and creative skills required to succeed in the music industry. During your second and third year, you may wish to tailor the course to your own interests in genres of music, moving images such as film or computer games audio or composition.
BA (Hons) Music Business and Production*
BSc (Hons) Music Technology Top-up
This course is designed to develop skills, knowledge and experience in business areas related to the music industry as well as audio production and recording. The course focuses on areas such as music business management, promotion and marketing and tools, social media and the internet to maximise on music sales and live performance. You will also undertake work within the university record label (Phoenixx Management) – which signs, records and releases material from a variety of artists. Your involvement will progress through the course and you will be expected to help manage the company in your final year.
If you have a BTEC or HND in an appropriate subject such as Music Technology, Music Production, Music Performance or Popular Music Practice, you can take this course to convert your qualification into a BSc (Hons) degree.
BSc (Hons) Music Technology This course will expose you to as many areas of the music industry as possible. You will get to use industry leading analogue and digital equipment, recording and mastering technologies and the latest digital audio workstation (DAW) equipment. You will learn the fundamentals of audio technology right through to developing specialised skills in music and audio production. This course also offers options to develop other skills in the industry such as business awareness, music composition relevant to that industry.
In Year 1 you’ll learn about studio technology, mixing and mastering and acoustics. You’ll use the latest digital audio workstation (DAW) equipment. After Year 1, you’ll be eligible for a BSc (Hons) degree, but most students return in Year 2 to upgrade to a full honours degree. During Year 2, you’ll complete an individual project and portfolio. You can study parttime over the whole academic year, or full-time if you wish to finish in the first semester. *subject to validation
BSc (Hons) Sound Design This course aims to prepare students to work as a freelance sound artist and/or part of the sound department in the film and games industries. It will also prepare you for related industries such as radio, TV and theatre. Sound Design involves preparing all aspects of a soundtrack including dialogue, ambience, sound effects, Foley and music. Sound design crosses many industries and you will also find yourself working with students on film, animation and games courses.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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WHY STAFFS? Whether you’re looking to develop your creative skills, want to combine recording studio technology with music management, or would like to mix music production and recording with film, programme-making and digital video production, we’ve just the course for you. Constantly evolving to keep up with the everchanging demands of industry, all our Music degrees provide highly detailed training across a broad range of disciplines.
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED Several of our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to help you gain Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration. Plus you’ll also be able to study for other recognised music industry qualifications. Because we’re an accredited Apple and Digidesign ProTools Sponsored School, you’ll learn from an Apple/Digidesign certified instructor and be able to gain those all-important ProTools 101, 110 and 201 qualifications.
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WORLD-OF-WORK FACILITIES
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED LECTURERS
Both the music and film industries are incredibly competitive. That’s why you’ll learn to use state-ofthe-art production systems and industry-standard technology like Pro Tools, HD music recording software and Avid video editing equipment. You’ll also be able to hone your talents in our three, fully- equipped Soundcraft in our analogue and digital studios, as well as our music computer laboratory. The lab is equipped with 50 Macs running software from Apple Logic, Ableton, Native Instruments, UAD, SSL and more. We have five studios, four live rooms with drum kits and equipment from Line 6, Marshall and Laney. The studios are a mix of analogue and digital, including ProTools HD and surround sound. One studio is home to an advanced SSL AWS 900SE mixing console, the others have consoles from Avid, Audient and Toft.
Our Music lecturers have considerable industry expertise. They’ve worked in studio production, performance and touring. They have impressive industry contacts and they understand exactly the skills that employers look for. Several regularly present at global conferences and are involved in all kinds of fascinating research.
HANDS-ON LEARNING Each year you’ll produce lots of individual and group projects, all carefully designed to give you a great portfolio of work when you graduate. For example, as a Music Business and Production student, you’ll organise events, taking care of everything from booking venues and managing performers to marketing. The events also provide Sound Engineering opportunities for students wishing to experience live sound recording and filming projects. Similarly, second year BA Electronic Music students get to create and develop a DJ set or a live electronic performance using the powerful composition and performance software, Ableton Live.
PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENTS All our students have the opportunity to apply to spend a year working on placement in a real music industry job. With solid contacts across the sector, we’ll do our utmost to help you secure the placement that’s right for you. In the past, students have gone to recording studios, media outlets and education institutions. A growing number choose to start-up in business during the placement year.
CAREER CHOICES A Music degree is perfect if you’re planning on a career in music, media or similar industries. As a graduate, you’ll be qualified to work on sound production and quality for recording studios, live music venues, film and digital studios. To give you an idea of the career opportunities your degree could provide, we currently have graduates working as Sound Engineers, Music Producers, Composers, Event Managers, Sound Designers, Audio Consultants, Theatre Technicians, Acoustics Engineers, Post-production staff, Teachers, Lecturers, Performers and more. Some graduates choose to stay on at Staffordshire University to study for a Masters (MA) in Music.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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PREPARING YOU FOR A
SUCCESSFUL
CAREER We want to equip you for a long and successful career in the music industry. Whichever degree you choose, it will be closely modelled on workplace practice and we will give you the opportunity to work with fellow students in ‘industry-style’ situations.
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TAILOR YOUR COURSE TO YOUR OWN SPECIFIC NEEDS All of the courses offer a range of options that allow you to tailor your course to your own specific needs. In the final year you will undertake a major individual project which allows you to work specifically in your chosen area. This is a comprehensive mix of practical and written work and will allow you to create a portfolio that you can use as a ‘digital CV’.
BRAND NEW FACILITIES
FIRST-CLASS SUPPORT
The University is investing heavily in 2015 & 2016 and a brand new studio complex comprising five Recording Studios and four live rooms is due for completion in Autumn 2016.
We pride ourselves on our supportive learning environment. We really care about each student’s progress and welfare… and it shows. Our studios and computer workshops provide a vibrant and lively community, where you can make new friends and swap ideas with like-minded individuals.
LEARN FROM MUSIC PROFESSIONALS Our lecturers have considerable industry expertise. They’ve worked in studio production, performance and touring. They have impressive industry contacts and they understand exactly the skills that employers look for. Many present at global conferences and are actively involved in research. In addition, high profile speakers from the industry are invited each academic year and these are always well received. Recent guest lectures were given by Eric Stewart (ex 10cc), Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), Nick McCabe (the Verve), Stuart Goodwin (voice-over artist), Dr Iain Armstrong (Freelance composer and sound artist), Scott Ralph (who has worked with and/or written for Robbie Williams, Alvin Stardust and Lana del Ray).
INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS To help you to really make the most of your course, we’ll also help you to find an industry placement between your second and final years of study. A year’s work experience will equip you with real-world expertise and could seriously improve your future employment prospects.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
CAREERS The multi-disciplinary nature of these courses provides a range of graduates for the music and creative industries. It is expected that graduates will be well-equipped for jobs in areas including but not limited to: • Recording studios • Pre and post-production facilities • Television, satellite and radio broadcasting • Sound/music for film/TV/video • Sound/music for games and apps • Music distribution • Digital Marketing • Event and artist management • Live sound and theatre • Acoustics Consultant • Interactive Multimedia Design • Music and media education • Collaborative/community arts • Composing/recording/performing artists
t: 01782 294400
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE Following a stint in Touring Concert Production after graduation, I started an internship at Universal Music Group with Polydor Records and was very lucky to be promoted to a full-time Digital Marketing Assistant. Alongside assisting the department, I have been given a roster of my own acts and some fantastic projects, including: All Time Low, Jimmy Eat World and Bryan Adams, as well as some developing acts you’ll see more of next year. I’m also assisting some really experienced campaign managers, on some huge campaigns, such as the new Take That album and Duffy’s new album. It’s been fantastic and just keeps getting better! Working for a major label had always been a goal of mine. Being able to work at the biggest label in the UK, blast music all day, go to some great concerts, meet amazing people AND get paid for it is fantastic. Olivia Hobbs BSc (Hons) Music Technology with Management
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“I studied Music Technology at Staffordshire University from 2006 to 2009, during which time I was able to hone my skills and discover what direction I wanted to take my career in. I fell in love with the entire process of sound-to-picture and graduated with a strong desire to become a sound designer. After university I was lucky enough to land a full- time in-house position at Radium Audio, a Londonbased sound company, predominantly creating sound for advertising and branding. I quickly progressed to the position of Head of Sound Design and had the opportunity to work on channel idents for Sky 1 and MGM HD. I have since left Radium Audio to start my own company, Box of Toys Audio, with two colleagues. We are now over a year old, have established an international client base and are currently in the process of opening a second studio in Stockholm, Sweden. It’s a great feeling to make use of my education and achieve so much in these turbulent times.” Chris Didlick BSc (Hons) Music Technology
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
APPLICATION PROCESS NOT RECEIVED THE OFFER YOU WANTED?
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Late Feb – early July. Gives you another chance to apply.
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ENROLMENT WELCOME TO STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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