Undergraduate study 2018/19
Music Technology
Our trophy cabinet
What’s inside
The awards we’ve won don’t just make us feel proud. They give you an idea of what the University is like.
Study with us
4–5 Our courses
Meet us
Apply to us
Julian and Fraser’s student journey so far
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Hear from Dr Elizabeth Dobson about scoring for stage and screen
Open Days
18–19 T Q’ A P F H F E
University of the Year The Times Higher Education named us as their University of the Year in November 2013. They liked our “bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives.”
Queen’s Award We’ve always supported the international student community. So we were very pleased to win the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2013.
Queen’s Anniversary Prize The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a big thing in UK Higher Education. We were delighted to earn one for our role in expanding global boundaries of new music.
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Hear how Dr Matthew Stephenson encourages listening with a critical ear
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Welcome to Music Technology
in association with
A Four Star University QS Stars have given us four stars. That means we are “highly international, demonstrating excellence in both teaching and research with an excellent environment for students and staff.”
Educate North Award The Educate North Awards celebrate the role of Higher Education in the North of England. We won New University of the Year at the awards in 2015.
Athena Swan We’re serious about gender equality. We want an equal number of men and women on our science and engineering courses, for instance. Our commitment was recognised in 2015 with the Athena SWAN Bronze Award.
Studying Music Technology at Huddersfield will launch you into one of the most vibrant and diverse musical environments of any UK university. Our innovative range of courses covers the whole spectrum of musical experience, so whatever your interest there’s a combination that will suit you and your aspirations. Experience Music Technology as a programmer, composer, interface designer, audio engineer, performer or producer and make the most of the real-world opportunities
we offer, including a year-long placement in industry. You’ll be inspired by our staff, their international research expertise, and our amazing facilities. Dr Jonathan Wakefield Subject Area Leader, Department of Engineering and Technology Stewart Worthy Subject Area Leader, Department of Music and Drama
Find out more about our awards at hud.ac.uk/about/our-awards
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The digital era is transforming music. It seems like we are constantly experiencing new sounds, styles and recording techniques. The music industry is crying out for engineers, musicians and technicians who have the talent and the know-how to keep moving things forward. That’s where you could come in. We can give you the skills to take up the challenge and drive innovation in an inspiring industry.
Study with us The Mac Labs, studios and industry-standard equipment were, by far, the best I had seen. This, together with the energy of the staff and students, made me feel I could make a future here. Music Technology and Popular Music BA(Hons) (The equivalent course is now Creative Music Production BA(Hons))
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Check this out! Facilities
Scholarships
We’ve invested £200k in upgrading our industry standard studios in Summer 2017
Eligible Music Technology students can get scholarships of up to £3000 – see hud.ac/dmm for details.
At Huddersfield we’ve got form in spotting the next big thing. Every year the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival brings cutting-edge international musical talent to the University and the Electric Spring festival showcases the latest strands in label-defying electronic music. We offer a broad range of courses from the creative to the technical, covering all ranges of music. So whether you love pop or rock, or your interest lies in classical and electroacoustic music, we have a course at Huddersfield to suit you. Depending on the course you choose, you’ll have the chance to develop advanced soundproduction techniques, computer-programming skills for music technology (including C/C++ language) and computer-based composition and creative skills. You’ll be taught by accessible and knowledgeable tutors who understand the industry and will support you in gaining the skills that are in demand.
While you’re here, you’ll have the option of a year’s placement. Previous students have gone on placements with companies like Warner Music, Radio Forth, Avid, British Grove Studios and Adlib Solutions. You could develop some great skills and build up your contacts too. Our Placement Unit can help make you even more attractive to employers by giving guidance on your CV and interview techniques. The facilities here are equally inspiring, built to the highest professional standards, with lots of studios and technology for you to dive into. We’ve got modern professional-spec recording studios, production studios and over 100 Mac-based digital audio workstations. Oh, and two concert halls, location recording equipment, a dedicated live sound room, a radio studio, a Foley studio and a 25-speaker custom built research lab. All waiting for you to come and explore.
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Graduates employed from this subject area
Audio Engineering BSc(Hons)
89.5%* Key information: UCAS code: TBC (See website for details) Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level inc. a Science, Technology, Maths or Computing subject DDM at BTEC in either Music Technology, Engineering or Computing Software 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications which must include scientific, technical, technology, computing or mathematical content/ qualification Additional criteria: GCSE Maths grade C or above or equivalent. Practical and theory music grades are not accepted in the total points (see UCAS tariff).
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Graduates employed from this subject area
90%* The growth of broadcast and media industries mean that there’s a demand for people with the skills to work on developing the next generation of audio technology. This course aims to give you these skills and prepare you for a wide range of careers in production and technical development roles within the audio industry. If you have a real interest in music and audio technologies, this course could be the first step for your career. You’ll learn about music technology and production in the context of the music and broadcast environment and the use of technology and software for sound production. It’s all about equipping the next generation of audio engineers with the technical abilities to not only use the equipment, but to also play a role in its development.
This course covers recording studios and live sound engineering and incorporates technical modules which cover audio broadcast, consumer and professional audio systems and audio signal measurement, test and analysis. Principles of analogue and digital audio, audio processing, loudspeakers, microphones, acoustics and psychoacoustics are also studied. Programming is taught in several forms to provide the necessary technical underpinning of the course and to give an enhanced skills base for employment. Most tutors on the course have worked in the industry, and many are members of the Audio Engineering Society (AES). You’ll have the chance to draw on their expertise, and gain hands-on experience too, using our professional standard equipment and software. On campus we have five fully equipped recording studios (including SSL and Audient mixing desks), six production studios, live sound facilities, electronic design labs and much more.
Key information: UCAS code: TBC (See website for details) Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in Music or Music Technology. DDM at BTEC in Music Technology 120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level or Distinction in BTEC in Music or Music Technology Additional criteria: Applicants with other relevant experience outside of formal music and music technology A Levels or BTECs are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis Practical and theory music grades are accepted in the total points (see UCAS tariff).
Creative Music Production BA(Hons)
Are you a musician who wants to harness technology as a creative tool? Do you enjoy using mixing desks and digital technology, not just to record but also to compose and create innovative new tracks? Our course gives you the chance to develop your skills by building a solid technical and creative foundation. Forget everything you know about music technology. We want to subvert the traditional way of thinking about music production and studio techniques to encourage new ways of working and unique creative skills. Looking at computer-based production you’ll have the chance to develop advanced techniques by working with tutors who are involved in the industry. The aim is to encourage you to unleash your creativity and express yourself through sound. You’ll be able to use our professionally-equipped facilities, with lots of recording and composition studio space to choose from. Rest assured, we update our equipment regularly too, so you’re kept up to date with the industry.
While you’re here you’ll have the chance to collaborate with other music makers. The course is a hive of creativity, and you’ll be working alongside classical and pop musicians, recording engineers, audio electronics experts and interface designers. You might even be able to work with some leading practitioners too. We’ve previously hosted visits from producers Charlie Russell and Colin Elliot, as well as drummers Mike Heaton, Bill Bruford and Craig Blundell, guitarist Alex Hutchins and jazz saxophonists Snake Davis and Andy Scott. We have also hosted masterclasses and one-to-one advice sessions with electronic musician and DJ, Richie Hawtin. This course offers you the opportunity to take an optional one-year (48 week) work placement after your second year, in the UK or abroad.
Interested in Popular Music? If you are, you might also like to check out our Popular Music BMus(Hons) course, which allows you to cover some of the Technology elements found in the Creative Music Production BA(Hons) course, but with more emphasis on studying popular music and performance. See our website or the Music brochure for more details.
*Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15).
*Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15).
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit hud.ac.uk/courses
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit hud.ac.uk/courses
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Graduates employed from this subject area
90%* Key information: UCAS code: WJ36 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in Music or Music Technology DDM at BTEC in Music Technology or Music 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level or Distinction in BTEC in Music or Music Technology Additional criteria: Applicants with other relevant experience outside of formal music and music technology A Levels or BTECs are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis It is also recommended, but not essential, that another A Level is in Physics, Maths, IT or another science-based subject.
*Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15).
Music and Sound for Image BA(Hons)
Films, TV, computer games and apps. So much of the media we experience nowadays comes with sound and music. If you enjoy working on your own compositions and sound design, and you’re excited by what you could accomplish, this course could help you prepare for a career in creating and working with a range of music and sound for image. Right from the start we’ll give you the chance to immerse yourself in an environment ideally suited to working with sound. The course offers training in music composition, orchestration, sonic arts and performance. You’ll also be able to get involved in sound recording, audio production, sound design and film theory. The facilities at Huddersfield are of a professional standard. You’ll have plenty of recording and composition studio space to use if you need it. And we make sure to keep upgrading the equipment, so we’re always up-todate with the industries you want to go into.
100%* We believe in being collaborative too. The course is at the centre of a hive of creativity. You’ll be able to mix and work with fellow students who will be aspiring classical and pop musicians, recording engineers, programmers, audio electronics experts and interface designers. While you’re here you might be able to work with some leading practitioners from the world of sound and vision too. We’ve previously hosted visits from Ray Russell, the documentary film composer who worked on ‘A Touch of Frost’ and video conference advice sessions from the likes of LA-based sound designer and author David Sonnenschein. We also keep in touch and draw on the expertise of our previous graduates who now work in the media industry.
Matthew Carr graduated Music and Sound for Image BA(Hons) in 2016 “I feel that my degree, and my time at Huddersfield, has taken my passion for music and film to another level. I went to university to understand the craft, and I now feel that I am extremely well prepared to be scoring films and media with music.”
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit hud.ac.uk/courses
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Graduates employed from this course
Key information: UCAS code: H6W3 Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level inc. a Science, Technology, Maths or Computing subject DDM at BTEC in either Music Technology, Engineering or Computing Software 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications which must include scientific, technical, technology, computing or mathematical content/ qualification Additional criteria: GCSE Maths grade C or above or equivalent Practical and theory music grades are not accepted in the total points (see UCAS tariff).
*Percentage of graduates from this course who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15).
Music Technology and Audio Systems BSc(Hons)
Ever-advancing technologies in the recording industry mean there’s a demand for people with the skills to work on developing the next generation of music and audio technology. This course aims to give you these skills and prepare you for a wide range of careers in production and technical roles within the music industry. If your ambition is to work in recording studios, live sound and computer composition, this is the course for you. It’s popular music orientated and covers technical skills in software development, audio theory and technology. It’s our goal to prepare you for exciting careers in music production, sound engineering, live sound, TV and film post-production, audio software development or audio electronics.
Most tutors on the course have worked in the industry, and many are members of the Audio Engineering Society (AES). You’ll have the chance to draw on their expertise, and gain hands-on experience too, using our professional standard equipment and software. On campus we have nine professional standard recording studios (including SSL and Audient mixing desks). Our graduates have gone on from the course to work for companies like Adlib Audio working on live sound with major touring artists and Calrec Audio working on new digital mixing desks, while others have gone on to technical positions at companies like Abbey Road Studios.
Matt Jefferson graduated Music Technology and Audio System BSc(Hons) in 2017 and is now a Multimedia Application Developer at Fraunhofer IIS, Germany “I completed my placement year at Fraunhofer IIS in Germany, which gave me the chance to meet some great people within the industry and expand my professional network. My work ethic also improved, allowing me to really achieve my best in final year. I’ve now secured a graduate role with the company.”
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit hud.ac.uk/courses
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Graduates employed from this subject area
90%* Key information: UCAS code: TBC (See website for details) Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level including a minimum grade B in Music or Music Technology DDM at BTEC in Music Technology or Music 120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B at A Level or Distinction in BTEC in Music or Music Technology Additional criteria: Applicants with other relevant experience outside of formal music and music technology A Levels or BTECs are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis Practical and theory music grades are accepted in the total points (see UCAS tariff).
Sonic Arts and Composition BMus(Hons)
We’ll give you the chance to develop your skills in acoustic and computer-based composition, as well as production and orchestration. We take a broad view, studying everything from using the studio as a creative tool and computer to manipulate sound to writing for specific instruments. It could give you a great grounding to go onto a career in composition, sound, sonic arts or many other exciting creative routes. You’ll be able to use our professionally equipped studios, and take your pick from lots of recording and composition studio space. Rest assured, we update our equipment regularly too, so you’re kept up to date with the industry. You’ll be joining a large community of music and music technology students. There’s always lots of creativity and experimentation going on, and you’ll be studying alongside aspiring classical and pop musicians, recording engineers, programmers, audio electronic experts and interface designers.
Graduates employed from this subject area
89.5%* Every year we also get involved with the world-famous annual Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and label-defying Electric Spring Festival, so you can experience contemporary music in action. During your studies you’ll be able to meet and work with leading performers to help realise your compositions. In previous years we have hosted the Bozzini String Quartet (Canada), Juliet Frazer (soprano, UK), the Quasar Saxophone Quartet (Canada) Garth Knox (Viola, UK), Mieko Kanno (Violin, UK), and Distractfold (Ensemble, UK).
Key information: UCAS code: TBC (See website for details) Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBB at A Level DDM in a relevant BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma 120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications Additional criteria: GCSE Maths grade C or above or equivalent Practical and theory music grades are not accepted in the total points (see UCAS tariff).
This course offers you the opportunity to take an optional one-year (48 week) work placement after your second year, in the UK or abroad. Our teaching staff have developed excellent links with local employers and will help you to find a suitable placement if necessary. Previous placement providers have included Warner Music, Pinewood Studios (Avid), WigWam, Angel Studios, Shoot Productions, and the Institute for Music/Acoustic Research and Co-ordination (IRCAM) in Paris.
Sound Engineering and Music Production BSc(Hons)
If you’re planning to go into a career in sound engineering and production this broad industryfocused course has been designed to help you develop your practical skills and abilities. The course covers a wide range of topics, including advanced music production and mixing techniques, game audio, sound for film and media formats and live music production We’ll help you explore the music industry and discover the opportunities that are out there for you. You’ll have access to our industrystandard studios, helping you to prepare for equipment that you will encounter in the real world of work. You’ll gain hands on experience of using professional software and equipment including five fully equipped Pro Tools recording studios, SSL and large format Audient mixing consoles, industry standard outboard compressors and equalizers, six production studios, live sound facilities and much more.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by tutors, many of whom are experienced industry professionals. You can book the studios seven days a week for use outside teaching time to further develop your sound engineering skills and production style. While you’re here you’ll be working amongst a large community of Music Technology students. You’ll have the chance to go on a placement after your second year, where you could build up some invaluable experience and industry contacts. Our course also has a strong research basis which is an essential element of higher education. Our lecturers and post graduate students are researching into areas of perceptual audio, automated mixing techniques, music production, new interfaces for music and other related disciplines. Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations like British Grove Studios, Chairworks Studios, Angel Studios, Warner Music and DOCK10.
Industry insight *Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15).
Lawrence Berry, Creative Music Technology BMus(Hons) “Working for Warner was a great pleasure and a very eyeopening opportunity that allowed me to learn the ins and outs of the music industry. Without this opportunity to learn and have the opportunity to network, I don’t know where I would be currently.”
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit hud.ac.uk/courses
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*Percentage of graduates from this subject area who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15).
We supplement our teaching with guest lectures and master classes from professional music producers, equipment designers and media producers.
For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit hud.ac.uk/courses
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In 2017 we invested £200k in new equipment for our modern professional-spec recording studios and production studios. You’ll also have access to over 100 Mac-based digital audio workstations, two concert halls, location recording equipment, a dedicated live sound room, a radio studio, a Foley studio and a 25-speaker custom built research lab.
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My student journey so far
Julian Surma
Music Technology and Popular Music BA(Hons)*
One of the features of the University is the way it encourages students from different disciplines to work together. “I really enjoy collaborating with students from across the University – for example I work closely with video-game students to compose music and sound design for their games”, says Julian. “CollabHub is also a great way to meet new people from different study areas – for instance, a group of us from CollabHub have got together to create a music-theory learning tool .”
The facilities are amazing and if used correctly there are no limitations on what you can produce.
Julian strongly advises others to get involved with these opportunities; “If you want to prepare yourself for the outside world, the University offers the facilities to do so alongside your studies.” The opportunities for recording his own material particularly appealed to Julian; “The facilities are amazing and if used correctly there is no limitations on what you can produce. I feel privileged to have access to it all.” Julian thinks that he couldn’t get a better set of lecturers; “They are enthusiastic, approachable and offer great advice. It is such a help to have people who have worked in the music industry sharing their experiences.” Julian dreams of being a freelance sound designer and composer for film and video games, and his time at Huddersfield will put him well on the road to achieving that dream.
To hear Julian talk about his student journey visit hud.ac/profiles
*The equivalent course is now Creative Music Production BA(Hons)
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My student journey so far
Fraser Gullick
Music Technology and Audio Systems BSc(Hons)
“I’m from West Shropshire. It was quite rural, with only one bus an hour! I left as, although I love country scenery, I wanted easier access to a big city, so Huddersfield was a happy medium. I wanted to find my place and I think I have. “When I was younger I wanted to be a firefighter and I did look into it! But I picked Music Technology A Level as the idea of linking what I was good at (physics and maths) with what I am passionate about (music) really appealed.
Facilities here are great and I’m gaining a broad knowledge of music technology, so lots of doors are open career wise.
“I chose this course as I wanted to use my technical and creative sides. It allows me to create music, and also to gain an in-depth knowledge of acoustics and how they work. “I thought coming to uni was a means to an end, ‘I’ll get this degree, then I’ll be able to get the job’. I’m shocked how much I’ve grown and developed! Especially on my placement year, it helped me feel confident I’ve chosen the right career and what I’m doing on my course directly relates to industry. “I haven’t decided what to do when I graduate. I’ve researched postgraduate study, but I may work in industry first. I feel university has prepared me for either direction. As long as I’m happy though, that’s my main ambition.”
To hear Fraser talk about his student journey visit hud.ac/profiles
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Meet our staff
Scoring for stage and screen
Dr Elizabeth Dobson
Senior Lecturer, Music Technology and National Teaching Fellow
Playing with cassette tapes, secretly recording family kitchen conversations, and using low-fi tech to create new sounds, little did Liz know that her childhood pastimes would lead her into working as a Senior Lecturer in Music Technology. Since studying music at Bangor University and starting her teaching career in Scarborough, Liz composed sound and music for independent dance, theatre and film, before coming to teach at Huddersfield. “It was the staff expertise, amazing facilities and welcoming community, and seeing how all these benefit our students, that drew me to Huddersfield,” explains Liz.
University opens their minds up to new technologies, ideas, genres and techniques, and I enjoy seeing how the students consider new possibilities.
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Liz is extremely passionate about her work – her particular areas of expertise being scoring for film and other media, and the social psychology of collaborative creativity. She was also the brains behind CollabHub – a scheme which brings undergraduate students together from various disciplines to collaborate on work outside their usual course activities. “It has resulted in some amazing projects and strong relationships,” explains Liz. Asking Liz what her most memorable moment has been, she replies, “Every graduation – watching the students’ development from Year 1, to becoming professional-standard sound designers, orchestrators, performers and composers. I love being part of that.” “University opens their minds up to new technologies, ideas, genres and techniques, and I enjoy seeing how the students consider new possibilities. Also, the professional quality of facilities, experienced staff and the work-placement opportunities provide a brilliant springboard for real careers; our students are doing professional work before they graduate, and I think that says a lot!”
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Meet our staff
Listening with a critical ear
Dr Matthew Stephenson Music Technology Lecturer
“At 14 I wanted to be a football commentator. I was under the illusion the ability to identify all the players in my sticker album qualified me well. My careers advisor suggested a rethink! My dad was a location sound recordist, one night he took me to an outside broadcast. Being behind the scenes, seeing the technology in action, sparked a new passion. “I came here in 2002 to study Music Technology and Audio Systems, a course I now teach on! I was interested in science and technology, but loved music too. I entered these words on UCAS’ website and Huddersfield came up.
I love inspiring students to consider new things.
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“I wanted to be a music producer, but soon found myself fascinated by what was going on inside the equipment, and by subjects like acoustics, live sound and programming. “I worked at the BBC as a software developer, but returned to the University in 2013. I love inspiring students to consider new things like how we can localise sound, or the programming code that powers digital mixing desks and plugins. I like to demonstrate not only how to use particular microphones, but to encourage students to think about why, and listen with a critical ear. “I love the atmosphere here, there’s often gigs or social events. As a student I helped to start our course Christmas parties, even persuading some of the tutors to perform – although I’m starting to regret that now!”
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We hope you’ve found all the information you need to inspire you to become a student here at Huddersfield. Now all you need to do is apply.
Apply to us UCAS If this is your first (undergraduate) degree and you want to study a full-time course, then you’ll apply via UCAS at ucas.com If you’re at a college or school right now, it’s probably already registered with UCAS. The best thing to do is ask your teacher or careers adviser to help with your application. Once you’ve applied we’ll keep in touch with you throughout the 1 application process, so you’re up to speed with what’s going on.
Contact us Got a question? Get in touch with us. Creative Music Production / Music and Sound for Image / Sonic Arts and Composition Tel. +44 (0)1484 472007 Email. musictechadmissions@hud.ac.uk @huddsunimusic UniversityofHuddersfieldMusic
When to apply If you want to start your course in September 2018, you can apply to UCAS any time from 1 September 2017 onwards. Make sure UCAS receives your application by 15 January 2018. Our course codes You have to enter the code for the course you want to study on your application form. You can find our course codes on each of the course pages in this brochure, or on the UCAS website. By the way, the institution code for Huddersfield is HUDDS H60.
Wednesday 21 June Thursday 22 June Saturday 16 September Saturday 21 October Wednesday 8 November Friday 1 December
Audio Engineering / Music Technology and Audio Systems / Sound Engineering and Music Production Tel. +44 (0)1484 473116 Email. compeng@hud.ac.uk @hudcompeng HuddersfieldUniversityComputing andEngineering
Important Information This brochure is provided for information only and will not form part of your student contract. For full, up to date details on our courses, including when and how that information may change, visit our website at www.hud.ac.uk/courses
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Open Days Everything starts now
Book a place hud.ac.uk/open-days 23
University of Huddersfield Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 3DH UK Tel. +44 (0)1484 422288 Email. askhud@hud.ac.uk www.hud.ac.uk
Huddersfield is first in England for professionally qualified teaching staff * *HEFCE, 9 Dec 2016
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