Undergraduate study
Music and Music Technology 2021/22
Why us? Check this out! Facilities
World-class
Access to 20 specialist studios for mixing, recording, and production, plus 2 on-site concert halls.
QS World University Subject Rankings 2019 ranked the University of Huddersfield 27th in the world for ‘Performing Arts’.
Placements
Teaching Excellence
All courses offer you the opportunity to undertake a placement year.
The University is joint first in England for the proportion of staff with teaching qualifications (HESA 2020).
Open Days 2020 Saturday 26 September Saturday 17 October Saturday 07 November Friday 04 December Book now hud.ac.uk/open-days
What’s inside Our courses
04 Music Technology and Audio Systems BSc(Hons) 05 Sound Engineering and Music Production BSc(Hons) 06 Creative Music Production BA(Hons) 07 Music and Sound for Screen BA(Hons) 08 Music Technology and Composition BMus(Hons) 09 Popular Music BMus(Hons) 10 Music BMus(Hons) 11 Music Performance BMus(Hons) 15 Apply to us
Start your journey with us hud.ac/apply 3
Music Technology and Audio Systems BSc(Hons)
Your course
Course info
Ever-advancing technologies in the audio industry mean there’s a demand for people with the right skills to help develop the next generation of music and audio technology.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
This is a popular music orientated course which combines a broad range of modules covering the technical aspects of audio system development and the creative process of music production. With access to industry-standard recording studios and design labs you will develop both theoretical and practical skills that will help you stand out from the crowd. Your study will combine audio theory in a variety of industry contexts, recording and production, software development, electronics, business and research skills, digital audio signal processing and acoustics.
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 Plus Maths GCSE at grade 4/C or above*
Example modules • Studio Engineering and Mixing Essentials • Audio Electronics
• Digital Audio and Signal Processing • Live Music Production
Your future It’s our goal to prepare you for exciting and rewarding careers in areas such as audio engineering, live sound, product development, music production and broadcasting. Previous graduates have been employed in roles such as freelance music producer, design engineer, senior broadcast engineer, commercial manager, software developer and senior product test engineer. In organisations including British Grove Studios, Solid State Logic, Warner Music Group, and Calrec Audio Ltd.* *LinkedIn
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For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
*Level 3 qualifications can come from a combination of subjects which must include a scientific, technical, music technology, computing, engineering or mathematical content/ qualification.
Accreditation This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and fully meets the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partly meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). This accreditation is reviewed on a regular basis.
Sound Engineering and Music Production BSc(Hons)
Your course
Course info
If you are planning a career in sound engineering and music production, this course has been designed to develop the essential practical skills, knowledge and abilities that will give you the edge. The course has a focus on music production and you will have the opportunity to study a range of different elements, including, studio and concert hall recording, music mixing and mastering, audio production for live events, games, television and video, and research skills and awareness.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
You will have access to our industry-standard studios and will gain experience of using professional software and equipment including five fully equipped studios with SSL and large format Audient mixing consoles, outboard processors, UAD and Waves plugins, six production studios, live sound facilities and more.
Accreditation
Example modules • Studio Engineering and Mixing Essentials • Live Music Production
• Advanced Music Production and Mastering • Games Audio
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120. Plus GCSE Maths at grade 4/C or above`
This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), an approval by industry professionals that confirms it meets industry standards. This accreditation is reviewed on a regular basis.
Your future During your time on the course, we will help you explore the music industry and prepare you for exciting and rewarding careers in areas such as studio engineering, live sound production, audio and sound design for games, audio recording and postproduction for film and television and also music mastering. In organisations including Sky, BBC, Angel Studios and Chairworks Studios.* *LinkedIn
For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Creative Music Production BA(Hons)
Your course
Course info
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. You’ll have the chance to develop advanced techniques in computer-based production by working with tutors who are involved in the industry. You’ll be able to use our professionally-equipped facilities, with lots of recording and composition studio space to choose from. Previous graduates have gone on to work in a range of careers including studio managers, post-production, freelance engineers, programmers, sound design and professional audio sales.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
Example modules • Desktop Music Production • Studio Production and Spatial Recording Techniques
• Inside the Music Business • Sonic Arts and Electronica
Your future A selection of companies that have employed Huddersfield graduates in recent years include Warner Music Group, Nitin Sawhney’s The Dairy Studios and Astar Studios Music Limited.* We strongly encourage our students to be enterprising and many graduates work as freelance recording artists while some go on to set up their own company like the award winning Zeligsound. Support for starting your own business is available from our 3M Buckley Innovation Centre.
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work). Music performance and theory grades from 6-8 can be counted in the 120 points.
Accreditation This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), an approval by industry professionals that confirms it meets industry standards.
“I was lucky enough to spend my placement year based in Nitin Sawhney’s studio shadowing him and his team, observing the creative process and engaging in project management and technical work. Whilst there I worked on the score for the Warner Bros./Netflix film Mowgli as a technical score engineer. I was present through almost all of Nitin’s composition process, contributed to the project management and technical preparation for recording and mixing, and also attended the orchestral recording sessions and mix sessions at AIR Studios in London as assistant to the composer.” Jay Witsey, graduated Creative Music Technology in 2019 and is now a Freelance Composer, Producer, Sound Designer, Recording and Mixing Engineer. 6
For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
Music and Sound for Screen BA(Hons)
Your course
Course info
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 screen. 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. 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. You will also have the opportunity to take part in guest lectures from some of the industry’s most accomplished sound editors such as BAFTA and Oscar winner John Warhurst, who has worked on blockbuster film soundtracks such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd and Cats.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
Music performance and theory grades from 6-8 can be counted in the 120 points.
Accreditation
Example modules • Music for the Moving Image • Composing Music for Film and Videogames
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work).
• Sound for Image • Work and Professional Practice
This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), an approval by industry professionals that confirms it meets industry standards.
Your future Previous graduates have prepared themselves for what is known as a portfolio career, setting up their own sound/music for image company; providing orchestral scores and arrangements for recording sessions, writing original soundtracks, creating library music and sound effects. There is support available from our 3M Buckley Innovation Centre where you can get advice on starting your own business.
“With film composition as a core element every year, complemented by desktop music production, studio engineering, orchestration and sound design, this course aims to make it possible for you to start pitching for work even before you graduate – and our best students do just that. There is an important emphasis on enterprise and awareness of the business side of things as well as more theoretical aspects to round off your education.” Julio D’Escrivan, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Music and Sound for Screen BA(Hons) For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Music Technology and Composition BMus(Hons)
Your course
Course info
We’ll give you the chance to develop your skills in acoustic and computerbased 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. You’ll get the grounding you need 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. Every year we also get involved with the world-famous Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and label-defying Electric Spring Festival, so you can experience cutting-edge contemporary music in action. Graduates on similar courses have gone on to work in a range of careers including studio management, post-production, freelance engineering, programming, sound design, and professional audio sales.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
Example modules • Sonic Arts and Electronica • Desktop Music Production
• Music in the 21st Century • Making Interactive Tools for Music and Audio
Your future A selection of companies that have employed Huddersfield graduates in recent years include Warner Music Group, Zeligsound, Nitin Sawhney’s The Dairy Studios, Abbey Road Studios and Astar Studios Music Limited.* We strongly encourage our students to be enterprising and many graduates work as freelance recording artists and composers while some go on to set up their music related companies. Support for starting your own business is available from our 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. *LinkedIn
“This course is aimed at students with a background in both more traditional forms of notated instrumental composition and also electronic music making, although it allows for specialism in one area as the course continues. It’s really exciting to be able to discuss and share with students the wide range of approaches to music making that we are excited about in the 21st century.” Alexander Harker, Lecturer in Music Technology 8
For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work). Music performance and theory grades from 6-8 can be counted in the 120 points.
Accreditation This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), an approval by industry professionals that confirms it meets industry standards.
Popular Music BMus(Hons)
Your course
Course info
If you love popular music and want to develop your songwriting or performing skills, or understand more about how popular music is supported by technology, this course is ideal. Popular music is a highly competitive industry, but it can be extremely rewarding too. We’ll give you the opportunity to develop industry-standard practices and techniques that will help you unleash your creativity. You could also find yourself performing as a soloist or part of a group to gain experience and demonstrate your talents. During your studies we’ll look at a wide range of topics from production and performance through to songwriting and composition. You’ll be able to try ideas out in our state-of-the-art studios, which are equipped with the latest hardware and software. Huddersfield is home to the electronic music festival, Electric Spring, and has a vibrant music scene, often with our students acting as promoters and performers.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
Example modules • Songwriting • Studio Engineering and Mixing Essentials
• Inside the Music Business • Performance Skills
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work). Music performance and theory grades from 6-8 can be counted in the 120 points. Applicants intending to study solo instrumental or vocal performance should Grade 7-8 in Rockschool or equivalent at entry and attend an audition.
Your future
Accreditation
Graduates can consider careers in performance, teaching, composition, arranging, session recording, arts administration, community music, and music therapy. A selection of companies that have employed Huddersfield music graduates in recent years include Abbey Road Studios, BBC, Royal Northern College of Music, Chetham’s School of Music, Opera North, ITV, and Calderdale Music Services.*
This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), an approval by industry professionals that confirms it meets industry standards.
For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Music BMus(Hons)
Your course
Course info
Music is all about collaboration and experimentation, so you’ll have opportunities to get involved in large and small ensembles, choirs and bands, composing for your fellow students, studying and playing with others. We’ll also encourage you to carry out your own creative projects and research, and you’ll have the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills. You’ll be taught by leading composers, performers and researchers. During your studies you’ll be able to specialise in composition, performance or musicology, or explore the connections between all three. We want to hear your work too, in recitals, concerts, masterclasses and workshops. As a composer, you’ll also have the chance to hear your work performed by professionals. In musicology, you’ll be able to study the development of music across history and in different historical and cultural contexts. You could choose to specialise in subjects like baroque music, experimental music, opera and musical theatre, or film music.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
Example modules • Performance Skills • Scoring the Silver Screen: The Musicology of Film and Television
• Music in Educational Contexts • Music, Gender and Identity
Your future A selection of companies that have employed Huddersfield graduates in recent years include The Band of Household Cavalry, Elmhurst Ballet School, Wigwam Acoustics and Nottingham Music School. Many graduates go on to work freelance and establish a portfolio career, teaching or postgraduate study.* *LinkedIn
“One of the great things with the music courses here in Huddersfield is the variety of directions you can follow. You can pick anything from musicology, to performance and composition. Within the music department, there is a very strong core of composers, both professors and PhD students, and as a bachelor student, I have the chance to interact with them, follow their work and learn from them.” Asonitis Anastasios, Music BMus(Hons) 10
For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work). Music performance and theory grades from 6-8 can be counted in the 120 points. Applicants intending to study solo instrumental or vocal performance should be around Grade 7-8 standard of the ABRSM, Rockschool or equivalent at entry and attend an audition.
Music Performance BMus(Hons)
Your course
Course info
If you would like to focus on solo performance, band or ensemble playing, and the historical and cultural aspects of performance – then this course is for you. It is designed for expert performers with a passion for performing across a variety of styles and contexts. Students are already at Grade 8 standard or equivalent and have a wide range of performance experiences from which to develop their skills. You’ll be taught by expert academic staff, many of whom are also professional performers with active international careers as soloists, session musicians, and ensemble members. Visiting masterclasses and workshops are a regular feature of the course and we regularly host concerts and workshops with leading chamber groups. You’ll also have opportunities to study composition, songwriting, technology, and musicology modules that will support your all-round development as a performer.
Course length: 3yrs full-time 4yrs inc. placement yr
Example modules • Solo Performance • Work and Professional Practice in Music
• Studies in Performance • Scoring and Arranging for Brass and Wind
Entry requirements: BBB/DDM/120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications alongside evidence of prior Music or Music Technology experience (which could be offered either through formal qualifications or a portfolio of creative work). Music performance and theory grades from 6-8 can be counted in the 120 points Admission to the course is subject to successful audition. Applicants must have reached at least Grade 8 standard of the ABRSM, Rockschool or equivalent at entry.
Your future We strongly encourage our students to be enterprising and many graduates go on to work freelance and establish portfolio careers as recording artists and composers. Support for starting your own business is available from our 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. Others go on to postgraduate study.
“The countless performance opportunities that are available has built up my confidence and repertoire so that I am able to accept professional jobs. The vocal teaching I received was incredible and has allowed me to be of a standard to be hired by professional opera companies. Since finishing university, I have been hired by the award winning choir, Cantamus, as one of their teaching staff, been a soloist for the Open University Opera Season, Penzance Philharmonic, as well as being accepted onto Waterperry Opera Festival’s Young Artist programme.” Charlotte Collier, graduated Music Performance BMus(Hons) in 2018, and is now a private singing tutor for Tutorful and a freelance singer. For more detailed course information visit courses.hud.ac.uk
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Top One of our SSL equipped studios Middle The University Big Band Bottom A Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head mic in one of our recording studio live rooms
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Top Chamber Choir Middle Wind Orchestra in Concert Bottom Our live music production room
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The legal bit This brochure was prepared in the spring of 2020 for courses starting in September 2021 and is up to date as at the date of publication. Any subsequent changes to information will be published in the course information listings on our website courses. hud.ac.uk, and you should check this for the latest information before you apply. Changes to a course you have applied for If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.
For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff ; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.
Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.
Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.
Major changes
Termination of course
We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.
In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.
Changes to your course after you enrol as a student We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below: Changes to option modules
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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
When to apply
If this is your first (undergraduate) degree and you want to study a full-time course, then you’ll apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at ucas.com
If you want to start your course in September 2021, you can apply to UCAS any time from 1 September 2020 onwards. Please make sure UCAS receives your application by 15 January 2021.
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 application process, so you’re up to speed with what’s going on.
Our institution code is HUDDS H60.
Contact us Got a question? Get in touch with us.
Taster Days Join us to get a real ‘taste’ for university life at one of our upcoming events. Take part in workshops, meet our staff and students and find the course that’s right for you.
Music Technology and Audio Systems / Sound Engineering and Music Production Tel. +44 (0)1484 473116 Email. compeng@hud.ac.uk
Book now: hud.ac/taster-days
@hudcompeng @HudCompEng HudCompEng
Creative Music Production / Music and Sound for Screen / Music Technology and Composition / Popular Music / Music / Music Performance Tel. +44 (0)1484 472007 Email. MMTadmissions @hud.ac.uk @mhmhudds @mhmhudds mhmhuddersfield
Start your journey with us hud.ac/apply 15
The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes For Higher and Further Education
2019
The University of Huddersfield’s TEF Gold rating was awarded in June 2017. The next TEF rating is due to be published in June 2021 (subject to government policy).
University of Huddersfield Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 3DH UK Tel. +44 (0)1484 422288 Email. ask@hud.ac.uk www.hud.ac.uk 20046
