School of Art, Design and Architecture

MA Music Production

Programme code 7545
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
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Become an audio engineering and music production expert using the latest technologies in our new, state-of-the-art recording and production studio. Get under the skin of a variety of audio cultures to understand the development of sound in different genres, enabling you to develop a critical understanding and ear that will elevate your productions. Prepare for a career in music by developing your professional portfolio as you study.

Careers with this subject
Graduates of MA Music Production will be prepared for a range of roles within the creative industries, one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors. Career options include audio engineering, developing film soundtracks, game audio, radio, and theatre.

Key features
  • Benefit from a range of music and sound recording facilities, including a new, state-of-the-art recording studio, individual practice rooms, digital audio workstations and instrumental facilities.
  • Be immersed in a research-led teaching experience through the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR), who are critical players internationally in music technology.
  • Hear first-hand from industry professionals in masterclasses.
  • Gain industry experience while studying via our Professional Opportunities Scheme, which facilitates placements in areas such as live sound and studio recording.
  • Get involved in a wide range of music-related societies and groups, such as our gospel choir, concert band, ukulele society, gamelan group, orchestra, and many more.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • You explore all aspects of professional music production, from honing your craft at the mixing desk in the studio to developing your critical listening skills and building an understanding of how technologies have shaped genres and influenced how we consume and produce music. You get to grips with all aspects of the music production process, learning through immersive workshops where you'll get hands-on with the latest technologies.
    While you study, you develop a professional portfolio of work that will set you apart in the job market, supported by masterclasses where you'll hear and network with industry professionals.

    Core modules

    MAMU700
    MA Project

    In this module, students undertake a significant programme of work in an area of personal musical interest. The focus of the work is negotiated between learners and teaching staff. Throughout the module, students will be provided with specialist tutorial support and advice about aspects of the project.

    MAMU701
    Sound Recording in Context

    This module explores the theories and practices around recording sound for different contexts. Students will be introduced to critical theories, advanced sound recording methodologies, and approaches to evaluating sonic materials.

    MAMU704
    Professional Portfolio

    This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a portfolio of professional work in an area of their choice in music. The body of work will allow learners to evidence the experience required to enter careers in the cultural, creative, and academic areas.

    MAMU705
    Advanced Studio Production

    In this module, students are equipped with advanced skills and techniques in audio recording and music production, including multitracking, the use of digital audio workstations, the programming of software instrumentation, and track development methodologies. The module is delivered through a series of hands-on workshops in our recording facility and a seminar and lecture series exploring critical contexts around music production and audio cultures.

    MAMU706
    Post Production

    This module immerses students into the post-production phase of music and sound. Students will learn to apply advanced mixing and mastering techniques and methodologies for diverse platforms. The module will hone students' critical listening skills while equipping them with psychoacoustic theory to enhance and direct their productions.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MA Music Production programme specification_7545

Entry requirements
A good honours degree (first or second class) or equivalent.
Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
International students: IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. View our English language requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £9,700 £9,700
International £17,600 £18,150
Part time (Home) £540 £540
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
  • For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Insight: Professional Portfolio module

The module encourages students to consider their professional aspirations and design a project which they can include in their professional portfolio.
The experienced teaching staff will provide personalised feedback and guidance to help students achieve their professional goals and gain real-life experience.
BSc (Hons) Computing, Audio and Music Technology

Explore our facilities

Steel Wire Tension Grid above the stage at the House
The House
The House is a state-of-the-art performing arts centre located in the city's central quarter, adjacent to The Box.
Music students performing in a music suite 1280x720
Music suites
Enjoy access to music rehearsal and recording facilities, including individual practice rooms, a professional recording environment, digital audio workstations and instrumental facilities.
Brain cap - research by Eduardo Miranda. Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)
Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)
You’ll have access to ICCMR’s well-resourced research lab and music studios. ICCMR is located in the newly completed multi-million pound building, The House, where you’ll mix with other staff and students from across the faculty.

Experience contemporary and experimental music concerts

A showcase of extraordinary new technologies and approaches to composition and performance that are pushing the boundaries of music.
ICCMR organises concerts throughout the year to showcase new technologies and creative practices developed by staff, students and associates.
ICCMR Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research

Brain cap - research by Eduardo Miranda. Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)
Impact of ICCMR research featured in Volvo film for Sky Atlantic
Ground-breaking research into Brain-Computer Music Interface is featured in the film Music of the Mind, as part of Sky Atlantic Human Made Stories series.
BBC Radio 3 presenter, Tom Service, visits ICCMR
BBC Radio 3 presenter, Tom Service, visits ICCMR
ICCMR ground-breaking research on using single-cell organisms to build new kinds of computers for improvising music is featured in Music Matters.
Community care worker joins an an elderly woman for a cup of tea while sitting at her kitchen table.
RadioMe
RadioMe is a £2.7 million project that uses artificial intelligence to adapt and personalise live radio, with the aim of transforming the lives of people living alone with dementia.

Doing this course helps me a lot because I actually experience different artists from different places...working with different people helps me learn more and improve.

Hear from Pongsatorn, one of our international students, about their experience of study and life at Plymouth.

Meet the MA Music Production team

Discover Dr Robert Taub

Music Director of The Arts & Culture programme
Dr Robert Taub , Music Director of The Arts & Culture programme talks about his illustrious career as an acclaimed concert pianist and his role here at the University of Plymouth.

International applicants

Postgraduate scholarships for international students
We offer several scholarships for international students wishing to study on this programme, including the International Academic Excellence Scholarship worth 50% off your tuition fees and the Postgraduate Taught International Student Scholarship worth £2000 off tuition fees.
Study with us
At the University of Plymouth, we have a thriving international community made up of 2,000 students from over 100 different countries.
International students at a welecome event at the University of Plymouth