During this challenging course you'll develop the academic knowledge and practical skills you'll need to take advantage of current and future opportunities in the music and media production industry sectors.

Music and sound production are integral to the creative industries sector both in the UK and internationally and are at the forefront of a diverse range of commercial, educational and research developments. Representing a significant area of commercial innovation and creative practice, the growth of new media platforms provides exciting employment opportunities and requires up to date approaches to the development of appropriate professional expertise.

‌Professional judgement, technical and creative ability, and appropriate knowledge and understanding are key to success in the music and media sector. Increasingly characterised by sophisticated technical systems and close integration with a range of media, music production encompasses a number of distinct specialisms and provides a dynamic field of postgraduate research activity.

You will study both as an individual and as part of a group, to give you experience of working within multidimensional teams and managing leadership roles.

Take a look at highlights from the 2021 MA Degree Show.  

Female student in recording studio
Black and white photo of music student with guitar amp

JAMES accredited courses

Our Music courses are accredited by the Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), the professional music industry accreditation body, so you can be confident that they meet the high standards demanded by industry.

Head of Music and Performing Arts, John Crossley, explains what this means for students: "The re-accreditation for our music programmes continues our long standing relationship with JAMES and the Music Producers Guild (MPG). The assessors were very impressed with our facilities, our committed teaching team and how we have dealt with the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic. This stamp of approval from professional producers in the industry means that our students can be confident not only with the quality of the programmes of study but also the opportunities and support they receive as they follow their exciting careers."

Dr Paul Vandemast-Bell, Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Music Production.

View Industry accredited Music and Music Production courses video transcript

Dubrek cafe where students undertake placements

Hands-on experience with Dubrek

Dubrek is a recording studio, rehearsal space, cafe, bar, art gallery and music venue, located in the heart of Derby city centre where students can gain work experience throughout their studies. Dubrek’s mission is to encourage people to engage with music, by championing local artists.

Find out more about DubrekFind out more about Dubrek
Multi-Faith Centre, Kedleston Road

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

What you will study

You will study the below modules:

  • Research Methods: Application and Evaluation (20 credits)
  • Perceptual Technologies (20 credits)
  • Music Production Systems (20 credits)
  • CPD and Strategic Management (20 credits)
  • Studio Production (20 credits)
  • Optonal module: Digital Signal Processing and Sound Design OR Negotiated Module (optional) (20 credits) 
  • Independent Scholarship (Technology) (60 credits)

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Student learning is associated with a range of activities including the use of music workstations (DAWs), recording studios, as well as traditional lectures and seminars.

Assessment is 100% coursework, there are no exams. Assessment within each module would normally have a practical element with a written component.

Who will teach you

Michael Brown

Programme Leader

Awaiting staff photo

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree (at least second class) in a relevant subject, or equivalent. After you have submitted your application we will ask you for a digital portfolio and a written statement describing your practice and ambitions. You may also meet with the programme leader to discuss your portfolio application.

If English is not your first language, you'll also need an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.

Fees and funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£9,450 for the full course*

£1,050 per 20 credits

International

£14,900 for the full course

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£9,720 for the full course*

£1,080 per 20 credits

International

£16,900 for the full course

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Students chatting to each other

International student scholarships

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

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