Music Production
MA

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.  

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.

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

Programme leader

Michael Brown

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.

2022/23 Fees (August 2022 - July 2023)

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Please also note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, if your course offers fieldtrips, the location of these may change or be cancelled. If this happens, you will be communicated to in advance and we will do our very best to seek out other practical opportunities to ensure your experience is not affected.

The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2021 - August 2022 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.

Included in your fees

• Additional access to wider University Arts' facilities including equipment loan store and other facilities, such as digital print workshops or video editing
• Specialist equipment and access to a range of 2D/3D making workshops (printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, wood / metal)
• Participation in the University Degree Show - including the physical building of the exhibition space
• Here at Derby, we provide excellent learning resources, libraries and specialist laboratories and studios
• The programme benefits from a visiting speaker each semester

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• We recommend students using photography or film/video to have their own camera, however our equipment loan store holds most needed equipment to complete student coursework
• Approx. £100 per year for printing research material for journal work
• Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, USBs/hard drives etc. £100 - £300)
• There will be occasions when you will be expected to attend exhibitions, screenings, performances and festivals. You will need to budget for these over each academic year
• National trips - coach (Approx. £8 - £12 , London £30+) International trip (Approx. £500)
• Individual project work - towards the end of each of the three stages - this can range from £100 - £1000 depending on the activity

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Additional course related publications (approx. costs £100)
• Specialist software/hardware (costs up to £1500)
• Final year project costs (costs determined by student £200 - £600)
• Travel for work placement opportunities (costs will vary dependant on location
• We provide full details of all course fees, but extra costs may include field trips (approx. cost £200 - £400)

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.