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.
You will study the below modules:
Postgraduate Certificate
- Research Methods: Application and Evaluation (20 credits)
- Perceptual Technologies (20 credits)
- Music Production Systems (20 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
- CPD and Strategic Management (20 credits)
- Studio Production (20 credits)
- Optonal module: Digital Signal Processing and Sound Design OR Negotiated Module (optional) (20 credits)
MA
- 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.
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.
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.
2023/24 (August 2023 - July 2024)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £7,175 for the full course or £800 per 20 credits* | £800 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
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
| Type | Full-time | Part-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
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.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 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
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
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 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.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
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)
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