Music Production with Foundation Year

Four key reasons to choose this course

• Inspirational facilities - Learn in one of the country’s most advanced university recording studios
• National endorsements - Assessors from JAMES said Derby’s music courses have “a unique personality”
• Graduates with music technology and production skills can look forward to exciting career opportunities in a field which is constantly innovating
• Our course blends the latest production techniques with creative vision and a strong understanding of the commercial environment

You'll gain an excellent understanding of the music industry and recording studios, and learn about the technology of the studio, and playback systems. You'll explore the process of sound recording and production, design and build your own sound-making tools, and complete a portfolio of commercial recordings. You'll also develop your awareness of the commercial environment, and how best to promote your music.

This course is accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), which means it meets the highest professional standards set by industry. You’ll become part of a vibrant music scene within both the University and the city of Derby. Our teaching team includes experienced academics and practitioners who have in-depth knowledge of the industry and are breaking new ground in the discipline.

In the video below, Cristian reflects on his experience as an international student studying Music at Derby:

Take a look at our professional facilities at Markeaton Street:

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.

Learning and assessment 

The course is set in the context of the music industry and the recording studio, covering all aspects of the production process through to the completion of recordings to a commercial standard. There is an emphasis on practical studio skills where you will prepare, record, process and edit material to create a finished product. You’ll also undertake laboratory work, conducting experiments in areas of science and technology such as recording studio acoustics or electronics.  

Strong employer links are a hallmark of this course. Our staff are actively engaged in projects across the industry, which opens doors for you to work on real-world projects, gain work experience, and hear from visiting performers and industry representatives. We have strong connections with companies such as Avid, Apple music products training division, Focusrite, Oxford Sound & Media, and Yamaha Commercial Audio.   

Various assessment methods are used on this course, all designed to support your progress and give you just the right level of challenge. They include coursework, portfolios, assignments, case studies, oral and graphic presentations, collaborative and interdisciplinary team work projects, laboratory work, internet-based investigations, computer testing and exams. 

Facilities 

You’ll discover a superb range of music making facilities at our Markeaton Street site, including state-of-the-art recording studios, rehearsal space, auditoria, music technology labs and three post-production rooms equipped with latest software.  

The University has invested almost £350,000 in these facilities, ensuring you have access to resources which match those of professional studios in the UK and overseas. We offer a wide range of instruments, amplifiers and outboard gear on which you can develop your skills, together with a classic 48 channel Neve recording console.   

Thanks to our close relationship with Focusrite we were one of the first institutions in the world to install the RedNet system in our recording studios, which placed us at the forefront of developments in audio-over IP.

While these studio facilities will provide an excellent setting for your taught sessions, they are also available for you to book at other times to fine-tune your personal music projects.

You will also hone your performance skills at venues across the city, including Derby Theatre which the University owns and runs as a professional producing theatre.

Playing a critical role in the UK’s creative economy, the music industry is undergoing dramatic change. New digital distribution models are emerging, live events are rocketing in popularity, and exciting new ways of music-making are constantly evolving. It means that professionals specialising in music technology and production are in greater demand than ever before – in the UK and overseas.   

Sound and music technology is important in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry. Sound recordists, music producers, audio engineers, broadcasters, musicians, composers, film-makers, computer game designers and sound designers all use music technology in some form or other. Our graduates have progressed into many fields of professional activity including production and studio work, outside broadcast management and web design.  

You can also consider taking your skills to the next level by studying our MA Music Production like Harry and Jordan who feature in the below video: 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Offers will be made initially based on your application, including predicted grades and/or grades you have already achieved. You may be given the opportunity, within your offer letter, to submit a portfolio. If you submit a strong portfolio we will make you an unconditional offer, to reflect the quality of your work and your potential.

Additional entry requirements

• Portfolio: Recommended - view portfolio details

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

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.

Course updates

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.

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.