Portfolio information

BSc (Hons) Music Production (including with Foundation Year)

The School of Arts is ambitious and bold and has an essence of brilliance in shaping Derby as a hub of creativity. We're intrigued by new ideas and concepts, encouraging our students to take risks, experiment with their ideas and processes, and develop their creative voice.

Your portfolio is an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills, interests, and personality for the course you are applying for.

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.

What should I submit for my portfolio?

Portfolio of compositions (approximately 10 minutes duration)

This will include three original compositions that are representative of your stylistic interests.

The compositions should include real and/or virtual instruments, submitted as MP3 audio files.

A piece of written work (approximately 500 words)

This should be a commentary on one of the compositions in your portfolio, outlining the music production techniques utilised.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in Digital Audio Workstations and/or recording technologies
• Knowledge of music production techniques
• Awareness of music producers/artists who have inspired your own creative work
• A passion for music-making
• A willingness to explore new ideas and/or techniques, with examples
• Evidence of group work and effective communication skills

How do I submit my portfolio?

Send us your portfolio via email at myportfolio@derby.ac.uk.

You may be contacted by our academic team to discuss your portfolio. This will give you the opportunity to participate in a 10/15-minute conversation about the work included in your portfolio.

Is there a deadline to submit the portfolio?

Please submit your portfolio within four weeks of the request, however please be mindful of key deadline dates advertised on our website.

How to create a great portfolio

It can be difficult to know what to include in a portfolio that will best showcase your work and individualism. The following video provides advice on what a portfolio is and what sort of work you should include.