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FdA Music and Sound Production

Start Date: 13th September 2027

Length 2 years
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

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More about the course

Are you serious about being a multi-skilled and highly employable electronic music producer? Or maybe a live sound/recording engineer? If so, this is the course for you.

You will gain core skills in audio analysis and production, synthesisers, samplers, an understanding of the music industry, events planning & promotions, and the impact of music within society. There are also two specialist pathways through the programme; Electronic Music Production and Live Sound and Studio Recording, so you can specialise in your chosen field.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points (from related Music and/or Performance/Production Arts subjects).

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject, you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 5 or higher in GCSE Maths and English Language or the Level 2 equivalent (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

Mature students (age 21 or above) will be considered on the basis of relevant industry experience.

At Newcastle College University Centre, we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I learn?

Year one core modules:
- The Music Industry (Academic Skills)
- Industry Practitioners
- Introduction to Synthesisers
- Introduction to Samplers
- Audio Production
- Production Analysis
- Skills for Success
- Vocational Skills Practice
Year one optional modules:
- DJ & Technology in Performance
- Electronic Music Production
Or
- Sound Reinforcement
- Studio & Venue Set-Up and Maintenance
Year two core modules:
- Creative Project
- Digital Media and Promotion
- Events Promotion
- Music, Society and Culture
- Vocational Work Project
- Pre-Professional Identity
Year two optional modules:
- Remixing
- Modular Synth
- Hardware & Live Performance
Or
- Advanced Live Sound
- Advanced Audio Production
- Rigging for the Entertainment Industry

How is the course taught?

Practical sessions
Tutorials
Instrumental lessons
Lectures
Group work
Guest lectures
Work experience

How am I assessed?

Practical demonstration
Reports
Essays
Observed assessments
Academic posters
Presentations
Portfolios
Audio/video recordings

Work Experience

You will learn in real working environments such as recording studios and a working theatre and music venue. There will also be regular opportunities to attend workshops and meet industry guests.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you could study our BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production.

You could also go straight into the industry, or continue onto an external degree-level course, or higher apprenticeship.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Jonny Burgess

Programme Lead | Music

"My favourite modules to teach are studio-based. My area of expertise is working with musicians in recording studios and helping them to develop their material. It's great to hear students come in with raw ideas and then see them develop over time."

Joshua Barrass

BA (Hons) Music Performance

"My degree course is very practical and can be tailored to whatever individual students want to achieve. The units are all quite broad, so you get more opportunities to specialise and create whatever music you want. For me, the chance to explore and express my own musical interests make the degree course far more enjoyable, since all my assignments are much more open to interpretation."

Ben Landshoff

Level 6 BA (Hons) Music Production

"I've always been interested in DJing, and I've also been interested in learning about the history of the music industry. I studied Music at GCSE, so after Sixth Form I decided to take it further into a degree. I was looking for courses at UCAS when I found the Music Production degree here at the University Centre."

Ethan Connelly

Level 6 BA (Hons) Music Production

"I was studying Games Design when the COVID lockdown hit. I had an interest in music and had music programming software on my computer so I just gave it a go. I discovered I preferred making music to gaming, so I asked about switching courses to Music Production – and that’s what I’m studying now!"

Andy Griffin

Associate Lecturer and Alumni | Music and Performing Arts

"My experience encompasses various areas of the music business, with a specialisation in artist management, live shows and touring, A&R development, as well as extensive experience collaborating with record labels and studios. I firmly believe in fostering a positive and motivating environment, employing strategies such as praise, inspiration, mentoring and motivation."