Music Production and Sound Design Foundation Degree
UCAS Code: HW63
2012 Entry
**2012/13 Tuition Fees for Full Time Degree Programmes are £5,850 per year**
Course Introduction
The programme gives students the opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills within the field of music technology and features modules exploring music sequencing, live sound engineering and audio production.
Programme Content
Our aim is that upon graduation students will have developed academic knowledge, and gained practical, technical, analytical and transferable work-based skills. These skills will enable successful students to secure work in the industry, or to progress to a higher level of study e.g. an Honours Degree.
The college offers two recording studios (Cubase and Pro Tools 8 HD), a recording area, two PC labs with appropriate music technology applications (Cubase 5, Wavelab 5, Pro Tools LE 8, Reason) etc. There is also a Mac suite available running Logic 8 Express.
There is a well-stocked library and other facilities available to support all aspects of your learning. Access to the library and online resources at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) will also be available to St Helens College students.
Module Information
Foundation Level
- Studio Applications and Acoustic Design
- VST and DAW Technology
- Music Theory and Practice
- Personal and Academic Study Skills
- Live Sound
The first year (Level 4 study) is designed to provide a well-structured introduction to the course. The VST and DAW module seeks to establish and develop the use of a DAW (Cubase and Pro Tools) as an audio production platform and a compositional tool. Studio Applications and Acoustic Design provides the necessary introduction to studio engineering and recording using dual platforms (Cubase and Pro Tools) as well as an introduction to room acoustics. The Personal and Academic Study Skills module is designed to ensure students develop their academic skills, as well as gaining the ability to reflect upon their own development and learning. The Live Sound module is delivered using the facilities of a local music/arts venue to provide a realistic working environment in which to gain experience of using live sound equipment. Music Theory and Composition provides a grounding in music theory and develops the learners' compositional skills.
Intermediate Level
- Production, Recording and Mastering
- Audio Post Production
- Popular Music Theory and Research
- Work Based Learning and Career Research
- Contextual Studies
The intermediate year (Level 5) will expect you to become more independent in your studies and help establish the transition to independent learning, which is needed at University level study.
Popular Music Theory and Research aims to aid transition to University study at Level 6, The module will cover key aspects of the academic study of popular music, and improve confidence in writing academic texts such as dissertations and extended essays. Contextual Studies will explore genre in semester one, unpacking the context in which music styles develop, and in semester two the music industry will be explored. Production, Recording and Mastering seeks to further develop recording skills and processes with an emphasis on using equipment and technology to create better quality recordings. This module will also introduce audio mastering. Audio Post Production will introduce the concepts and skills necessary to integrate visual media and sound. Work Based Learning and Career Research will enable students to identify possible career options. The module offers students a work placement in a professional environment giving them an opportunity to assess their own learning and development through the time spent on placement.
Learning Experience
This programme provides a quality learning experience delivered by dedicated full time staff who have extensive experience in the field of music technology and who still continue to practice within their field.
Unlike a larger University experience, studying on a higher education course at St Helens College offers a more personal experience with intimate group sizes, ensuring that students develop close working relationships with tutors through regular access to all programme team staff and fellow students.
The Foundation Degree in Music Production and Sound Design is validated by Liverpool John Moores University and therefore students can progress to Level 6 study in the third year of the Popular Music Studies course at LJMU.
Students can expect to graduate with the appropriate skills to seek employment within the music industry and its associated areas. St Helens College has a new £60m Town Centre Campus that includes the Music Technology department where students will benefit from the latest learning resources, studios and other facilities.
Career Opportunities
This programme will equip you with the skills needed to allow entry into a range of careers such as studio recording and production, live sound, audio post production, teaching/lecturing, or on to further academic study.
Students wishing to undertake the progression route will be required to have passed 120 credits at Level 4, and 120 credits at Level 5 of the Foundation Degree.
How will you be Assessed
There are a number of assessment methods, including practical and research based coursework assignments, presentations, portfolio submissions, examinations, report writing, essays, work-based learning, demonstrations and practical project work. At the beginning of each semester you will be issued with a module handbook that details the assessments for that period. This will help you to plan your workload and manage your time effectively.
Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Uncertificated Learning is available for students with appropriate levels of qualifications and/or experience. If you think that you may be eligible for APCL please tell us on application and/or interview.
Duration and Start Date
The programme is available as full time study. Full time study will take two years. The programme will start in September 2012.
Course Entry Requirements
We seek applications from students who are highly motivated and have a great interest in music technology and its associated areas. We are looking for students who will be fully committed to studying and who display enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
All applications will be considered. You must be aged 18 by August 31st in the year of entry. You will need to have studied at A/AS, AVCE, National Diploma, GNVQ Advanced Level for a minimum of 2 years and will be expected to have achieved either an overall merit grade or a UCAS tariff of a minimum of 120 points in an appropriate subject/s. Achievement of Key Skills points will be considered. Entry from the following routes is also acceptable i.e. Access to HE, HNC, Professional Qualifications, NVQ Level 3 or above. Applications from motivated mature students will be welcomed.
Application and Selection
All successful applicants will be required to attend an interview. This is an informal meeting giving you the opportunity to see if the programme is suitable to your needs. It will also provide the programme team with the opportunity to discuss any queries you may have. We encourage students to bring any existing portfolio work (academic work, recordings, details of previous music activities etc) along to the interview. If travel to St Helens for an interview is a problem, we can organise a telephone interview and assess your portfolio through the medium of email.
Programme Fees
St Helens College is committed to providing value for money higher education programmes. Therefore 2012/13 tuition fees for full time Foundation Degree and Honours Degree programmes will be £5,850.
How to Apply
Application for the full time route is made through UCAS. However mature students may apply directly to the College in the first instance but will eventually apply through UCAS.
Contact
For more information please contact the college directly on FREEPHONE 0800 99 66 99 or alternatively contact Phil Kirby, Programme Leader by telephone 01744 623147 or email
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to arrange a personal guided tour of our facilities.
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