Popular Music Production

The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Popular Music Production at Southampton Solent University offers a comprehensive and immersive education for aspiring music producers and sound engineers. Designed to develop both technical skills and creative flair, this programme provides students with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the dynamic music industry. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including recording techniques, mixing and mastering, sound design, music technology, and production management. They are encouraged to experiment with different genres and styles, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of contemporary popular music. The programme emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through access to industry-standard studios, recording equipment, and software. Students work on real-world projects, collaborating with fellow musicians and industry professionals to produce high-quality recordings. Additionally, the course offers opportunities for live performances, industry placements, and networking events, helping students build valuable industry contacts and gain insights into the professional environment. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in music production, sound engineering, live sound, and related fields. With expert teaching staff who have extensive industry experience, students benefit from personalized mentoring and guidance throughout their studies. Upon completion, graduates will possess a diverse portfolio of work, a deep understanding of music production processes, and the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the competitive world of popular music. The programme aims to foster creativity, technical excellence, and professional confidence, enabling students to turn their passion for music into a successful career.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 10610 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Balancing theory and practice is a core feature of the course, and many units feature both practical and theoretical work.

Year 1

• Introduction to Studio Recording 1 and 2
• Understanding the Music Industries
• Style and Genre
• The History of Music Production
• Creative Electronic Sound

Year 2

• Advanced Studio Recording 1 and 2
• Live Music Production
• Music Business Networking
• The Art of Record Production

One option from the following:

• Music and Audio Post Production
• Pop Politics and Protest
• Experimental Music Production
• Songwriting
• Pop the Invisible Mainstream
• Urban and Electronic Music: Genre studies
• Noise Annoys: Experiments and Alternatives
• Advanced Live Sound

Year 3

• Major Music Project
• Advanced Studio Recording 3
• Live Project Brief
• Entrepreneurship and Career Building

One option from the following:

• Festival Cultures
• Music Audiences and Consumption
• Technologies of Popular Music
• Popular Music and the Moving Image

Why choose Solent?

We are proud to be an Avid Learning Partner, and we include the Pro Tools 101 course as part of the first year. Students can also undertake the further 110, 201 and 210M courses as extracurricular study, at a subsidised cost.

Facilities:

• 9 recording studios with Pro Tools HD, upgraded every year.
• Comprehensive Plug-In suite including Sonnox and McDSP
• Three studios equipped with Icon D-Command Worksurfaces
• Audient ASP 8024 Large Format Recording Console
• Analog Outboard including Neve 1081, Teletronix LA2A, Universal 1176
• Monitoring by Dynaudio PMC and Yamaha
• Ongoing investment in high-spec Apple MacPro and iMac
• One studio with Valve (Tube) mixer
• Dedicated 25 station Music Lab including Logic, Sibelius, Ableton Live
• 13 Rehearsal Rooms
• Two fully equipped digital television studios
• 58 Final Cut Pro editing stations.

Assessment

Coursework in the form of essays, practical production projects, groupwork, seminar presentations, portfolios and reflective writing projects.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

Mature applicants may be considered on relevant experience without having the required tariff points.

You may be invited to attend an interview.

International students

Applications are welcomed from students who have been educated outside the UK system, and a number of overseas qualifications are recognised as equivalent to those listed. Applicants should give full details of their qualifications, including subjects, grades, date and the name and address of the school, college, university or awarding authority.

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed threshold attainments for undergraduate courses are:

• GCSE or GCE ‘O’ Level (Grade C);
• IELTS 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 550 or more; or
• City and Guilds ESOL (written assessment) pass in Higher Intermediate examination, plus a comparable pass in City and Guilds SESL (speaking assessment) examination.
• Where students enter direct to a course at the University, in the final year, without any prior experience of the UK Higher Education System will require IELTS 6.5.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment and international students must bring their original certificates when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers an International Foundation Programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Southampton Solent University.

Funding

To help you cover the cost you can take out a tuiton fee loan to pay your fees, which is paid directly to the University by the Student Loan company. Some students are also eligible for a maintenance loan to help with their living costs.

You only repay both loans when you finish your course and are earning £21,000 or more. If you don't have an income this high you will not have to pay anything until you are earning £21,000 or more.

Our student support and welfare advisers have more information regarding financial help and details can be found on our Funding advice pages.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Popular Music Production at Southampton Solent University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the music industry. This course offers an immersive learning experience that combines practical music-making with theoretical understanding, focusing on the technical, creative, and business aspects of music production. Students have access to state-of-the-art studios and recording facilities, allowing them to develop their craft in a professional environment. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including music technology, sound engineering, mixing and mastering, songwriting, music business, and digital audio workstation (DAW) proficiency. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to explore their creative ideas and develop a unique artistic identity.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students engaging in numerous projects such as producing their own tracks, collaborating with fellow students, and participating in live recording sessions. Guest lectures and industry workshops are regularly organized to expose students to current industry practices and trends. The course also provides opportunities for placements and internships, enabling students to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. In addition to technical skills, students develop critical listening, project management, and entrepreneurial skills that are vital in the dynamic field of popular music production. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work as producers, sound engineers, composers, or to pursue careers in music supervision, media, and other related industries. The program’s flexible structure allows for specialization in areas such as electronic music, mixing, and production techniques. Overall, Southampton Solent University’s Popular Music Production BA offers a balanced blend of creative development and technical expertise, positioning students for a variety of roles in the evolving music landscape.