DipHE Music & Sound
DIP HE Music & Sound
Validated by The University of West London.
Validated in October 2024, our Dip HE Music & Sound programme offers 240 credits at Level 4 & 5 in music studied 100% online.Specialise in music performance, production or songwriting, progress to our BA Hons Top Up Music & Sound after two years.
Bespoke, weekly 1:1 tutor and mentoring sessions via video call supplement our superb virtual learning environment.
With no set timetable, and support sessions arranged for a time that suits you, this is an opportunity to study remotely on a fully accredited Diploma of Higher Education in music, from the comfort of your home, or the tour bus!
Get in touch today!
Our Partner
Course
Specialise in music performance, production or songwriting which can be tailored to your interests.
Combine practical and academic study in many areas, whilst always specialising in your chosen area of performance, production or songwriting.
Our tutors are creative industry experts in their respective fields.
Develop the tangible skills needed in today's diverse music industry at an undergraduate level.
Accepting applications for September 2025
pathway specific modules
See below for some details on our Performance, Production and Songwriting Pathways available during your studies.
Performance Pathway Year 1 Modules
This module requires you to create a suitable recording environment (with consideration given to the resources available to you) and to create optimum sound recordings within this space. Where limitations apply, you are expected to show innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles. You will also ensure the recording space is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for performers, with consideration given to how the space would look if used for content on social media.
This is the first of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-1 focuses on the musical origins of blues & gospel music and its development into various pop & rock styles throughout the 1960-1990’s.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
This module focuses on the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. You will conduct a case study before running your own social media campaign based on your findings, presenting the results and evaluating your success.
This module involves putting film to music (as opposed to putting music to film). It is intended to provide a practical foundation and aims to provide you with the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in music video production.
You will be required to produce video content and demonstrate that you can combine creativity and applied technology, working either individually or as a member of a production team.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
Performance Pathway Year 2 Modules
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into an area of study which interests you, and then record a podcast episode about it. You will pitch your concept to your mentor, then create a real-life application as if applying to a podcasting platform (Audible, Spotify etc.). You will also create 1-2 minutes of social media content by using parts of your podcast episode. You are expected to utilise and develop skills learned in Music Video Production and Social Media & Artist Branding, and are encouraged to expand on subjects learned at level 4.
This is the second of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-2 focuses on the musical origins of Soul & R’n’B music and its development into various hip hop and electronic music styles up until the late 1990’s.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
This module provides you with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills within an area of music business that relates to your anticipated career. You are required to produce a portfolio of research, evidence and financial forecasting for a sustainable enterprise.
The Level 5 Project is a great way to culminate two years of learning by putting a plan of action together to enable success in the music industry, and provides a natural route on to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
This module provides you with an opportunity to compose music and/or design sound to a medium which requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practised by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work which acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
Performance Studies is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve on your chosen first study instrument throughout the year will enable you to fulfil your potential as a performer.
Production Pathway Year 1 Modules
This module requires you to create a suitable recording environment (with consideration given to the resources available to you) and to create optimum sound recordings within this space. Where limitations apply, you are expected to show innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles. You will also ensure the recording space is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for performers, with consideration given to how the space would look if used for content on social media.
This is the first of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-1 focuses on the musical origins of blues & gospel music and its development into various pop & rock styles throughout the 1960-1990’s.
This module focuses on the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. You will conduct a case study before running your own social media campaign based on your findings, presenting the results and evaluating your success.
In this module, you will be required to create your own sample pack. When you create your own samples, you have complete control over the recording process, sound design, and manipulation. This level of control enables you to capture the exact sound or texture you envision for your music. You can experiment with different recording techniques, instruments, environments and processing methods to achieve your desired sonic characteristics.
This module involves putting film to music (as opposed to putting music to film). It is intended to provide a practical foundation and aims to provide you with the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in music video production.
You will be required to produce video content and demonstrate that you can combine creativity and applied technology, working either individually or as a member of a production team.
In this module, you are required to record and mix 3-5 minutes of music, with consideration given to reference tracks. Using reference tracks when planning a mix is highly beneficial for music producers; reference tracks provide an objective standard against which you can compare your mix. They serve as a sonic benchmark, allowing you to evaluate the overall balance, frequency response, dynamics, and spatial characteristics of your mix in relation to a professionally mixed and mastered track. This helps you identify areas where your mix might be lacking or areas where it excels.
Production Pathway Year 2 Modules
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into an area of study which interests you, and then record a podcast episode about it. You will pitch your concept to your mentor, then create a real-life application as if applying to a podcasting platform (Audible, Spotify etc.). You will also create 1-2 minutes of social media content by using parts of your podcast episode. You are expected to utilise and develop skills learned in Music Video Production and Social Media & Artist Branding, and are encouraged to expand on subjects learned at level 4.
This is the second of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-2 focuses on the musical origins of Soul & R’n’B music and its development into various hip hop and electronic music styles up until the late 1990’s.
This module continues on the natural journey of a music producer to create mixed recordings and master them for three specific media (e.g. Radio, Spotify, Vinyl), ensuring each mastered track is tailored to the chosen platform.
This module provides you with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills within an area of music business that relates to your anticipated career. You are required to produce a portfolio of research, evidence and financial forecasting for a sustainable enterprise.
The Level 5 Project is a great way to culminate two years of learning by putting a plan of action together to enable success in the music industry, and provides a natural route on to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
This module provides you with an opportunity to compose music and/or design sound to a medium which requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practised by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work which acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
This module concludes the journey undertaken as a music producer so far. Having studied each stage of the production process, you must now utilise all these skills, as well as creatively contribute to a collection of musical recordings, acting as the project leader and overseeing all aspects of the journey from conception to completion.
Songwriting Pathway Year 1 Modules
This module requires you to create a suitable recording environment (with consideration given to the resources available to you) and to create optimum sound recordings within this space. Where limitations apply, you are expected to show innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles. You will also ensure the recording space is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for performers, with consideration given to how the space would look if used for content on social media.
This is the first of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-1 focuses on the musical origins of blues & gospel music and its development into various pop & rock styles throughout the 1960-1990’s.
This module focuses on the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. You will conduct a case study before running your own social media campaign based on your findings, presenting the results and evaluating your success.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
This module involves putting film to music (as opposed to putting music to film). It is intended to provide a practical foundation and aims to provide you with the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in music video production.
You will be required to produce video content and demonstrate that you can combine creativity and applied technology, working either individually or as a member of a production team.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
Songwriting Pathway Year 2 Modules
This module gives you the opportunity to conduct a deep dive into an area of study which interests you, and then record a podcast episode about it. You will pitch your concept to your mentor, then create a real-life application as if applying to a podcasting platform (Audible, Spotify etc.). You will also create 1-2 minutes of social media content by using parts of your podcast episode. You are expected to utilise and develop skills learned in Music Video Production and Social Media & Artist Branding, and are encouraged to expand on subjects learned at level 4.
This is the second of two modules which involves the analysis and re-creation of some of the most important popular music genres from the second half of the 20th Century. Popular Music Styles-2 focuses on the musical origins of Soul & R’n’B music and its development into various hip hop and electronic music styles up until the late 1990’s.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
This module provides you with an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills within an area of music business that relates to your anticipated career. You are required to produce a portfolio of research, evidence and financial forecasting for a sustainable enterprise.
The Level 5 Project is a great way to culminate two years of learning by putting a plan of action together to enable success in the music industry, and provides a natural route on to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
This module provides you with an opportunity to compose music and/or design sound to a medium which requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practised by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work which acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
The Songwriting pathway is designed to be a continuous, cohesive and progressive element
throughout the two years of the course, equipping you to fulfil the learning outcomes for the module and gain maximum benefit from your studies. The high standard you will be expected to achieve will enable you to fulfil your potential as a songwriter.
The songwriting modules on this course, Songwriting (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), will contain the same criteria each semester, allowing you to work to a bespoke pathway which you should plan and work out with your mentor. As you progress, you are expected to develop your skills to a higher standard each semester. Therefore, during the first two or three weeks of this programme, you should plan your songwriting journey within your mentoring sessions, setting ambitious but achievable goals that will lead you to your most desirable outcome by the time you complete the course.
What happens next?
Studying the Diploma of Higher Education is the springboard to our BA Hons Top Up Music & Sound. The top up is a one year level 6 course that will give you a full BA Hons, those that complete the DipHE will automatically be made an offer on the top up, should they apply. The DipHE is a level 4 and 5 qualification in its own right, and you could use your experience and new skills to begin working as an independent multi-faceted music practitioner, both during and after the course. You could also use this qualification to apply for level 6 top up or any other undergraduate programmes at any institution.
Fees and Funding
Course fees:£8495 per annum for UK students (2 year course)
English applicants: Subject to eligibility you can apply for a student loan to cover fees.
Please visit www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance for more information on student finance.
£8495 per annum for EU / Overseas students (2 year course)
EU / Overseas applicants: You will be expected to pay your fees independently by setting up a payment plan with the University of West London.
FAQs
The course is a two year commitment, level 4 & level 5. There are two 12 week semesters per year.
No. This course is only being offered as a full-time option.
Being able to play an instrument to a good standard, or being able to produce music and content competently with a DAW.
Prior music qualifications are not necessarily required, but we will ask for a demonstration of your experience by asking you to submit links to your work.
Level 3 qualifications are desirable, but all applications are treated individually and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and experience levels for this course.
If you have any questions regarding entry we welcome you to contact a member of our team.
We love hearing from prospective students, it gives us an opportunity for us to know more about you and better yet, for you to learn what we have to offer and how we can assist.
You are welcome to contact us via email at [email protected] or call us on 03301 749696.
We have an extensive FAQ on our website, if you still cannot find the answer to your question you are welcome to get in contact with a member of our team
https://www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/faqs/
Find Out More
FT Application Confirm
We have received your application
**Please note, emails are likely to be directed to your spam/junk folder, please check**
Your application has been received by a member of our team, it may take approx 48 hours for your application to be reviewed.
In the meantime, you can already start preparing for your impending interview and audition by visiting https://www.academyofmusic.ac.uk/audition-information/ You will gain all of the information regarding your instrument specific exercises and what to expect.
If you’d like to contact a member of staff for a status update or ask a general enquiry, you are welcome to contact the centre you’ve applied for on:
Exeter – 01392 427 874
Gateshead – 0191 478 7879
Edinburgh – 0131 656 0600
Glasgow – 0141 221 4458
Kind regards,
AMS Team
Masters Music & Sound
Courses
At the Academy of Music and Sound, we offer a comprehensive, online, music master’s degree program that will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the music industry. Our program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to balance your education with your other commitments.
Developed and validated in 2022, our new M.Mus programme Music & Sound offers you the flexibility to specialise in either Music Performance or Music Production. What are you waiting for?
In partnership with the London College of Music and University of West London, the qualification is developed to address the needs of contemporary musicians/producers on a practical, academic and professional basis. Our tutors are practising creative industry experts in their respective fields.
Mmus Music & Sound
As part of our music master’s degree program, you will be mentored and supervised by experts that will support your individual route to a Masters Degree in Music. At this level the journey is about you, and your potential and development at a postgraduate level. The flexible support on offer from AMS online will nurture and guide that development, the rest is down to you.
This program is led by experienced music professionals who are experts in their respective fields. Throughout the course, they’ll provide you with personalized guidance and feedback, helping you to hone your music craft, and ultimately achieve your goals.
Expand and develop your competitive edge in the music industry by working alongside our experienced tutors who practice their trade in the creative sector. Through 1:1 tuition and our superb VLE (virtual learning environment) they will provide and share their expertise tailored for you.
Our Partners
Performance Pathway Core Modules
This is a student-led, individually negotiated project. The module allows students an opportunity to devise and execute an ambitious and personal, self-managed project that expands and enhances the knowledge and many of the skills acquired during their course. It allows students to explore and research some of these ideas and techniques in a more focused and detailed way. The exact brief is up to the individual, but a named project supervisor will guide students.
This module is designed to help you develop an understanding of key critical, analytical and reflective approaches to the study of popular music through examination of key literature and the application of those approaches.
Through analysis, critical thinking, the study of creative and reflective practice, and reading and discussion of a number of enlightening texts, you will learn to develop your status as an informed practitioner, greatly expanding your awareness of your own work and the social, political, and musical contexts that which it inhabits.
The Music Direction Skills module focuses on the skills needed as an ensemble director and performer. Musical direction is a key focus, other areas considered include musician and repertoire selection, rehearsal preparation, planning and event management.
In this module, you will source an ensemble and rehearse repertoire with them as the musical director. Your job is to construct a repertoire and rehearse your ensemble in preparation for a performance.
This module aims to enhance technical, creative and innovative performance skills, as well as consolidating and heightening your evaluation of stylistic and technical issues. You will be expected to achieve and maintain a high level of advanced performance skills in order to fulfil your potential and develop practical skills to a professional level.
You are encouraged to challenge yourself through tackling musical styles and creative techniques which are not your home territory. Use your relationship with your specialist supervisor as an opportunity to explore new ground and broaden your instrumental skills.
The purpose of this module is to train you in research methods and critical methodology as preparation for undertaking research and is designed to support and advance the project work produced during the rest of your study through a developed investigation of research methods. You will define, articulate and critically reflect upon the research concerns of your own practice during this unit, thereby underpinning and enhancing your knowledge and understanding of the chosen field of study, as well as developing your ability to communicate this in a variety of ways.
This module will build on skills gained in the Music Direction Skills and Performance Portfolio-1 modules. The module aims to enhance technical, creative and innovative performance skills, as well as consolidating and heightening your evaluation of stylistic and technical issues. The focus of this module is to select a commercially viable repertoire.
In addition to your development as a performer, there will be a practical element aimed at developing your skills at organising and promoting yourself as an artist. The aim is to provide you with a real-world experience of putting on and promoting a performance.
Performance Pathway Optional Modules
The Songwriting module gives you the opportunity to engage in the development, management and execution of a high-quality song portfolio. Applying a myriad of songwriting techniques and conventions, you will create a song portfolio realised via basic recordings and lead sheets.
This module provides an excellent opportunity for students to test their potential as music educators. It is intended that the module gives students a flavour of working in education and also equips them with valuable skills that are transferable to their careers.
This module is about you ‘finding your voice’ as a recording artist, focusing on your principal instrument and/or voice in the context of a recording which features at least two other instruments. This means that you need to develop a method of recording your instrument and/or voice such that its individual timbre is captured, and show that your technical, sonic, performance and arrangement choices on your instrument/vocally are clearly represented.
Production Pathway Core Modules
This is a student-led, individually negotiated project. The module allows students an opportunity to devise and execute an ambitious and personal, self-managed project that expands and enhances the knowledge and many of the skills acquired during their course. It allows students to explore and research some of these ideas and techniques in a more focused and detailed way. The exact brief is up to the individual, but a named project supervisor will guide students.
This module is designed to help you develop an understanding of key critical, analytical and reflective approaches to the study of popular music through examination of key literature and the application of those approaches.
Through analysis, critical thinking, the study of creative and reflective practice, and reading and discussion of a number of enlightening texts, you will learn to develop your status as an informed practitioner, greatly expanding your awareness of your own work and the social, political, and musical contexts that which it inhabits.
This module takes as its starting point the idea that musical performance for a recorded output is very different from concert performance. The Record Producer and the Performer not only have to be aware of what those differences are but also of what is required in the studio and how to achieve it.
Alongside the technical issues of recording sound are all the psychological and interpersonal issues of creating the right atmosphere for the communal activity of creating recorded music to happen. How do these participants engage with one another? How are the critical evaluations arrived at? What kinds of methodologies and theoretical frameworks are available for studying these phenomena?
This module aims to enhance technical, creative and innovative production skills, as well as consolidating and heightening your evaluation of stylistic and technical issues. You will be expected to achieve and maintain a high level of advanced production skills in order to fulfil your potential and develop practical skills to a professional level.
You are encouraged to challenge yourself through tackling musical styles and creative techniques which are not your home territory. Use your relationship with your specialist supervisor as an opportunity to explore new ground and broaden your production skills.
The purpose of this module is to train you in research methods and critical methodology as preparation for undertaking research and is designed to support and advance the project work produced during the rest of your study through a developed investigation of research methods.
You will define, articulate and critically reflect upon the research concerns of your own practice during this unit, thereby underpinning and enhancing your knowledge and understanding of the chosen field of study, as well as developing your ability to communicate this in a variety of ways.
This module will build on skills gained in the Music Production Skills and Production Portfolio-1 modules. The module aims to enhance technical, creative and innovative production skills, as well as consolidating and heightening your evaluation of stylistic and technical issues. The focus of this module is to select a commercially viable repertoire.
In addition to your development as a producer, there will be a practical element aimed at developing your skills in organising and promoting yourself as a producer/artist. The aim is to provide you with a real-world experience of recording and producing music with commercial viability.
Production Pathway Optional Modules
The Songwriting module gives you the opportunity to engage in the development, management and execution of a high-quality song portfolio. Applying a myriad of songwriting techniques and conventions, you will create a song portfolio realised via basic recordings and lead sheets.
This module provides an excellent opportunity for students to test their potential as music educators. It is intended that the module gives students a flavour of working in education and also equips them with valuable skills that are transferable to their careers.
By engaging in parallel with analogue & digital, software & hardware, hybrid-production workflows (recording, sampling, synthesis, programming, mixing and mastering), this module offers opportunities for original application of advanced audio techniques, pushing the expressive boundaries of the sonic medium, and contextualising current practice through the lens of forward-thinking (auto)ethnographic analysis
200Students
30Professional Tutors
3Established Centres
Course Delivery
All materials are hosted on our VLE, which also houses an archive of previous masterclasses and webinars.
In addition to access to our VLE (virtual learning environment) our Mmus students are entitled to weekly 1:1 sessions with their tutor, mentor and level 7 project advisor. They are also encouraged to take part in our online forum where students can interact with one another sharing their experiences and advice for online learning.
Audition & Interview
Extensive performance or production skills and experience are needed, in addition to this, we require a 2:1 (or higher) grade at BA(hons) to be considered; however, if you have any questions regarding entry we welcome you to contact a member of our team.
Fees and Finance
The course is fully-funded for those living within the UK, for more information on your funding eligibility please contact your regional Student Finance body.
How To Apply
Apply for this course is via the form below
Your Masters in Music
By earning your music master’s degree from the Academy of Music and Sound, you’ll be joining a network of successful graduates who have gone on to establish themselves in the music industry. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career as a performer, composer, educator, or musicologist, our program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve your goals.
If you’re ready to take your passion for music to the next level, apply to our music master’s degree program today. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams and make your mark in the world of music.
FAQs –
What is a music master’s degree?
A music master’s degree is a graduate-level academic degree that typically takes 1-2 years to complete. The MMus Music & Sound course takes 1 year, and is a full Masters Degree – 180 credits at Level 7. The course is delivered over 3 x 12 week trimesters. The degree is often required for advanced positions in the music industry, such as teaching, conducting, composing, or performing.
Can I specialize in a particular area of music during the program?
Yes, many music master’s degree programs allow students to specialize in a particular area of music. This can include jazz, classical, popular music, music technology, music education, and more. Specialization can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue specific careers in the music industry. Our Music & Sound Masters Degree allows students to specialise as either performers, or producers.
What kind of career can I consider with a music master’s degree?
A music master’s degree can open up many career opportunities in the music industry, including teaching, conducting, composing, performing, music production, music therapy, musicology, and more. The specific career path you choose will depend on your interests, skills, and specialization.
What kind of support will I receive from the faculty during the program?
Faculty support is a crucial aspect of any music master’s degree program. At the Academy of Music and Sound, our experienced instructors are committed to providing personalized guidance and feedback to each student. This includes one-on-one consultations, constructive critiques, and support with assignments and projects. Additionally, our faculty is available to answer questions and provide support throughout the program, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.
HND in Music
Course Details
Course
The 2 year course includes pathway-specific tuition with professional musicians. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the music industry and get the opportunity to first and foremost perform, as well as network and organize gigs in collaboration with other musicians. Students will learn to compose, arrange and record their own music using industry standard software, and get exclusive access to our Higher Education enrichment programme and masterclasses.
Progression
Many of our students are now working in music, find out more on our alumni page. There are countless career opportunities for musicians including performing, writing and recording music, releasing music on streaming platforms, teaching, radio & TV production and more. During the HND, besides industry networking, students will gain transferable skills like communication, personal development and teamwork. Students can progress to a BA (Hons) top-up at Level 6.
Entry Requirements
If you’re talented and passionate about what you do, then you deserve to be recognised. Everyone has different life experiences and we look to recognise potential and welcome everyone from different backgrounds. So, if you do not have a Higher English or Music we will still accept your application. If your application is accepted you will be asked to perform and speak to one of our members of staff during an interview and audition. Providing individuals are well-rehearsed and are passionately invested in learning and improvement, they’ll be in with a shot. Our approach is proudly different than the norm and we will continue to have an open and inclusive mindset to our courses.
Guitar, Drums, Bass & Vocals
Undertake a key role in a band
Engage in a recorded music performance
Gain experience as a session musician
Singer/Songwriter
Compose and perform your own music
Collaborate with others to create original music
Develop and refine your lyric writing skills
Rap & Hip-Hop
Develop and refine your song writing and lyric skills
Improve your live performance and production
Gain experience as a hip-hop artist
Foundation Degree in Music and Sound
Courses
Take your next steps in music and hone an understanding of the modern music industry.
A supported Distance Learning Undergraduate 2 year music course validated by The University of West London, delivered by AMS online. Eligible for tuition fee loan for most UK Nationals and long term residents and designed for musicians of all disciplines.
Fully validated by the University of West London, which encompasses London College of Music, the Foundation Degree is a combined academic and vocational qualification, equivalent to two thirds of an honours degree. It is anticipated that those who complete the Foundation will progress to the BA (Hons) Music & Sound.
Course Details
Our Foundation Degree is a combined academic and vocational qualification, equivalent to two thirds of an honours degree. It can be topped up in the 3rd year to a BA (Hons) Music and Sound.
All Modules Are Worth 20 Credits Each
Level 4
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Sound Practice (20 credits) Popular Music Styles-1 (20 credits) |
Music Video Production (20 credits) Social Media & Artist Branding (20 credits) |
| Options (students choose one of the following): | Options (students choose one of the following): |
| Performance Studies 1a (20 credits) Music Producer (20 credits) |
Performance Studies 1b (20 credits) Production Techniques (20 credits) |
Level 5
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Popular Music Styles-2 (20 credits) Audio Documentary Production (20 credits) |
Business Innovations and Enterprise (20 credits) Interactive Music and Sound for Video Games (20 credits) |
| Options (students choose one of the following): | Options (students choose one of the following): |
| Performance Studies 2a (20 credits) Genre Production (20 credits) Mixing and Mastering for Media (20 credits) |
Performance Studies 2b (20 credits) Studio Production (20 credits) Music and Sound for TV/Online Adverts (20 credits) |
Before the start of each semester, you will be asked to pick optional modules to study. If there are not enough students to run your chosen module at your centre, you may be offered to be taught that module online.
500Students
60Professional Tutors
4Established Centres
Audition & Interview
Our qualifications require a successful audition and interview to enrol onto a course, but don’t be nervous! The auditions are on a 1-1 basis to assess your future potential to see what you can do, rather than what you can’t. It’s a great chance for you to see the centre, meet our fantastic tutors and ask any questions. You’re coming to us to learn and improve your skills, so we appreciate everyone has their strengths.
How To Apply
As of July 2023, the Foundation Degree is only available through AMS online as a supported distance learning course. It is not available at either of our campuses.
Application is through the AMS online website, using the link below.
Modules
This module will introduce students to the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the planning, setting up and running of a music project, as well as the entrepreneurship theory that underpins these skills. Students are encouraged to investigate career opportunities within the music industry, as well as research various skills that can be applied to a music project. Students will produce a portfolio of work documenting their music campaign, including research and financial projections.
Assessment 1: Portfolio 70%
Assessment 2: Evaluation 30%
Sound Practice requires engagement with hardware-based studio recording systems for the recording of live instruments (from guitar to full drum-kit). While it is not yet expected that students will be producing recordings of a fully professional standard, marks will reflect the quality of work and commitment involved.
Assessment 1: Recording Portfolio 60%
Assessment 2: Written Report 40%
The Popular Music Styles 1 (Level 4) and Popular Music Styles 2 (Level 5) modules involve the chronological study and analysis of all of the most important popular music genres from second half of the 20th Century to the present day.
Throughout the module, students will:
• Engage in a considerable amount of listening appreciation by being exposed to hundreds of classic recorded examples by influential artists
• Learn about the historical context and impact of each genre (period, influences, socio-cultural context etc)
• Learn about the musical characteristics of each genre (instrumentation, song form, harmony, typical parts, lyric style, etc) allowing them to understand both the inspiration behind a musical style and the requirements and tastes of that style’s target audience.
• Create and record an authentic pastiche of a chosen style
Performers will also get experience performing an archetypical song from each genre on their chosen instrument in weekly live performance workshops with a full band.
Finally, style analysis classes are also underpinned by music technology ones that give students a thorough grounding in producing multi-track recordings from basic MIDI and audio capture to using effects and mixing down, allowing them to present and document their knowledge and creative interpretation of these important genres in recorded form.
Assessment 1: Written assignment 40%
Assessment 2: Musical Recording 60%
The central part of the series of Performance Studies modules takes place with instrument-specific instruction. Through practical work and a series of supporting lectures, students will enhance their musicianship skills, performance skills, and knowledge of repertoire. They are expected to take part in practical ensemble work, which will introduce them to a wide range of repertoire. Learning how to arrange and devise music within different performing traditions will also be a part of the module. This will enable students to lead and direct an ensemble, as well as perform as part of a musical ensemble.
The module comprises:
• instrumental or vocal lessons
• ensemble activities in at least one ensemble
• musicianship training
• performance studies seminars
• public performances and masterclasses
• production of a critical learning journal.
The content of your instrument-specific lessons will be determined by the designated instrumental or vocal teacher.
Assessment 1: Written assignment 20%
Assessment 2: Ensemble Live Performance 30%
Assessment 3: Individual Musical Performance and technical skills 50%
Students will study topics that will provide them with a comprehensive grounding in the musical knowledge and skill required to make a well-rounded popular music producer:
• Popular song forms
• Guitar effects and textures
• Vocal textures
• Songwriting methods (hook, writing melodies, issues relating to tempo, balance and contrast: phrase length, dynamics & texture etc)
• Sonic Components
• Critical Listening (Musical Faults)
• Acoustics
• The roles of the various personnel involved in studio recording
• Changing trends in Music Production
• The impact of emerging technologies
• Key stages of the recording & release process
• Producer profile: George Martin
• EDM producers
• Increasing commercial potential in music
• Producer profile: Phil Spector and David Foster
• Modern producers
Assessment 1: Productions 60%
Assessment 2: written assignment 40%
This module aims to provide students with: a working knowledge of film grammar and established industry conventions; the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in production; techniques in pre-production planning; team-building; digital camera; lighting; sound and simple – but effective – non-linear editing techniques. Students will be required to produce two videos demonstrating that they can combine creativity and applied technology while working successfully as a member of a production team. They will also be required to submit a critical analysis for each production.
Assessment 1: Practical Skills Video 30%
Assessment 2: Video & Written Portfolio 70%
This module informs students of the way brands have impacted the music industry and how they can be used to increase awareness via a social media campaign. Students will conduct a case study and run their own social media campaign based on their findings, presenting the results and evaluating their success.
The Production Techniques module builds on the music-related themes developed in Music Producer (previous semester).
The bulk of this module is devoted to developing skills relating to songwriting focussing on the following topics:
• harmony; harmonised chord sequence; non-diatonic chords; chromatic harmony
• how to use the ‘cycle of fifths’ to create cycle progressions
• the quality and density of different chord types; the difference between static and functional chords; how inversions can be used to create smooth and logical bass lines; modal progressions; how arrange a song so that various notes of the harmony are assigned to different instruments; various general points relating to composing the harmony of a song
• the lyric styles of various musical genres; the use of love and other emotions as a subject when writing lyrics
• ways of avoiding ‘love’ as a subject matter; the influence of background knowledge on the emotional response of the listener; the principle of following a narrative/storyboard, powerful images and simile/metaphor when writing lyrics
• the use of abstract/surreal/meaningless subject matters when lyric writing; lyrics that are hook-driven; musical arrangements dictated by the lyrical subject matter; various aspects (such as legal issues) relevant to collaboration (working with a partner)
• finishing a tune; creating a checklist detailing the various elements required in a successful pop song; long term issues relating to improving and finding success as a songwriter; various useful songwriting tools.
Assessment 1: Production work portfolio 60%
Assessment 2: Written Assessment 40%
The content of this module will be diverse, detailed, and span critical listening and analysis, production models/production management, programme design, and delivery and analytical study of the genre of Audio Documentary. Sessions will take place in the format of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials as well as group seminar / feedback sessions.
Assessment 1: Programme Proposal 20%
Assessment 2: Audio Documentary Programme 60%
Assessment 3: Reflective essay 20%
In this module, traditional producers will learn how to record live audio and mix/produce in the styles of: rock, funk/disco, acoustic and a genre of their choice; whereas electronic music producers will study the production styles of House, Trance, Drum & Bass and an EDM genre of their choice.
Assessment 1: Recordings 60%
Assessment 2: Written assignment 40%
Students will study all aspects of mastering audio for a range of different media (e.g., radio, TV, film, podcast, streaming etc) learning how to utilise various industry-standard plug-ins and covering vital topics such as levels, crest factor, RMS, compression, EQ, limiting, stereo widening, dither, ISRC coding and ID3 tagging.
Assessment 1: Practical portfolio 60%
Assessment 2: written assignment 40%
Music & Sound for Video Games provides students with an opportunity to compose music and design sound to a medium that requires additional knowledge and skills outside of those traditionally practiced by composers (e.g. interactive music implementation, composing to brief/conceptual art, techniques for looping music, understanding game development).
This is primarily a practical module, with the assignments being original compositions and/or sound design projects. However, it is crucial that students acquire an awareness and understanding of the general context of working as a composer within the video game industry, therefore, the module aims to develop work that acknowledges the implementation of compositions to video games via middleware.
Assessment 1: Presentation 10%
Assessment 2: Video Game Composition 70%
Assessment 3: Evaluation 20%
In this module, students will study all aspects of producing effective music and sound for TV/online adverts to a given commercial brief and must be delivered in an industry-standard format.
Assessment 1: Presentation 20%
Assessment 2: TV/Online adverts 60%
Assessment 3: Written assessment 20%
Studio producers will learn how to record live audio and produce in the styles of: Soul, Electronic Pop and Metal; whereas electronic music producers will study the production styles of Break Beat, Dub Step, Electronica and an EDM artist of their choice.
Assessment 1: Production Work 60%
Assessment 2: Essay 40%
BA(Hons) Music and Sound Top Up
Courses
Top up to a full Honours Degree and consolidate your practice. Eligible for student finance, designed for musicians of all disciplines.
Equivalent to the 3rd year of a degree, this flexible online top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound, but would also suit any applicants studying a music related HND, Foundation Degree or indeed those with relevant and recognised industry experience.
Validated by the University of West London, the course is developed to reflect developments the modern music industry, and allows students to take the next step up in the practice and study. Students will learn the skills to become independent, multi-skilled music practitioners, fluent with various forms of multi-media and develop an awareness of the various careers available in the music industry. We provide the time, space and the opportunity to develop your own sound and work on your material alongside gaining valuable vocational skills.
The course is only available online as supported distance learning.
Apply using the link below.
Course Details
We provide the time, space and the opportunity to develop your own sound and work on your material alongside gaining valuable vocational skills.
Level 6
| Semester 1 & 2 | |
|---|---|
| Level 6 Project (40 credits) | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Music and Sound for Media (20 credits) Recording Project (20 credits) |
Freelance Portfolio (20 credits) |
| Options (students choose one of the following): | |
| Showcase Studies (20 credits) Advanced Studio Production (20 credits) Advanced Radio Production (20 credits) Music Management Project (20 credits) |
Before the start of the top up course you will be asked to pick your optional module. You can choose from Showcase Studies, Advanced Studio Production, Advanced Radio Production or Music Management.
200Students
30Professional Tutors
3Established Centres
Audition & Interview
Our qualifications require a successful audition and interview to enrol onto a course, but don’t be nervous! The auditions are on a 1-1 basis to assess your future potential to see what you can do, rather than what you can’t. It’s a great chance for you to see the centre, meet our fantastic tutors and ask any questions. You’re coming to us to learn and improve your skills, so we appreciate everyone has their strengths.
How To Apply
Application for this course is via the application form below. There is no cut-off point for application however we recommend applying as soon as possible to commence the interview process and discuss further information with a member of our team.
Modules
In this module, each student must define and explore in some depth, a topic relating to their intended future employment, as well as developing advanced skills in managing an extended project. The project will be developed over Semester 1 and 2, and students choose to base their project on one of the of topics below:
• Dissertation
• Songwriting or Composition
• Performance
• Production
• Event Management
• Multi-media
The Level 6 Project also provides experience of critically evaluating and reflecting upon the particular methodologies of the chosen subject area.
Assessment 1: Presentation 10%
Assessment 2: Portfolio 90%
This module deals with the theoretical and practical issues of putting music and sound to a moving image: a discipline that is highly relevant and useful for any freelance worker aiming to build a portfolio-based career or even just to promote themselves as an artist in the modern popular music industry.
Students study: relevant academic theories by writers such as Chion, Cook, Davis, Karlin and Venn; scoring; the role of film sound; modes of listening; cuts and edits; montage; influential approaches of film-makers like David Lynch; creating music for computer games; creating music for dance and theatre.
These subjects are studied alongside the technical considerations and practicalities of importing video within Logic X in order to produce musical and sonic results that are evocative of the moving image.
Assessment 1: Written Report 30%
Assessment 2: Video clip with music 70%
There is a large market for music that film and TV production companies can take ‘off the shelf’ for genres such as sport, gameshows, wildlife etc. In this module, you will create your own portfolio of original music suitable for submitting to a publisher that covers a wide range of moods, styles and uses.|
Students will be exposed to a ‘real life’ environment where a creative brief must be completed to professional standards and to a deadline and are given the opportunity to devise and execute an ambitious personal, self-managed music recording project that encompasses and showcases many of the skills and knowledge acquired and developed during the degree. This is an area traditionally known as ‘library music’ but now more commonly-known as ‘music for synchronisation’ and can be one of the most lucrative income streams for a modern music practitioner.
Assessment 1: Portfolio 20%
Assessment 2: Project 60%
Assessment 3: Written Assignment (Reflection) 20%
The bulk of employees in the popular music industry sector are freelance and a premium is set on a worker’s ability to balance a large portfolio of activities and show resourcefulness and adaptability as opportunities change.
In this gig economy, it is also important that freelancers have an entrepreneurial spirit and the knowledge and skills to create their own work through enterprise and industry; consequently, the Freelance Portfolio module requires students to formulate a proposal for their own viable business product or service, produce a business plan and then see that plan through to its conclusion by creating a tangible business product or service as well as the marketing machinery (including website) to promote it. This presents each student with an effective calling card when they graduate so that they can hit the ground running when they enter the market place. Critically, they will have the wherewithal to run their affairs on a cottage industry basis rather than rely on others for work.
In the course of the module, students will study:
• The impact of emerging technologies
• The financial considerations that apply to different types of music
• Raising local sponsorship; funding opportunities within the music industry
• Sample use & guidance on appropriating royalty-free samples
• The legal requirements of music downloading and on-line sales
• Brand awareness
• The role of the publishing industry and how it impacts on working practice in the music
• Industry
• The implications of recording copyright
• The importance of recording play lists to the appropriate organisations (e.g. PRS for Music)
• The role of royalty collection societies and how these protect artists and companies’ rights
• The different trading formats in the music industry
• Socio-Political Factors Affecting The Creative & Cultural Sector
• Ethical and Legal Factors Affecting The Creative & Cultural Sector
• Informal project presentations
Finally, each student must critically evaluate their learning on the module.
Assessment 1: Proposal 0%
Assessment 2: Project & Evaluation 100%
In this module, once their material is rehearsed and ready for public performance, each student will promote and stage a live showcase. They will develop an understanding of the key concepts of design, image and
saleability that enables them to market their music and band/teaching/solo career concept as a ‘product’. It deals with issues that have traditionally resided in the hands of management, record companies and publishers such as:
• publishing
• online marketing
• mailing lists
• distribution (online, via publications and retail outlets) etc
Showcase Studies will provide you with technical insights into a future musical career enhanced by the added independence gained from the experience of producing and marketing your own work.
Assessment 1: Performance 50%
Assessment 2: Course work 50%
In the course of the module, students will get introduced to ‘signature’ techniques used by various successful commercial music producers with view to informing their own practical knowledge and research.
Students will be expected to engage in an in-depth investigation of a successful commercial music producer of their choice, producing a 15-minute body of multi-track recorded music that makes that research and musical influence manifest in a creative way.
To meet the all the outcomes of this module, it is also important that students plan, implement, and reflect critically on work-in-progress; consequently, as well as the practical assessment described above, they must also produce a recording plan and an evaluation of their submitted work. As well as focussing on the signature production techniques, students will also study other essential elements of advanced production techniques:
• The main acoustical events/parameters in the mixing environment
• Stereo microphone techniques
• Surround sound multi-microphone patterns
• Rewire
• Advanced multi-track audio quantising with FlexTime
• ‘Out-of-the-box’ mixing
• The fundamentals of advanced vocal production
• Melodyne as a pitch correction and a composition tool.
• Identifying sample-based instruments
• Creating your own production sound palette
• Mastering
Assessment 1: Presentation 10%
Assessment 2: Project 70%
Assessment 3: Plan and Evaluation 20%
In this module, students will study and be expected to manage all aspects of producing a short radio play production:
• Pre-production (e.g., casting, script editing, storyboard, rehearsals), management (e.g., equipment requirement, recording schedules, logistics) and direction (e.g., delivery, vocal cues, production quality etc) required for radio productions
• Dialogue editing
• Use of incidental music
• Radio sound effects/foley
• Mixing and mastering
• Presenting a radio production in an industry-standard format
Assessment 1: Presentation 20%
Assessment 2: 15-minute radio production 60%
Assessment 3: Report 20%
This module is largely self-directed: with the option of specialising in artist management or music, or crowdfunding.
It provides an overview of the current and future broader music industry and seeks to furnish the student with the intellectual tools and specialist knowledge required to be a robust practitioner in today’s diverse and competitive global music business.
Lectures will provide students with a foundation of the principles of strategic music management and consider the need for planning within an ever-changing business environment. The music industry will be viewed from multiple viewpoints and the actions of policy and wider media practices will be examined for their impact upon the development and implementation of management strategies.
Assessment 1: Project 60%
Assessment 2: Written assignment 40%
MMus in Music & Sound
Courses
Gain a full Honours Degree and consolidate your practice. Eligible for student finance, designed for musicians of all disciplines.
Equivalent to the 3rd year of a degree, this flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound, but would also suit any applicants studying a music related HND, Foundation Degree or indeed those with relevant and recognised industry experience.
Validated by the University of West London, the course is developed to reflect developments the modern music industry, and allows students to take the next step up in the practice and study. Students will learn the skills to become independent, multi-skilled music practitioners, fluent with various forms of multi-media and develop an awareness of the various careers available in the music industry. We provide the time, space and the opportunity to develop your own sound and work on your material alongside gaining valuable vocational skills. The course is available at any of our regional centres or you can study it online.
Course Details
We provide the time, space and the opportunity to develop your own sound and work on your material alongside gaining valuable vocational skills. The course is available at any of our regional centres or you can study it online.
Level 6
| Semester 1 & 2 | |
|---|---|
| Level 6 Project (40 credits) | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Music and Sound for Media (20 credits) Recording Project (20 credits) |
Freelance Portfolio (20 credits) |
| Options (students choose one of the following): | |
| Showcase Studies (20 credits) Advanced Studio Production (20 credits) Advanced Radio Production (20 credits) Music Management Project (20 credits) |
Before the start of each semester, you will be asked to pick any optional modules to study. If there are not enough students to run your chosen module at your centre, you may be offered to be taught that module online.
500Students
60Professional Tutors
4Established Centres
Audition & Interview
Our qualifications require a successful audition and interview to enrol onto a course, but don’t be nervous! The auditions are on a 1-1 basis to assess your future potential to see what you can do, rather than what you can’t. It’s a great chance for you to see the centre, meet our fantastic tutors and ask any questions. You’re coming to us to learn and improve your skills, so we appreciate everyone has their strengths.
How To Apply
Application for this course is via the application form below. There is no cut-off point for application however we recommend applying as soon as possible to commence the interview process and discuss further information with a member of our team.
Modules
In this module, each student must define and explore in some depth, a topic relating to their intended future employment, as well as developing advanced skills in managing an extended project. The project will be developed over Semester 1 and 2, and students choose to base their project on one of the of topics below:
• Dissertation
• Songwriting or Composition
• Performance
• Production
• Event Management
• Multi-media
The Level 6 Project also provides experience of critically evaluating and reflecting upon the particular methodologies of the chosen subject area.
Assessment 1: Presentation 10%
Assessment 2: Portfolio 90%
This module deals with the theoretical and practical issues of putting music and sound to a moving image: a discipline that is highly relevant and useful for any freelance worker aiming to build a portfolio-based career or even just to promote themselves as an artist in the modern popular music industry.
Students study: relevant academic theories by writers such as Chion, Cook, Davis, Karlin and Venn; scoring; the role of film sound; modes of listening; cuts and edits; montage; influential approaches of film-makers like David Lynch; creating music for computer games; creating music for dance and theatre.
These subjects are studied alongside the technical considerations and practicalities of importing video within Logic X in order to produce musical and sonic results that are evocative of the moving image.
Assessment 1: Written Report 30%
Assessment 2: Video clip with music 70%
There is a large market for music that film and TV production companies can take ‘off the shelf’ for genres such as sport, gameshows, wildlife etc. In this module, you will create your own portfolio of original music suitable for submitting to a publisher that covers a wide range of moods, styles and uses.|
Students will be exposed to a ‘real life’ environment where a creative brief must be completed to professional standards and to a deadline and are given the opportunity to devise and execute an ambitious personal, self-managed music recording project that encompasses and showcases many of the skills and knowledge acquired and developed during the degree. This is an area traditionally known as ‘library music’ but now more commonly-known as ‘music for synchronisation’ and can be one of the most lucrative income streams for a modern music practitioner.
Assessment 1: Portfolio 20%
Assessment 2: Project 60%
Assessment 3: Written Assignment (Reflection) 20%
The bulk of employees in the popular music industry sector are freelance and a premium is set on a worker’s ability to balance a large portfolio of activities and show resourcefulness and adaptability as opportunities change.
In this gig economy, it is also important that freelancers have an entrepreneurial spirit and the knowledge and skills to create their own work through enterprise and industry; consequently, the Freelance Portfolio module requires students to formulate a proposal for their own viable business product or service, produce a business plan and then see that plan through to its conclusion by creating a tangible business product or service as well as the marketing machinery (including website) to promote it. This presents each student with an effective calling card when they graduate so that they can hit the ground running when they enter the market place. Critically, they will have the wherewithal to run their affairs on a cottage industry basis rather than rely on others for work.
In the course of the module, students will study:
• The impact of emerging technologies
• The financial considerations that apply to different types of music
• Raising local sponsorship; funding opportunities within the music industry
• Sample use & guidance on appropriating royalty-free samples
• The legal requirements of music downloading and on-line sales
• Brand awareness
• The role of the publishing industry and how it impacts on working practice in the music
• Industry
• The implications of recording copyright
• The importance of recording play lists to the appropriate organisations (e.g. PRS for Music)
• The role of royalty collection societies and how these protect artists and companies’ rights
• The different trading formats in the music industry
• Socio-Political Factors Affecting The Creative & Cultural Sector
• Ethical and Legal Factors Affecting The Creative & Cultural Sector
• Informal project presentations
Finally, each student must critically evaluate their learning on the module.
Assessment 1: Proposal 0%
Assessment 2: Project & Evaluation 100%
In this module, once their material is rehearsed and ready for public performance, each student will promote and stage a live showcase. They will develop an understanding of the key concepts of design, image and
saleability that enables them to market their music and band/teaching/solo career concept as a ‘product’. It deals with issues that have traditionally resided in the hands of management, record companies and publishers such as:
• publishing
• online marketing
• mailing lists
• distribution (online, via publications and retail outlets) etc
Showcase Studies will provide you with technical insights into a future musical career enhanced by the added independence gained from the experience of producing and marketing your own work.
Assessment 1: Performance 50%
Assessment 2: Course work 50%
In the course of the module, students will get introduced to ‘signature’ techniques used by various successful commercial music producers with view to informing their own practical knowledge and research.
Students will be expected to engage in an in-depth investigation of a successful commercial music producer of their choice, producing a 15-minute body of multi-track recorded music that makes that research and musical influence manifest in a creative way.
To meet the all the outcomes of this module, it is also important that students plan, implement, and reflect critically on work-in-progress; consequently, as well as the practical assessment described above, they must also produce a recording plan and an evaluation of their submitted work. As well as focussing on the signature production techniques, students will also study other essential elements of advanced production techniques:
• The main acoustical events/parameters in the mixing environment
• Stereo microphone techniques
• Surround sound multi-microphone patterns
• Rewire
• Advanced multi-track audio quantising with FlexTime
• ‘Out-of-the-box’ mixing
• The fundamentals of advanced vocal production
• Melodyne as a pitch correction and a composition tool.
• Identifying sample-based instruments
• Creating your own production sound palette
• Mastering
Assessment 1: Presentation 10%
Assessment 2: Project 70%
Assessment 3: Plan and Evaluation 20%
In this module, students will study and be expected to manage all aspects of producing a short radio play production:
• Pre-production (e.g., casting, script editing, storyboard, rehearsals), management (e.g., equipment requirement, recording schedules, logistics) and direction (e.g., delivery, vocal cues, production quality etc) required for radio productions
• Dialogue editing
• Use of incidental music
• Radio sound effects/foley
• Mixing and mastering
• Presenting a radio production in an industry-standard format
Assessment 1: Presentation 20%
Assessment 2: 15-minute radio production 60%
Assessment 3: Report 20%
This module is largely self-directed: with the option of specialising in artist management or music, retail management or crowd funding.
It provides an overview of the current and future broader music industry and seeks to furnish the student with the intellectual tools and specialist knowledge required to be a robust practitioner in today’s diverse and competitive global music business.
Lectures will provide students with a foundation of the principles of strategic music management and consider the need for planning within an ever-changing business environment. The music industry will be viewed from multiple viewpoints and the actions of policy and wider media practices will be examined for their impact upon the development and implementation of management strategies.
Assessment 1: Project 60%
Assessment 2: Written assignment 40%
BA(hons) Fast Track for Professionals
Fast Track BA Hons for Industry Professionals
We appreciate that for many aspiring musicians, time is precious and juggling your musical aspirations with life’s other responsibilities can be a challenge.
Through Fast Track Entry application, we save you time and money, by considering your work in music and using that to gain you credit for the first two years of a UK undergraduate degree. If you are successful, then you can enter the BA Hons Music & Sound top-up course, and achieve a full UK honours degree in as little as 2 semesters full-time, or 3 semesters part-time, without the need for formal prior qualifications.The main details about Fast Track are on this page.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team for additional information you can reach us on 03301 749696
How Do I Apply for Fast Track entry?
Apply in the normal way, using the apply button on our website, list your highest qualifications and detail any experience you have in music. Our team will arrange an interview meeting with you, after which you may be offered a conditional place on our BA Hons Top Up. The conditions will be that you provide the evidence required to prove your work in music, you can find out about that under 'about fast track' our FAQ page HERE> If you accept your course offer, and provide the evidence required, and if it is approved by our team you will be able to register on the one year BA hons top up. This gives you a full UK undergraduate honours degree in just one academic year.
Application, Fees and Funding
Application for the BA Hons Top Up, Music & Sound via Fast Track is direct from this website. Once you have completed your application form, your application will be considered by the AMSonline team and partner university - The University of West London.
Fees per academic year are *£8495 per annum.Subject to eligibility you can apply for a student loan to cover fees.
Please visit www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance for more information of student finance.
If you are not eligible for a student loan you will need to cover the fees yourself. The fees are paid direct to University of West London, either in one lump sum, or three instalments.
*The course fee for students starting in June 2025 is £7495, it is rising to £8495 for September 2025.
Apply Now
BA (Hons) Music & Sound Top-Up
BA (Hons)
Music & Sound Top-Up
This flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound..
Equivalent to the 3rd year of a degree, this flexible top-up year is designed to follow on from our Foundation Degree in Music & Sound, but would also suit any applicants studying a music related HND, Foundation Degree or indeed those with recognised industry experience backed up with qualifications. Validated by the University of West London, the course has been developed to mirror the modern music industry, allowing students to learn the skills to become independent, multi-skilled music practitioners, fluent with various forms of multi-media.
Before the start of each semester, you will be asked to pick any optional modules to study in addition to the core modules. The details of these follow below.
For Industry Professionals:
We offer the opportunity to fast-track students with industry experience (5+ years) onto the BA (Hons). We map your previous experience against the two years of the foundation degree allowing you to progress straight onto the final year and achieve a full BA (Hons) in one year.
FAQs
Full time 2 x 12 week semesters Part-time 3 x 12 week semesters
Foundation degree or equivalent qualification in relevant subject. Fast-track option: 5+ years industry experience.
Core Modules and Optional Modules. For more information, please scroll down.
Core Modules & Optional Modules
Before the start of each semester, you will be asked to pick any optional module to study in addition to the core modules. The details of these follow below.
Core Modules
Engage in a large-scale project in an area of your choice: performance, songwriting, composition, dissertation, music production, event management or multi-media.
Study the academic theories behind matching music and sound with media and put them into practice when creating your own soundtrack to a given film clip.
There is a large market for music that film and TV production companies can take ‘off the shelf’ for genres such as sport, gameshows, wildlife etc. In this module, you will create your own portfolio of original music suitable for submitting to a publisher that covers a wide range of moods, styles and uses.
Develop a viable music industry product with all accompanying business research and requirements (business plan, website etc). This will be your calling card when you graduate.
Optional Modules
This performance-based module helps students to work towards presenting a live showcase that is supported by relevant and effective promotional materials.
Create your own portfolio of professional productions while developing a keen understanding of the techniques and working practices of leading producers.
Enjoy the challenges of making your own short radio play production that encompasses theme music, incidental music, sound effects (foley) and dialogue editing.
This module is largely self-directed: with the option of specialising in music or artists management, retail management or crowd funding.
What happens next?
Following successful completion, you may progress to post-graduate level study e.g. M.Mus or MA and PgCert. For example- the AMS online M.Mus Music & Sound
Application, Fees and Funding
ApplicationTo apply for a course with AMS online, complete the form on this website, then you will hear back from our admissions team, usually within a day.
You will be invited to attend a 1:1 video interview call that will last about 30/40 minutes.
The interview call is your chance to find out about AMS online and to determine if it could be the right fit for you and your studies. If you are happy that it is the right choice for you, and our team are happy, then you will be made a course offer. This will come in the form of a letter sent to you via email detailing your course, and the offer that you have been made*
Fees per academic year for this course are *£8495.
Subject to eligibility you can apply for a student loan to cover fees.
Please visit www.gov.uk/apply-online-for-student-finance for more information on student finance.If you are not eligible for a UK student loan you will need to fund the course yourself. Payment is made direct to our partner institution, The University of West London. You can either pay in one lump sum, or three instalments.
*your offer will be dependant upon your prior qualifications and experience and may include advice on what you need to submit in order to satisfy the conditions laid out in your offer letter. If you are self-funding, the course fee of £8495 will be payable directly to the University upon registration and setup of payment plan.
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