Creative Music Technology BA(Hons) Degree

Course outline

Stage 1

• Studiocraft
• Music in Society 1 & 2
• Designing Sound
• Performance
• Audio Industries
• Collaborations

Stage 2

• Phonographies
• Contexts
• Music Project or Elective or Placement

Stage 3

• Off-campus Project
• Independent Project
• Final Project Portfolio
• Research Project or Independent Project or Professional Preparation

Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology course

 BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology award information form (97.34 KB)

This intensive course explores the creative potential of new and emerging audio technologies and techniques, underpinned by a backbone of theory and critical discourse on the aesthetic, technical and cultural history of music technology from a variety of perspectives.

You'll receive high-level training in studio production, live electronics, interactive audio systems, sound design for digital media, post-production, sonic art and game audio, helping you to develop the skills required to succeed in many areas of employment within today's music industry. 

From the outset, you'll engage with professional practice at a fundamental level, benefitting from Falmouth's excellent links with the music industry

By choosing to study for a degree in Creative Music Technology at Falmouth you will:

• Benefit from technical and artistic guidance from the friendly staff who are all experts in their respective fields.
• Be based in our new Performance Centre, which includes a recording studio complex and industry-standard facilities throughout.
• Engage with a wide range of hardware and software technologies.
• Gain a firm understanding of the music business, as well as developing problem-solving techniques, project management and interpersonal skills essential for professional success.
• Have opportunities to meet industry professionals from studios, record labels, promotion companies and venues, who'll be key to opening up possibilities for work placements both during and after the course.

How is the course taught?

Through practical sessions, lectures, seminars and tutorials, you'll receive technical and artistic guidance from resident staff and visiting specialists. You'll also develop an ability to critique your own work (as well as that of others), a sophisticated understanding of how to listen, advanced research skills and the ability to present and communicate your findings effectively. Assessment is on a continuous basis with no formal examinations.

You'll be asked to develop peer and self-evaluation skills, which will be used in critical, conceptual, productive and professional capacities. Your final degree classification is based entirely on your third and final year of study.

Assessment

• Audio and written assignments
• Final year project 

Facilities

Our new, purpose-built Performance Centre includes:

• High-specification performance studios designed for acoustic and amplified music
• A recording studio complex
• Music practice rooms for bands and solo work
• The very best in studio hardware
• Industry-standard software applications
• Huge collection of microphones

Projects

Our BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology degree enjoys a close relationship with the legendary Sawmills Studios, made famous by the likes of Oasis, The Stone Roses, Robert Plant and Muse - amongst many others. Plans for the future include unique studio training courses.

Professorial lecture series

Falmouth's Professorial lecture series aims to produce an engaging and challenging public programme that stimulates the intellectual curiosity of our staff, students and alumni, our research collaborators, our industry partners, our local communities and other supporters. Recent lectures relevant to Music students include Robin Rimbaud (aka ‘Scanner')

Robin Rimbaud (aka Scanner)

How to make art from life (with the help of a few ghosts)

British sound artist who has received critical acclaim and won admiration from the likes of Bjork, Aphex Twin and Stockhausen. Scanner has worked with Bryan Ferry, Radiohead and Laurie Anderson, The Royal Ballet, Merce Cunningham and Random Dance companies, composers Michael Nyman and Luc Ferrari, and artists Mike Kelley, Derek Jarman, Carsten Nicolai and Douglas Gordon, and performed in many of the world's most prestigious spaces.

Answers and advice about the course

For further information about BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255764.

Our student mentors are now on Facebook. To chat to a mentor about the course, living in Cornwall, or what to expect at Falmouth, check out the Music courses group. You need to join the group before you can post. Our student mentors have already done the first year of the course... so ask them anything you like!

Music courses Facebook group

If you're not Facebook you can still speak to a student mentor. Email your name and the course you're starting to: studentmentorenquiries@falmouth.ac.uk and we will be in touch with you.

Career opportunities

• Composition
• Performance
• Sonic art
• Sound designer (for screen media, mobile media, gaming and installation)
• Broadcasting
• Sound engineering
• Sound editing
• Music production
• Music press and promotion
• Postgraduate study
• Teaching

Entry requirements

A minimum of 220 UCAS points, mainly from the A2 level (including at least Grade C in Music/Music Technology) or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. You'll also be asked to send a CD demo before being invited for interview. Candidates without standard qualifications but with music industry experience will be considered.

Please see our How to Apply page for more information.

For further information about BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255764.

Interview and selection process

Typically selection days involve improvisation and working in small groups.

Applicants will be asked to send a short creative portfolio consisting of composition, production and/or performance work and a short written piece, before being invited for interview.

Location: Performance Centre, Tremough Campus

Related courses

• Music BA(Hons)
• Popular Music BA(Hons)