Person at a sound desk mixing music

Creative Music Technology BA(Hons)

Develop the creative and technical abilities needed to thrive in the music industry.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus
Course duration
3 years / 4 years
Attendance
Full-time / Placement year
UCAS code
W390 / PY02

Course overview

Guided by industry professionals, expert academics and technical tutors, you’ll learn about music composition and production, recording, editing, mixing and mastering.

You’ll gain skills in creating sound and music for a wide range of media, explore sound design and immersive audio technologies and develop your own areas of artistic practice through individual and group music making and specialist tuition.

You will:

  • Develop as an industry-ready artist with the creative, technical, academic and professional attributes to succeed

  • Work in high-spec studio facilities with a range of digital and analogue hardware, software instruments and plug-ins, as well as surround-sound monitoring
  • Access a wide range of industry standard equipment including microphones, portable recorders, amps, synths, drum machines and controllers
  • Collaborate with musicians, filmmakers, gaming artists, dancers, animators and designers on other courses

  • Work in a vibrant community of research-active lecturers with industry connections. Recent visitors include Ed O’Brien (Radiohead), James Young (Darkstar) and electroacoustic composer Professor Jonty Harrison
  • Gain experience and skills through optional modules, industry placements and overseas study

The placement year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 and is subject to validation.

Course details

On this Creative Music Technology degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over three years or study Creative Music Technology BA(Hons) with a placement year option.

During this music technology degree, you'll develop essential skills in composition, recording, editing, mixing and mastering, learning to apply these skills to music production and sound design for visual media and immersive technologies.

You'll become immersed in the wider context of music, art, research and critical thinking, and learn how to communicate your understanding as an individual and as part of a team. You'll also become industry-ready through developing your knowledge, skills, networks, experience and practical portfolio in your chosen specialisms.

BA(Hons) Creative Music Technology

With technical and artistic guidance from staff and specialists, you'll develop your musical skills, knowledge, and creative voice. You'll learn analytical and problem-solving expertise, and project management and interpersonal skills. You'll also produce your own artistic work following training in industry-standard software and hardware tools and techniques.

Modules

Audio Cultures and Critical Theory

In an age that's seeing rapid technological changes and huge political, social and financial shifts across the globe, this module explores sound and music practices as they evolve within ever-changing audio cultures.

Studiocraft

Studiocraft is about effective working with instruments, spaces, equipment and people, in the context of contemporary, studio-based music recording and production.

Designing Sound

This module explores the ways in which recorded sound can be edited, manipulated and mixed. It also introduces the professional workflows involved in putting sound to picture and the ways in which sound can bring new depth and meaning to moving images.

Core Music Practice

You'll be introduced to a wide variety of approaches and roles within the vast and broadly termed 'music industry'. This module covers key skills pertinent to all professionals, such as communication, collaborative work, independently managed self-discipline and a strong work ethic.

The Electronic Toolkit

This module focuses on electronic music, covering the fundamentals of sound synthesis and audio signal processing. You'll learn to create your own sounds, developing a systematic understanding of how they were made, and considering how to apply them to your own work.

Mixcraft

Mixcraft introduces students to the art and craft of sound mixing, exploring both the technical and aesthetic aspects of the mixing process. The module covers a wide variety of genres and examples from students' work and professional multi-track recordings.

You'll take core modules to develop essential knowledge and skills, and specialist modules to focus on your interests. Choose from subjects like writing music for the moving image, studio composition, advanced recording, mixing and mastering, and exploring the cutting edge of audio for emerging digital media.

You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate and study abroad with our partner institutions around the world.

Modules

Creative Writing and Research in Virtual Music

This module explores the interdependency of technology, language and culture. You'll undertake a written project based on self-promotion or the analysis and evaluation of a relevant case study. In this, you'll carefully consider context and module concepts, while engaging in critical reflection and thorough research.

Art of Production

In this module, you’ll initiate and execute a creative music production project, from pre-production, through tracking, editing and mixing to the final mastered output. Alongside this practical focus is an ongoing critical enquiry into the changing role of the producer.

Professional Music Practice

Considering professional practice, you'll learn about the realities of working in the sound and music industries as a professionally minded creative individual. You will continue the acquisition, development, deployment and evaluation of your specialist skillset. Strong emphasis is on the ability to evaluate your practice with respect to professional contexts, as well as seeking out future development and career opportunities.

Immersive Audio

Immersive Audio focuses on music and audio experiences for emerging technologies in augmented and virtual reality, immersive performance and cinema. 360-degree audio experiences are now a feature of a growing number of games, movie soundtracks and visitor experiences, as well as immersive music, dance and theatre productions. This module responds to these burgeoning opportunities by focusing on the use of space in music and sound design.

Optional modules

Voice
Timbre
Supersonic
The Working Musician: Reproduce; Arrange; Mutate
The Hit Machine
The Music Educator
Music and Moving Image
Creative Performance Technology

You can choose to take an optional placement year after your second year on a three-year programme.

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team. 

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your placement year 

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. 

This is your chance to work on your own projects. For past students, this has included working at major recording studios in New York and Thailand, researching and developing new technologies at an Amsterdam institute for music technology, and collaborating with musicians from the Icelandic Academy of Arts. Other projects have included placements in post-production studios and record labels, starting up a music business, and international touring. You'll conclude your studies by developing a professional portfolio and a strategic plan for your chosen career.

Modules

Specialists Practice in Context

The module is designed to help you realise your professional aims and ambitions by developing an in-depth, specialist understanding of the relationship between your practice and context. This module frequently involves work placements, study visits and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dissertation

The dissertation module provides an opportunity for you to carry out in-depth research and critical analysis of a topic relevant to the direction and development of your practice.

Professional Portfolio

This module will enable you, in consultation with your tutor(s), to develop and consolidate your creative, theoretical and contextual enquiries into your own independent practice. It will also support you as you devise a professionalisation strategy for transitioning from university to employment or entrepreneurship.

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2023. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.

This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.

Stories from our community

Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

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Student secures internship with legendary recording studio

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Florence Bird always knew that she wanted to work for a record label. She chose Falmouth University ...

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Graduate Composes Music for New BBC Drama

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How you'll learn

Alongside lectures and practical workshops, you'll receive academic, technical and artistic guidance from staff and specialists. Our industry links will inform your professional practice, while seminars and tutorials will help you to develop your individual sound and extend your portfolio. Throughout this creative music production course you'll be assigned specialist staff who'll work with you on your projects.

At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here

How you'll be assessed

You'll be assessed with practical exams and coursework.

Assessment methods

The actual methods will vary across modules, but will include portfolios of practical work, written work and presentations. Many of the assessments will be flexible, so you can work as a composer, performer, producer, sound engineer, music technologist or sound designer.

Staff

You’ll learn from composers, performers, producers, sound artists, sound designers, audio engineers, and musicologists, as well as our associate leading instrumental tutors, composers and songwriters. What’s more, our industry contacts range from Yamaha to Island Records to the Philharmonic Orchestra. Our regular industry guest lecturers have included producer Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, The Pixies, Patti Smith), Eric James (Philosopher’s Barn Mastering), Jana Winderen, and Robert Curgenven.

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Dr Antti Saario

Dr Antti Saario

Head of Music

Dr Antti Sakari Saario is an award-winning post-acousmatic composer, sound and audio practitioner, r...

Dr Antti Saario

Andrea Rushton

Lecturer in Music

Andrea Rushton is a lecturer in Music focusing particularly on voice studies and performance.  ...

Andrea Rushton

Dr Chris Best

Senior Lecturer

Dr Christopher Best has been senior lecturer and principal tutor in music composition at Falmouth Un...

Dr Chris Best

Dr Chris Morgan

Lecturer in Formal & Non Formal Music Education

Chris is lecturer in formal and non-formal music education, co-ordinator of the Making Music modules...

Dr Chris Morgan

Dr D Ferrett

Course Coordinator/Senior Lecturer, Popular Music

Dr D Ferrett is Course Leader for BA(Hons) Popular Music and a Senior Lecturer in Music. Since begin...

Dr D Ferrett
David Prior

Professor David Prior

Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange

I joined Falmouth as Associate Professor in Music and Sound Art in 2010. Now as Pro Vice-Chancellor ...

Professor David Prior

Dr Johny Lamb

Senior Lecturer, Music

Johny is a senior lecturer specialising in the study of popular music. He is a songwriter, composer,...

Dr Johny Lamb

Dr Simon Poole

Course Coordinator & Senior Lecturer: Music, Theatre & Entertainment Management

Simon has been making, selling, collecting, managing and writing about music for 30 years. During th...

Dr Simon Poole

Jim Aitchison

Instrumental Tutor, Music

Jim Aitchison is a composer and artist, working both in the realm of responding to visual artworks a...

Jim Aitchison

Samuel Murray

Course Coordinator/Senior Lecturer, Music

Samuel Murray is a guitarist, researcher and lecturer whose current projects include playing guitar ...

Samuel Murray

Will Parker

Lecturer in Popular Music

Will Parker is a lecturer, researcher and composer specialising in technology and aesthetics - ...

Will Parker

Dr Simon Waite

Course Co-ordinator & Senior Lecturer

Si Waite is a songwriter, producer and educator. He has written, recorded and performed as a solo ar...

Dr Simon Waite

Helen Worthington

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Helen Worthington
Frankie Stevens staff image

Frankie Stevens

Lecturer in Music

Frankie Stevens is an operatic soprano, metal musician and academic. She has a diverse range of...

Frankie Stevens

Facilities

  • Sound studios featuring SSL AWS and TL Audio Valve desks.
  • Support for all the industry standard audio software including ProTools, Logic, Ableton Live, etc.
  • 10 channel Genelec Surround space and 5.1 surround monitoring in all control rooms.
  • Hire store with thousands of items available to borrow free of charge for off campus use.
  • Access to over 140,000 books, a comprehensive electronic journal resource and over 17,000 DVD titles.
  • Professional theatre venue hosting visiting companies and artistes.
Performance Facilities Image
Performance - AMATA

Performance Facilities

The Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) is a purpose-built live venue housing an assembly of f...

Performance Facilities
Library interior with 'group study' written on large pillar and students reading
Penryn library group study area

Library Facilities

Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...

Library Facilities
Falmouth University Sports Centre building exterior with blue sky and a path
Sports Centre - Outside
Sports Centre

Sports Centre

Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...

Sports Centre

Careers

Our graduates have worked as:

  • Music producers
  • Media composers
  • Sound designers
  • Studio engineers
  • DJs

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

Ready to join us? You can apply through UCAS. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).

Apply now

Applying as an international student? 

International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our international applications page.

International applications

Course route UCAS code
Creative Music Technology BA(Hons) three year degree W390
Creative Music Technology BA(Hons) with placement year PY02

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

Course route Entry requirements
BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with placement year 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

For starting your studies in 2023

UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)

Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.

International fee payers

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

What we're looking for

We want someone who:

  • Has musical ability, experience and contextual knowledge.
  • Shows creativity and imagination, verbal articulation.
  • Engages with interview questions and discussion.
  • Can critically discuss portfolio or other musical examples.
  • Shows written articulation.
  • Shows sustained engagement, motivation and creative potential.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

Annual tuition fee Student
£9,250 per year Full-time UK
£17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
Annual tuition fee Student
£9,250 per year Full-time UK
£17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
£1,850 per placement year Full-Time UK and EU/international

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Typical course costs

  • A personal Mac or PC laptop capable of running professional DAW software (Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Reaper, Logic, FL Studio, Cubase etc)
  • £150 - Recurring annual costs
  • £80-£100 - Headphones (you can also book headphones from AMATA's Technical Resource Stores).
  • Public Programme season tickets (student rate) costs found: amata.org.uk/livepass

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

 

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Open Days and events

From visiting campus to online application advice, get all the information you need about joining our creative community.

Experience Falmouth
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