Popular Music Technology

  • Foundation Degree

  • 2 years full-time

Apply online Open events

UCAS Institution Code
B68

UCAS Course Code
87R2

Fees
£7,500 (Year 1, 2022/23)*

Logo for University of South Wales

If you want to be a music producer, sound engineer, songwriter or create film audio, this is the course for you. This course has an emphasis on the practical elements, utilising professional industry equipment with networking opportunities.

Whilst studying, you will have the opportunity to study the Industry standard Pro Tools 100 course. Let us help you reach your potential and work in the music industry.

*Click here for the latest fees and funding information.

This course is designed to get you ready for the music industry as a music producer, sound engineer, songwriter (composition and arranging) and film sound. You can specialise in technology whilst acquiring professional practice skills. This is a dynamic course, packed full of engaging, innovative and exciting modules delivered by a strong team of experts and industry professionals. The course is practical-based and prepares you for the music industry.

You will study:

  • How to be an effective music producer
  • How to compose, arrange and sequence music
  • Discover experimental procedures through sound to picture
  • How to operate a state of the art recording studio
  • How to mix and master recordings to a professional level
  • Learn sound theory and music theory to enhance your profession
  • You will learn to use Pro Tools and Logic and complete the 100 Pro Tools course
  • How to be successful in the music industry (career options)

You will be assessed in a variety of ways which could include assignments, external examinations, case studies and continual class assessment.

  • Typical A Level offer – DD
  • Typical BTEC offer – relevant BTEC Level 3 profile of Merit/Pass or Pass/Pass/Pass
  • Typical Welsh Bacc offer – Grade C and DE at A Level
  • Typical Access to HE offer – Pass Diploma with 60 credits overall to include 45 Level 3 credits all passes

Additionally, GCSE passes in three subjects at grade C or above to include Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent).

On successful completion, you can progress onto the top up year at the University of South Wales where you will receive a full Degree with Hons.

There is also the opportunity for you to enter the music industry due to the wealth of skills and transferable experience you will gain, which further enhance your options for a career path as a:

  • Music producer
  • Studio engineer
  • Film composer
  • Studio / audio technician
  • Recording / mixing engineer
  • Live sound engineer
  • Songwriter

Studio visits may include:

  • Bi-annual trips to London and Liverpool
  • Bi-annual international trip to Nashville (USA)
  • Music production and songwriting workshops by industry professionals
  • Residential visits to Rockfield Studio, MWNCI studio, Sonic One Studio among others

Guest lecturers:

  • Paul White and Huw Robjohns, Sound on Sound magazine
  • Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, James Bay)
  • Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Adele, Michael Jackson)
  • Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Bullet for my Valentine)
  • Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down, Red Hot Chilli Peppers)
  • Ken Scott, music producer (The Beatles, David Bowie)
  • John Rae, BAFTA award winning film composer
  • Adee (Artist, Songwriter)

Elora Smith (Hafod Mastering)

“The tutors and college are very supportive and help with problems to do with the course. Any questions and queries I’ve had have been answered in depth. We have had the chance to meet many guest lecturers during our time on the course including Andrew Scheps, Tim Hammel, Richie Kayvan and many more. We had the privilege to attend a two day residential studio trip to the Famous Monnow Valley Studio.”

Carwyn Whiteman (Trident Records Intern)

“The facilities on the Queens Road Campus are second to none. Studio One’s capabilities in producing a professional sounding track are endless, it has really opened my eyes to the possibilities when creating a song. The course has taught me countless lessons on how to work in a professional studio environment.”

This course is designed to get you ready for the music industry as a music producer, sound engineer, songwriter (composition and arranging) and film sound. You can specialise in technology whilst acquiring professional practice skills. This is a dynamic course, packed full of engaging, innovative and exciting modules delivered by a strong team of experts and industry professionals. The course is practical-based and prepares you for the music industry.

You will study:

  • How to be an effective music producer
  • How to compose, arrange and sequence music
  • Discover experimental procedures through sound to picture
  • How to operate a state of the art recording studio
  • How to mix and master recordings to a professional level
  • Learn sound theory and music theory to enhance your profession
  • You will learn to use Pro Tools and Logic and complete the 100 Pro Tools course
  • How to be successful in the music industry (career options)

You will be assessed in a variety of ways which could include assignments, external examinations, case studies and continual class assessment.

  • Typical A Level offer – DD
  • Typical BTEC offer – relevant BTEC Level 3 profile of Merit/Pass or Pass/Pass/Pass
  • Typical Welsh Bacc offer – Grade C and DE at A Level
  • Typical Access to HE offer – Pass Diploma with 60 credits overall to include 45 Level 3 credits all passes

Additionally, GCSE passes in three subjects at grade C or above to include Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent).

On successful completion, you can progress onto the top up year at the University of South Wales where you will receive a full Degree with Hons.

There is also the opportunity for you to enter the music industry due to the wealth of skills and transferable experience you will gain, which further enhance your options for a career path as a:

  • Music producer
  • Studio engineer
  • Film composer
  • Studio / audio technician
  • Recording / mixing engineer
  • Live sound engineer
  • Songwriter

Studio visits may include:

  • Bi-annual trips to London and Liverpool
  • Bi-annual international trip to Nashville (USA)
  • Music production and songwriting workshops by industry professionals
  • Residential visits to Rockfield Studio, MWNCI studio, Sonic One Studio among others

Guest lecturers:

  • Paul White and Huw Robjohns, Sound on Sound magazine
  • Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, James Bay)
  • Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Adele, Michael Jackson)
  • Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Bullet for my Valentine)
  • Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down, Red Hot Chilli Peppers)
  • Ken Scott, music producer (The Beatles, David Bowie)
  • John Rae, BAFTA award winning film composer
  • Adee (Artist, Songwriter)

Elora Smith (Hafod Mastering)

“The tutors and college are very supportive and help with problems to do with the course. Any questions and queries I’ve had have been answered in depth. We have had the chance to meet many guest lecturers during our time on the course including Andrew Scheps, Tim Hammel, Richie Kayvan and many more. We had the privilege to attend a two day residential studio trip to the Famous Monnow Valley Studio.”

Carwyn Whiteman (Trident Records Intern)

“The facilities on the Queens Road Campus are second to none. Studio One’s capabilities in producing a professional sounding track are endless, it has really opened my eyes to the possibilities when creating a song. The course has taught me countless lessons on how to work in a professional studio environment.”

  • Limited number of students
  • We have two industry recording studios fitted with all the best equipment
  • All staff members work in the music industry as well as lecturing
  • You will be challenged to be the best and use equipment found in professional studios
  • You will experience a vast array of industry guest speakers and connections
  • Opportunities for internships (previous internships include MWNCI Studio, Hafod Mastering, Trident Records, TRACKD)
  • Have the opportunity to run our main recording studio
  • Opportunity to experience Nashville (Music City) as part of your study
  • Study the Pro Tools 100 course as part of your course

Queens Road South, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend

Queens Road Campus is situated on Bridgend Industrial Estate and supports many of our class-based Higher Education (HE) courses as well as being home to our Work-Based Learning team and Engage Training, the commercial training arm of Bridgend College.

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