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The BSc (Hons) Music Technology study programme is aimed at creating multi-skilled and versatile graduates who can use technology to create, perform and distribute music, as well understand the underlying principles that are needed to make informed decisions about technologies.
Graduates will be fully prepared for employment in this dynamic sector. They will have a firm scientific understanding of the technology employed in this fast-evolving business and an understanding of business principles that will inform and augment their creative abilities and practical skills in music production.
Key Facts
- Uniquely combines a significant grounding in
technology, with musical accolades normally associated with a Conservatoire
education.
- Enjoy professional-quality resources and access to highly
accomplished musicians from genres including classical, folk, jazz, rock and
electronic.
- Work in a team to develop a live music festival
concept, with the guidance and experience of guest lectures.
Why Choose Us?
- Run jointly by the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and
the Environment and Birmingham Conservatoire, it develops creative, practical
and technical skills in music production.
-
School of Digital Media
Technology is equipped with over 1200m2 of dedicated equipment, including
two film/television studios, four multi-track recording studios, Virtual Studio (using the unique ORAD grid system),
post-production facilities, and several hundred multimedia stations, with
further expansion planned.
-
Birmingham Conservatoire is
recognised by the European Association of Conservatoires (AEC) and all
Conservatoire tutors are professional musicians; the vast majority are still
active composers or performers.
-
Close industry links add
currency, consistency and colour to your subject, putting you in prime position
to take advantage of industrial placements, real-life projects and career
opportunities.
Download the Course Programme Specification
Entry Requirements
- 300 points. Minimum of two 6-unit or one 12-unit A-Level (GCE or VCE)
- National Diploma with Merit Distinction Distinction
- Advanced Diplomas are accepted
- AGNVQ overall Merit + GCSE Mathematics C
- GCSE Mathematics and English grade C or equivalent must be offered
Application Details
Full Time: Please make your application via UCAS using course code W350
UCAS Information
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
UK, EU and international students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
You submit an application via the UCAS website with a list of up to five courses. All choices are confidential during the application process so universities and colleges considering an application cannot see your other choices. Applications must be completed by mid-January of the year that you wish to start university.
You can monitor the progress of your application using the UCAS Apply system.
Fees and Finance
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Fees for students from the UK or EU countries?
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|---|
| Start | Mode | Duration | Award | Fees |
|---|
| Sep 2013 | FT | 3 years | BSc (Hons) | £8,200 per year |
| Sep 2013 | SW | 4 years | BSc (Hons) | TBC |
|
Fees for students from non-EU countries?
|
|---|
| Start | Mode | Duration | Award | Fees |
|---|
| Sep 2013 | FT | 3 years | BSc (Hons) | £11,300 |
The University reserves the right to increase fees broadly in line with increases in inflation, or to reflect changes in government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Additional costs
These might include portable external hard drive(s); high-quality reference headphones; optical media and CD pens; scientific calculator. Though not compulsory, a personal Macintosh-based laptop is a useful addition for most students.
Financial Options and Advice
We have deliberately tried to set fees that reflect the cost of course delivery in order to help our students avoid debt.
Full-time students won't have to pay for tuition fees until after their studies - there are government tuition fee loans available. If you are a full-time student, after leaving university you will start to pay back your loan once you are earning over £21,000 a year, at a rate of nine per cent on any income above £21,000. So if you were earning £25,000, you would pay back nine per cent of £4,000, or £30 per month.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis offers key facts on fees, loans and grants:
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
University Approach to Employability
Expertly woven into our curriculum and work experience opportunities, and underpinned by a diligent approach to career preparation and the close involvement of professional bodies, the University views employment as one of the principal rewards for a student's ambition, application and academic achievement. It's why the University is one of the country's top 30 universities* for placing students in graduate-level employment.
Our close links with business and the professions mean that our courses are always relevant, up-to-date and meet the exact needs of the current marketplace. Wherever possible, we involve employers in planning the curriculum, while many of our lecturers come from and maintain their links with industry, ensuring they are up to speed with the latest developments.
Employability will be an integral outcome of your studies.
* Sunday Times University Guide 2012
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates have successfully pursued a variety of careers within the creative sectors. They have gone on to enjoy employment within the recording industry; broadcasting, mixing, production, sound editing, live sound, location recording and dubbing. In the film industry; education, journalism, sound design, soundtrack creation, special effects, music distribution and promotion within the multimedia sector.
Qualification could lead to the following career paths:
* Entry Level
- Assistant studio engineer *
- DSP engineer
- Music Technician (colleages, schools, HE) *
- Studios electrician
- Junior sound engineer *
- Lecturer
- Teacher
- Broadcast Systems engineer *
- Sound Designer / media composer *
- Sound Engineer *
- Junior Audio Designer (video games)
- Audio dubbing engineer
- Dubbing editor (TV)
- Maintenance engineer (professional studio / live sound equipment)
- Marketing assistant - major record label
- Product Manager (digital sales) – major record label
- Audio Technician
- Product developer
- Technical Manager
- Acoustician *
- Production Assistant
- Performing Arts Technician
- Audio Manager (PA Company)
- Audiovisual Technician
- Production Technician (Theatre)
Graduate Profiles
Course : BSc (Hons) Music Technology
"It's a wonderful job - quite honestly something I never thought I would be doing at this stage - and I get to work with some fantastic people, see plenty of movies, binge on Pro Tools and meet celebrities!"
Placements
Students are encouraged to include an industrial placement year in their course. This takes place after the second year of study and extends the course duration to four years.
As well as providing relevant workplace experience that is sought by many employers, a placement provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop their practical expertise, earn money and try out a potential career path. The Faculty’s placements team supports students throughout the placement process.
Placement Profiles
Course : BSc (Hons) Music Technology
Placement : EMI, London
Duration : 1 Year
Course : BSc (Hons) Music Technology
Placement : Dacs Limited, Gateshead
Duration : 1 Year
Course : BSc (Hons) Music Technology
Placement : Ion Acoustics, Bristol
Duration : 1 Year
Course : BSc (Hons) Music Technology
Further Studies
The University has a range of either taught (MSc) or research (MPhil and PhD) postgraduate programmes. Details can be found on the postgraduate section of the website.
Full Time
Full Time (Sandwich)
About KIS data
From September 2012, all universities and colleges are publishing standardised information for all undergraduate courses in the form of a Key Information Set (KIS). The KIS data is designed to meet the needs of prospective students and allow for informed decision-making when choosing a university course.
Putting our students first
We pride ourselves on our student satisfaction levels which have risen from 73 per cent to 83 per cent between 2010 and 2012. Our dedication to improving the student experience is illustrated by our award-winning student engagement, our close links with business and industry and our £180 million investment in new facilities.
Employability facts
70.8% of graduates from the School of Digital Media Technology responding to this survey went into either employment and/or further study. The average full-time salary for a leaver was £15,400. Leavers from the School were employed at companies including More Radio ltd. and Soundcloud, in positions such as Systems Producer and Community Manager. Others have gone on to enjoy employment within the film industry, education and journalism.
Working with your Students’ Union
Improving student satisfaction is a priority commitment shared by both Birmingham City University and its Students’ Union. In its strategic planning, the Union has pledged to be more accessible, more relevant and provide more opportunity to engage with a diverse student community.
The Students’ Union is already a key stakeholder in supporting an excellent teaching experience at Birmingham City University, through joint projects such as the Extra Mile Teaching Awards and the Student Rep scheme, which allows students to share their ideas on how they are taught.
As Birmingham City University moves towards a two campus strategy where it can better support enhanced learning and student support facilities across a two-mile radius, the Students’ Union will also be better able to implement its commitment to improve communication and engage with its valued student membership.
Course Structure
The course is unique in higher education as it combines a significant grounding in technology with musical accolades that are normally associated with a Conservatoire education.
In recent years, Music Technology students have been awarded Outstanding Achievement Prizes within the Faculty.
There are five themes running through this full-time only course, all of which offer students a different perspective on the music production industry.
The industry and interactive component gives students an understanding of the music and audio industries, developing skills for project management and entrepreneurship. An understanding of audio and control systems for live music performance is explored in the final year.
The digital systems and project theme develops an understanding of signals, sound and synthesis, before moving on to data transfer networks in an audio context, DSP for music applications, interactive, generative and algorithmic music.
Those working on the acoustics and audio electronics theme explore digital circuitry, filters and signal generating circuits. The principles of the operation of audio equipment, the acoustics of instruments, studios and auditoria are also studied.
Sound recording covers recording techniques, microphone techniques and project management skills, while music and critical studies develops critical analysis skills. Students explore a wide range of music styles, focusing on the changing relationships of performers, composers and listeners. This component of the course feeds into the principles and practice of music production in film.
While on the course, students are encouraged to take a work placement year. Employers are very positive about our students and the number of Music Technology students undertaking placements has increased.
Course Modules
| Year 1 |
| Module |
Credits |
| Music Industry |
15 Credits |
| Music and Critical Studies |
15 Credits |
| Digital Audio Technology |
30 Credits |
| Audio Electronics |
15 Credits |
| Musical Instrument Acoustics |
15 Credits |
| Music Technology and Sound Recording |
30 Credits |
| Year 2 |
| Module |
Credits |
| Media Production Management |
15 Credits |
| Music and Critical Studies (2) |
15 Credits |
| DSP and Networks for Music Technology |
30 Credits |
| Audio Systems |
30 Credits |
| Music Technology and Sound Recording |
30 Credits |
| Year 3 |
| Module |
Credits |
| Interactive Music Systems |
15 Credits |
| Music and Sound for Visual Media |
15 Credits |
| Sound Technology Project |
45 Credits |
| Studio Acoustics |
15 Credits |
| Music Technology and Sound Recording |
30 Credits |
Module Descriptions
Year 1
Music Industry
This module introduces you to the music industry, initially focusing on the ‘traditional’ structure of the music industry and exploring how it is evolving in the face of new technologies.
Music and Critical Studies
This module looks at western classical music with a particular focus on 20th century work, together with extended aural training.
Digital Audio Technology
This module introduces fundamental principles of audio waveforms and digitisation, including the capture, processing and compression of digital data.
Audio Electronics
This module will give an understanding of electrical signals and components as well as the terms used in specifications of professional audio equipment found in studios and other commercially available systems.
Musical Instrument Acoustics
This module allows students to gain a detailed insight into the scientific aspects of musical instruments as well as their materials, design and manufacture. Using a range of testing and analysis methods, students will gain a greater understanding of wave propagation which can be applied to the recording process. Having had chance to reflect on the importance of these factors, an instrument is then designed and manufactured.
Music Technology and Sound Recording
This module is designed to provide training and knowledge in a variety of production and sound engineering techniques as applicable to a range of projects to give a solid grounding for later modules.
Year 2
Media Production Management
The module explores production management techniques, finance and entrepreneurship in the context of the media industry. The module also develops transferable skills in preparation for the final year project.
Music and Critical Studies
This module looks at popular music from 1900 to the present day, with an emphasis on the acquisition of music from non-western cultures. It also develops aural skills within this context, with an emphasis on reverse production in the latter stages.
DSP and Networks for Music Technology
This module develops an understanding of communication of digital audio data between devices and over networks, and develop knowledge of DSP techniques for music signal manipulation.
Audio Systems
This module expands upon sound production and engineering modules to further enhance your technical knowledge of audio equipment, tying together the science and the practical application.
Music Technology and Sound Recording
This module is designed to provide training and knowledge in a variety of production and sound engineering techniques as applicable to a range of projects to give a solid grounding for later modules.
Year 3
Interactive Music Systems
The module defines the application of generative algorithms controlling musical processes and enabling for user/performer interaction. The theory is applied in the context of live sequencing and contemporary DJ performance.
Music and Sound for Visual Media
Building on the principles of recording and production, this module explores the technologies and processes involved in the creation of music and sound for visual media, such as TV, films and video games.
Acoustics and Musical Instruments
The module explores musical instrument design and testing, and also looks in some detail at psychoacoustics, before focusing on acoustics relevant to studio and auditorium design.
Music Technology and Sound Recording
This module provides an opportunity to develop professional-standard recording work within personal areas of interest assimilating all the skills acquired through the degree. You will acquire high-level skills in key areas such as surround and mastering to facilitate sophisticated recording and production work.
Sound Technology Project
The final year project provides an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in a specialist area relevant to the course. Students will demonstrate their ability to manage activities and resources to solve problems, to generate, implement and report on solutions, resulting in an academic paper and possible artefact.
Facilities
Assessment Methods
A range of assessment methods are used during the course. These include continuous assessment, in-class tests, examinations, laboratory exercises and project work. Using these methods, students’ all-round ability will be appraised, which offers the best opportunity to excel.
Simon Hall
Assistant Head of Music Technology
Dr Simon Hall is looking at how to combat the problem of what will happen to modern classical pieces when the technology on which they rely becomes obsolete. He is helping to develop open source software so that composer' music can be performed even if the hardware used in the composition becomes obsolete.
"We are looking at future-proofing these pieces of music by taking the obsolete technology and porting it to software so that it has longevity."
One of the pieces being "saved" by Simon and his colleagues is Valley of Aosta by composer Jonathan Harvey. At the heart of the piece, the Sutton Coldfield born composer, who was commissioned in 1988 by Radio France for L'Itineraire, used a Yamaha synthesiser that is no longer available.
Simon ensures that his students get involved with live briefs, to gain vital experience of working with clients. Among the work they have completed is recording film scores for independent films, including The Mandrake Root, an internet-only movie that was commissioned by the European Drama Network. The Score, written by Christopher Ash, was recorded at the Conservatoire and students were also involved with the post production.
Simon emphasises the importance of working in partnership with business. He ran the Conservatoire's Music for Media Project funded by Advantage West Midlands, which was a three-year project that aimed to improve the quality of audio and music in media-based small and medium sized enterprises. "It is important that we keep our finger on the pulse. By having close contact with industry, we can feed back those innovations to our students and change what we do here."
Keeping up with innovations and trends are also cruical to this forward-thinking school. As the Midlands becomes known as a centre of excellence in the games development industry, Birmingham City University has embraced the innovation by encouraging research into music technology in the sector.
Simon invites senior staff from games companies to the department to talk to students about how music technology works in the medium. "We can supply graduates into the industry and then they come back in to talk to our students. It's an important relationship
that we like to maintain."
Roy Priest BSc (Hons), MA
Senior Lecturer
Roy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Digital Media Technology and Course Director for BSc (Hons) Music Technology.
Roy has experience of the music industry as a professional musician and working in the areas of artist management, legal and business affairs.
Tom Deffee
TEE Outstanding Achievement Prize
“He’s not backwards in coming forwards!” is how one of Tom’s placement managers describes him. And it’s that enthusiasm and initiative, combined with some fantastic academic results, that helped him win a well-deserved award for outstanding achievement.
Tom’s achievements are impressive: the highest overall average final year mark across the School of Digital Media Technology in 2008-2009, an exceptional research project, and a resoundingly successful placement at major record label, EMI Music.
Tom’s employers were especially impressed by his professional approach, initiative and adaptability across a demanding project. “Whilst he was with EMI he showed tremendous initiative with a great ‘can-do’ attitude,” says one of his managers. “He very quickly became known by so many people throughout the company as his interpersonal skills are excellent … During the year at EMI it became a more difficult working environment but Tom rose above it, kept busy and above all cheerful. He did some great work and managed a new intranet site which he developed for EMI’s overall company use.”
And our opinion? Tom embraces the spirit of the course: mature in approach, enquiring in nature and utterly dedicated.
Enquiries
Prospective students from the UK or EU
- Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to a range of questions about our courses and studying here.
- If you need further help, you can contact the Course Enquiries Team online by using the Course Enquiry Form.
- Alternatively, call us on +44 (0)121 331 5595.
Prospective students from non-EU countries
- International enquirers from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form.
- Alternatively, call us +44 (0)121 331 6714.
Prospectus
For an overview of our undergraduate courses and range of other information order a printed Prospectus or download a PDF of our 2014/15 Prospectus (16MB).
Further Information
For general enquiries, please contact the School of Digital Media Technology as follows:
School of Digital Media Technology
Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment
Birmingham City University
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5400
Email: enquiries@tee.bcu.ac.uk
If you haven't already, visit the School of Digital Media Technology website for more information.