Music Production, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Our BA (Hons) Music Production course at Leeds Arts University immerses students in a vibrant music and media community, offering practical training in studio production, live sound engineering, composition, and sound design. This programme equips aspiring producers, engineers, and artists with essential skills for the creative industries, including recording, mixing, mastering, and creating music for media like video games. Supported by industry-standard facilities—such as performance auditoriums and recording studios—students collaborate with peers and receive guidance from experienced tutors, fostering real-world experience and professional networks in Leeds' dynamic arts scene.The course spans three years, beginning with foundational concepts through hands-on workshops, studio collaborations, and entrepreneurial activities. In the second year, students deepen their expertise in production techniques while exploring professional aspects like contracts, networking, and cultural contexts. The final year culminates in a personalised music production project, emphasising analytical skills and audience engagement to prepare graduates for complex creative environments. A four-year option includes a placement year for enhanced employability.

Year one – Fundamental concepts of music production including studio production, live sound engineering, composition and sound design workflows are explored. Practical work is key; you will participate in hands-on production workshops, engineer sound for stage, collaborate in the recording studio and create new, original music for media whilst receiving expert guidance from experienced staff. The first year also integrates entrepreneurial activity which will underpin your creative and employment ambitions. Year two – You will continue to build your experience of studio production, live sound engineering, composition and sound design. Whilst responding to briefs that contribute to a portfolio of compositions, recordings, and multi-media material, you will explore professional artist development, contracts, rights, finances, planning, professional presentation, and networking. Music production is also explored in context, looking at the field through cultural lenses. Year three* – You will undertake a music production project which embodies your production specialism and further develops your professional identity. Recognising your audience is critical as you implement analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many types of employment. By the end of the course you will be equipped with skills for decision-making in complex professional, musical, and creative environments. *If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three.