BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

Year 1 (Foundation Year)

The foundation year is designed to build confidence, core academic skills, and Music and Sound Production basics. It blends practical studio work with career-focused exploration, offering you a supportive entry into university-level study and creative practice

Modules:

• Study Skills for Success: Build confidence in academic writing, digital literacy, and time management. This module helps you settle into university life and develop essential study habits.
• Collaborative Practice: Work with others across creative disciplines to solve problems and develop ideas. You’ll gain experience in teamwork and communication - key skills for media professionals.
• A Day in the Life: Explore different roles in the media industry and reflect on your own interests. You’ll begin shaping your creative identity and building a portfolio.
• Media Studio Essentials: Get hands-on with cameras, microphones, and editing software. This module introduces you to the tools and techniques used in studio-based media production.
• Media Production - Screen: Learn the basics of visual storytelling, including genre, narrative, and composition. You’ll experiment with short film ideas and develop your creative voice.
• Media Production - Sound and Music: Discover how sound shapes emotion and meaning in media. You’ll explore audio recording, editing, and the role of music and sound design in storytelling.

Year 2 (Level 4)

In year two, you will have the opportunity to explore the production spaces and equipment of the studios and labs. You’ll also get to work with the teaching team to develop your skills and theoretical knowledge. The following modules are part of the first year.

Modules:

• Audio Skills in Context: In this module, you will learn how to record, edit and finalise audio, and how to work and communicate in an audio production environment.
• Podcasting: This practical module will focus on current practice and key skills required to create a professional podcast. You will be working in our podcast studios and on location while learning to define quality in content, recording, editing and production. You will be working both on your own and as part of a team to create your own podcasts and learn about the broadcast industry.
• Stock Media Asset Design: This module considers the Media Production environment. You will develop Media Production Library skills and theory that could support professional entry, and also inform continued practice as part of a portfolio or concentrated career pathway.
• Creative Futures: Creative Futures introduces you to the professional life of Creative Industry professionals and freelancers and helps to create an awareness of career opportunities by examining contemporary practitioners and their working philosophies and assessing their influence in their specialist field through guest talks from industry professionals and lectures.
• Sound Synthesis and Sampling: This module explores concepts and practical approaches to Sound Synthesis and Sampling. A great opportunity to explore some of the key topics that underpin Digital Music and Sound Production.
• Live Sound: In this module, you will explore key live sound concepts and develop your ability to deliver live sound support for events.

Year 3 (Level 5)

In year three, you will begin to explore specialisms such as Game Audio Sound Design and Implementation. You will be introduced to Research Methods and also data management concepts and processes for modern industry contexts. There are also opportunities to explore advanced recording techniques and approaches to composition with technology. Finally, this year affords you the opportunity to develop your first industry-facing project.

Modules:

• Audio Design and Implementation for Game: In this module, you will explore strategies for designing sound for Gaming environments. You will also explore the implementation of sound for game by utilising computer-based technologies.
• Recording Techniques: This is an opportunity to develop advanced microphone techniques for studio environments. You will develop critical listening skills to enable you to balance sound deliverables.
• Research Methods: In this module, you will develop your Critical Thinking Skills. This is your first opportunity to explore ethical and rigorous engagement with primary and secondary research.
• Workflow and Data Management for Music and Sound Production: This module explores key concepts, skills and approaches to efficient data management. The ability to manage client audio data is one of the key components of a sustainable career in Music and Sound Production.
• Project and Platform: A first opportunity to develop and promote an industry-facing independent project (with tutorial support). You will explore and agree your ideas with the module team.
• Compositional Technology: An excellent opportunity to explore compositional technology and develop work for a number of different contexts. You will utilise music and sound technology to develop projects that might be Live or Studio based.

Year 4 (Level 6)

This year culminates in a large project opportunity where you can choose to develop a large piece of work, or a portfolio of smaller connected items. You will be encouraged to develop work that will support your entry into industry after Graduation. You will also get the opportunity to develop audio post skills and also develop your sound design and composition craft for Film. Client collaboration will give you the opportunity to identify and complete a collaborative project, something that will be a key part of your successful integration into industry contexts.

Modules:

• Audio Post Workflow for Music and Sound:
  Audio Post is a rewarding practice within the modern production industry. This module will introduce you to key concepts and help you develop agile working practices which will be essential for your career.
• Client Collaboration: This module will help you develop your ability to work as part of a team and to produce and manage a professional brief to criteria set by an external client and by controlling and delivering a live project. You will have practical opportunities to promote your creative, technical and professional abilities while negotiating with clients.
• Music and Sound Design for Film: This module allows you to explore and develop Music and Sound Design theory and skills for the Film Genre. You will be able to develop practical work in this area that you may decide to utilise in a professional portfolio when you Graduate.
• Practical Project: You will undertake a substantial project, applying your skills in a real-world context and facilitating the building of a professional portfolio.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the degree are for at least 48-72 UCAS tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent. Appropriate AS-Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account.

Teaching & Assessment

You’ll be taught through a mix of practical workshops, studio sessions, lectures, and seminar workshops, with increasing independence and creative ownership as you progress through the course. Teaching is delivered through the university’s Active Learning Framework (ALF), blending face-to-face workshops with digital resources to support flexible, student-centred learning across all levels. At Level 4, you’ll build core skills through guided projects and collaborative learning. By Level 6, you’ll be leading your own productions and developing a final portfolio aligned with your career goals. 

Assessment during your course will be a mixture of practical activities such as, for example, developing Music and Sound Production work. There are also opportunities to develop your communication skills including verbal and written which are key to your employability and industry success.

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team is committed to helping you achieve your professional goals. They provide personalised advice, useful resources, and extracurricular employability events to prepare you for the job market.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in: 

• Music Production
• Film Sound
• Game Audio
• Sound Engineering
• Audio Production
• Media Production
• Live Sound
• Dialogue Design
• Sound Design
• Other Music and Sound Production related roles

Additionally, you may choose to further your expertise through postgraduate studies. Explore our postgraduate courses for more information.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

For international students looking to study this course please see our international fees.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.

International

This course is open to international students, for information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.