BA (Hons)Digital Music

Core modules

Open the DAW to Success

Through this module students will learn about the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) with an emphasis on creative audio techniques and practices, and consider/employ fundamental compositional ideas/theories, basic MIDI-related functions and mixing rudiments into their work.

The Sonic Alchemist

This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to manipulate/control the timbral qualities of a sound by considering the principles of audio synthesis and sound design within a DAW and/or using hardware synthesisers. It will also address music composition and related MIDI/DAW functions, so as to be able to deploy appropriate synthesis elements/new patch-creation within a musical context.

Everything's a Remix: Finding Your Sound

This module aims to develop students’ skills in creatively reinterpreting existing musical material through contemporary remix practices. It encourages ethical use of audio, integration of original and recorded elements, and professional production standards, while supporting the development of a personal creative identity.

Music that Slaps: The Art of Mixing

Mixing is one of the most important and least understood aspects of the production process, with a mix really ‘making or breaking’ a track. The mix will ultimately determine how a piece of produced music translates in any given environment, how the various elements of a track interact, and how the listener perceives the result. Students will ultimately aim to produce balanced stereo mixes within this module; in keeping with industry standards.

Core modules

Cinematics: Digital Music and Sound for Film

In this module, students will study the basics of creating original music, recording Foley and developing sound FX/sound design for film and/or related media. Topics covered will include traditional music practices, and how these can be combined with contemporary music production techniques to produce appropriate music that will support audiovisual media.

Artistry to Industry

This module aims to help bridge the gap between the aspiring music producer and professional digital artist. Students will consider the breadth of the music/creative industries, various music legalities, different income streams available to the contemporary digital artist/business, as well as developing important transferable skills appropriate to commercial and industry-related employment and promotion.

Live Lab Sessions

This module aims to develop students’ skills, confidence, and professional awareness in performing original music live using digital technologies. Students will cultivate creative decision-making, technical competence with DAWs and MIDI controllers, and the ability to plan and deliver effective live performances.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

DJ Lab: Find Your Groove

This module aims to develop students’ practical and creative skills in DJing while fostering an understanding of its cultural and industry context. Students will cultivate technical competence, creative decision-making, and professional awareness in live performance settings. The module also encourages critical reflection on musical choices, performance practice, and the wider role of DJ culture in contemporary music.

Game Audio

Within this module you will explore the way that sound is recorded, produced, manipulated and encoded within a video game. You will study some of the key systems and technologies currently in use for production and encoding of game audio and music, as well as examining the driving factors which are pushing these technologies forward.

Core modules

Spatial Mixing and Mastering

This module provides an opportunity to experience audio mastering practices, and introduces spatial audio in alignment with industry developments, topics such as Dolby Atmos are explored in our specialist studios.

Co-Lab

Within this module, students are given the opportunity to underline the professional nature and direction of their creative work through the development of an individually-negotiated programme of study. Co-Lab is a synthesis of the students' practical, theoretical and music/aural skills, culminating in the production of a specific body of work, carried out in collaboration.

Artist Blueprint

Within this module, students will develop their own professional brand and launch their music, product or service worldwide via online mediums, bridging the gap between the aspiring music producer and professional digital artist; students already being ‘visible’ within the music and/or creative industries prior to completing their studies.

Professional Project: Your Industry Calling Card

In readiness for their desired future career within the music/creative industry, students are to produce an industry-focussed, music/sound-related artefact or portfolio, showcasing their key musical/production strengths, skills and proficiencies - ready to share with prospective employers upon graduation.