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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo
Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

BSc (Hons)Popular Music Production

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Starting in2024
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UCAS code: MP01
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a popular music production degree at Solent University

Produce the perfect sounds in cutting-edge studios and collaborate with the community of creatives out of Southampton’s vibrant music scene.

  • 0%
    of students feel staff made the subject engaging (NSS 2023)
  • 0th
    in the UK for student voice (NSS 2023)
  • 0%
    positive responses for teaching (NSS 2023)
  • Solent is one of the largest Pro Tools Training Locations in the UK. You'll have the opportunity to gain additional training in Pro Tools software.
  • Students can experience mixing in Dolby Atmos, the leading immersive audio format. Solent is also an Academic Partner of Dolby Institute, meaning students have the opportunity to showcase their Dolby Atmos mixing work on the Dolby website, and access Dolby training materials.
  • Learn from an enthusiastic and dedicated team of professional producers, composers, musicians, sound engineers and DJs with a wealth of international industry experience.
  • Recent successful graduates include Sarah Elias, Sound Editor (Peaky Blinders), Calum Mordue, Touring Sound Engineer (Universal Music), Jordan Sykes, music featured on Netflix in Top Boy, Samm Henshaw, 30 million views - co-written with Pharrell Williams, Freya Beer, Record of the week (BBC Radio 6 Music).
  • Prestigious guest speakers have included Andrew Scheps, Sound Engineer (Adele and Metallica), Colin Lester, Manager who signed Arctic Monkeys, Katie Holmes-Smith, Vocals (Adele world tour), John Brough, Engineer (U2, Queen), Imogen Heap, (Deadmau5, Taylor Swift) , Craig David, Creeper, Julian Hepple (Prince, One Direction, BBC Concert Orchestra).
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

The course explores three main areas of study: technical and musical foundations, music and sound production in studio and live settings, and employability in the music industry. These varied subjects enable you to gain a broad understanding of the industry, so when you graduate you’ll be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to kick-start your career.

Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to use a range of facilities including our specialist recording studios – each with top of the range software, facilities and instruments including: Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic digital audio workstations, Microphones by Neumann, AKG and Shure. Analog processing includes Neve, Universal Audio, Focusrite, Empirical Labs, and Portico. Instruments provided included Drums by DW and Mapex, a Moog Synthesiser, Korg Kronos, Marshall, Fender and Vox valve guitar amplifiers. Software includes Native Instruments Komplete, and Plugins by Sonnox, McDSP and Celemony. Live sound mixers include Allen and Heath DLive, Soundcraft Si, and Midas M32.

Thanks to the academic teams close links with industry, you will have the opportunity to attend guest lectures from visiting industry professionals. Speakers have recently included: Mike Moran, composer; Trevor Horn, Grammy award-winning producer; Sam Skirrow, Bass player; Rob Da Bank, DJ and festival organiser; Gary Langhan, sound engineer; and Mark Lawrence, CEO of The Association for Electronic Music. You'll also have the chance to work with local clients to develop your skills further, these clients have recently included the Joiners Live venue and BBC Introducing.

As a popular music production student you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the legendary Abbey Road studios, probably the most famous studio in the world, and talk to engineers at the top of the industry during a real recording session.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Member of:

UK Music logo

Academic partner:

Dolby Institute logo

Course features

  • Professional membership

    You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

Solent’s music production programme is ideally suited to students who want to combine that unique mix of technical and musical skills, while developing an understanding of the industries that await them. Applicants should previously have studied music technology or a related subject, or be able to demonstrate some music making experience.

What does this course lead to?

Recent graduates have gone on to work in diverse areas such as live sound, game audio, recording studios, film and television sound, and technical support – working at organisations such as Bang Post-Production, Sony Music, Envy Post-Production, Global Documentary, Columbia Records, Metropolis Studios, EMI Music Licensing and Stage Miracles. 

Meet the team

The course team are all active industry experts, with experience in areas such as music performance, studio and live sound, electronic sound design, music education, and the business and culture of music production.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Solent’s recording studios are state-of-the-art, and include Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic digital audio workstations. Microphones by Neumann, AKG and Shure. Analog processing includes Neve, Universal Audio, Focusrite, Empirical Labs, and Portico. Instruments provided included Drums by DW and Mapex, a Moog Synthesiser, Korg Kronos, Marshall, Fender and Vox valve guitar amplifiers. Software includes Native Instruments Komplete, and Plugins by Sonnox, McDSP and Celemony. Live sound mixers include Allen and Heath DLive, Soundcraft Si, and Midas M32.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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