CREATIVE MUSIC AND AUDIO PRODUCTION BA (Hons) Degree (Top-Up)

Level 6
Higher Education
Armagh Campus
The Open University

Overview

The BA (Hons) in Creative Music and Audio Production (Top-Up) is an innovative and contemporary course designed to develop creativity and skill for the music sector. SRC are the only College in Northern Ireland to deliver a degree level programme in music and audio production. This course is ideally suited for the practitioner: gigging musician, engineer, producer, technician, teacher, promoter or manager.

The aim of this BA (Hons) Degree is to address the needs of the music industry. Working closely with music professionals we will help prepare graduates with the range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to meet current and future evolving needs of this creative industry. It will produce graduates of the highest quality who can demonstrate an advanced understanding of the music industry.

Students will be able to make sound judgements on creative music project design and implementation and will have a depth of new knowledge, practical skills and theoretical understanding in a range of specific creative music practices in their chosen field. Students will also have a self-critical awareness of their professional capabilities and strategies for continuing personal and professional development.

Developing creativity with new concepts and approaches will ensure each student can respond to the requirements of this sector and transfer these skills to new and innovative working practices. Ongoing engagement with industry will ensure appropriate skill level and advice is available to guide the student on their chosen career pathway. This course will bring a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the music industry in the form of direct interaction with a wide range of industry experts mentoring and guiding your future career.

Modules are facilitated by a very experienced team of music producers, performers, technicians, engineers, promoters and composers who will tailor their delivery to each student's unique needs.

Students will study 8 hours in College with additional independent study of approximately 14 hours per week.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Creative Music and Audio Production Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

SRC Level 6 Descriptors

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants must have successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Creative Music and Audio Production or a HND in a Music related discipline with an overall Merit, or equivalent.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent)
For the BA (Hons) Degree in Creative Music & Audio Production applicants will be required to present a portfolio of work at interview alongside a short, written explanation on how students see this course enhancing their career.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Year One

Students will begin the year reflecting on their own professional skills and create a plan to establish their intended direction of travel. From there, they will devise a service for a client and complete this within an agreed timeframe. Finally, students will seek professional feedback and guidance on their next steps.

This year will include 3 modules:

Professional Practice
Enterprise Project #1
Industry Feedback

Year Two

Students will start a year-long significant project that they directly establish, carry out and deliver in accordance with their talents, interests, and goals - with criteria and milestones they design themselves. Students will apply for funding for this project and use this to realise their new enterprise.

This major project will encompass 3 phases:

Proposal
Enterprise Project #2
Industry Feedback

Students will be assessed by a combination of practical assessments and coursework that contribute to an overall portfolio.

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 25/26. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

Also each year students have the opportunity to attend various workshops, conferences and music events as opportunities arise. Learners will be asked to contribute approximately £25 each year to cover the costs of such events.

On successful completion of this course, students may wish to pursue postgraduate qualifications in music.

This course will ensure graduates have developed a range of skills and knowledge that can lead to various careers in the music and audio production industry. Some potential roles may include: