CREATIVE MUSIC AND AUDIO PRODUCTION Level 5 Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Armagh Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Creative Music and Audio Production is an innovative and contemporary course, designed to develop creativity and skill for the Music sector. The aim of this course is to address the needs of the music industry and prepare graduates with the range of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to meet current and future evolving needs of this creative industry.

The course will produce graduates of the highest quality who can demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the music industry and identify the core skills required for this multi-disciplined world. 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 are available to guide the student down whatever career pathway they choose. An integral part of this course will be the developing relationship with the music industry in the form of work based learning.

Modules are taught by a very experienced team of music producers, performers, technicians, engineers, promoters and composers. Students will study 17 hours in College with additional independent study of approximately 12 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

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 should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
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 the Foundation Degree in Creative Music & Audio Production applicants will be required to present a portfolio of work at interview.

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

There are three areas of learning across year one:

Music Creation
Studiocraft
Stagecraft

Within each area, there will be a range of assessments designed to focus the learner to develop fundamental skills. Each area will also include an industry context to ensure understanding of the relevant considerations.

Year Two

The focus for year two will be the implementation of the skills developed in year one. Through a series of “live” projects, students will create and produce a wide range of work that contribute to their own portfolio. These industry-based projects include:

Composing for the Armagh Planetarium Dome Show
Pantomime Production
Snow Show Concert
Student Devised Project*
Aspire Academy
Showcase Concert in Market Place Theatre

* The student devised project will provide a focus on work-based learning. In partnership with Help Musicians NI, learners will follow their intended pathway in music and create a public facing event/production that will be guided and mentored by industry experts. This project will result in a dissertation being created to present their area of interest within this project.

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 to approximately £25 each year to cover the costs of such events.

Students can progress to the BA (Hons) Creative Music and Audio Production offered by SRC (in collaboration with the Open University). Students can also progress to other degree programmes at other higher education institutions subject to entry requirements.