The Electronic Music Production and Creative Sound Design specialism focuses on cutting edge approaches to music production, taking inspiration from the innovative digital production techniques and processes developed in electronic music. If you are looking to push the boundaries of your creativity in areas such as sampling, synthesis and sound processing, this specialism is for you. Music producers are the driving force behind the music industry, whether it is helping artists and musicians to fulfil their creative potential, or releasing and performing music as artists in their own right. The music production programme will equip you with all the skills necessary to make your mark in the music industry, be it as an artist, recording engineer, mixing engineer, producer or any combination of these roles.
In 1999 ACM pioneered the World’s first accelerated degree delivering two 45-week terms that allowed a traditional three-year degree to be delivered across two-years. Over the subsequent 20 years this model has been adopted as the gold standard delivery for two-year degrees, with the government recognising the model developed by ACM in legislation in 2017.
The accelerated model provides a quicker route to industry by condensing a three-year degree into two years through the addition of an extra third term during the Summer. This means that students study a year and a half’s worth of a degree in a one year time timeframe. This model means that students do not study more intensively during any given weeks of the course, the extra learning takes place during weeks that students would normally be on an extended Summer holiday at a traditional University.
The accelerated nature of the course does still allow for time off, with seven weeks of the year taken as holiday between terms. This system mirrors the type of holiday periods students are familiar with through their study at School and College. Due to ACM’s industry connections, partnerships and vocational project briefs, students get numerous opportunities to work whilst on programme, even gaining academic credits for their work. This means it is possible to study and build a meaningful CV during your accelerated course, with opportunities to learn and earn whilst on programme.
Our foundation year combines academic skills with real life creative projects to give you the experience you need to begin your career within the creative industries.
If you’re passionate about creativity, but don’t have the right qualifications for our full degree, then our foundation year is for you.
For budding producers, musicians, creative artists and songwriters. Whatever your age and background, our aim is to support your learning journey.
Our foundation programme has been carefully designed and crafted to build your confidence, creative skills within your discipline and develop your essential academic skills to prepare you for succeeding at Degree level.
We use a variety of teaching methods to support your learning that may include:
Lectures and seminars both online and in person
Discipline specific skills units
Online activities
Access to masterclasses and workshops
Independent study
Portfolio building
Collaborative projects
Throughout the foundation programme, you can expect to engage in a variety of academic and skills based modules in line with your chosen discipline such as:
Portfolio Development
Creative Project Management
Academic Practice & Effective Communication
Introduction to Songwriting & Song Structure
Introduction to Production & Digital Software
Introduction to Instrumental Development
Introduction to Stagecraft, Collaboration & Performance
Degree
2 Year accelerated delivery
3 Year accelerated delivery including Foundation Year
3 Year traditional delivery Integrated Masters
3 Year accelerated delivery including postgraduate year
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview. View audition guide
All candidates will be required to attend an audition / interview.
2 Year Degree
All candidates should hold at least 2 A-Levels (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification), possessing a minimum of 104 UCAS points.
We normally require Grade C/4 GCSE (or an equivalent qualification) in English. Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘4’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
* New UCAS 2017 tariff system.
Foundation Level 0
All candidates should hold at least a Grade C/4 in English GCSE.
Candidates should be capable of using the English language fluently, and able to structure arguments and present evidence to a standard appropriate to study at Level ‘0’. Where the application materials appear insufficient to form a clear judgement on the candidate’s fluency, additional documentary evidence (e.g. recent essays) will be called for. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have achieved IELTS level 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent qualification.
We welcome applications from those who might have completed alternative qualifications, and/or have prior experience. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Masters Level
All applicants will undertake an audition that will assess their suitability for the programme based on their subject and academic ability.
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Details regarding the English Language requirements for Middlesex University programmes can be viewed here.
Our Electronic Music Production & Creative Sound Design specialism is offered through our Creative Industries Futures course, available as a BA / BSC (Hons) Degree, with optional Foundation Year or as an integrated MCCI Masters Degree.
Subject
Music
Pathway
Music Production
Specialism
Electronic Music Production & Creative Sound Design
Modules & Skills Units
Modules and Skills Units studied as part of this course (indicative list) include: Skills units are reviewed on a cyclical basis. To ensure we are delivering the most up to date industry experience these are subject to change.
The impact and influence of music: from creator to consumerCIF-403
This module enables students to understand the impact of music, musical applications and activities on physical and mental health.
Students will consider and contrast the potential and actual impact of music on well-being in different contexts. The module requires students to consider and analyse the components of musical applications and activities to support or challenge current research on this topic and to connect the theory with the practice.
Level - 4
Preparing for Collaborative WorkCIF-405
This module enables students to prepare and organise themselves and their work to engage in an interdisciplinary collaborative creative project with other students with some guidance and support. Students will also prepare to engage with relevant professional networks and any professional contributors by researching working contexts, philosophies, and work. Students will identify their strengths and development needs and examine team profiles and characteristics for participating in an effective collaborative project through a series of practical workshops.
Level - 4
Music, Media and TechnologyCIF-402
This module enables students to examine the role of music across a range of media.
Students will consider and compare the purpose, structure, and method of how music is used across different platforms and for different audiences.
The module requires students to review creative industries theory and practice of creating, sourcing and using music in media in a variety of formats and technologies and to connect the theory with the practice.
Level - 4
DAW Composition & ArrangementSKU-PRO-01
This Skills Unit re-enforces the underlying skills required to produce music within a Digital Audio Workstation. Introducing students to other DAWs and focusing on how arrangement skills can assist the role of the producer.
Level - 4
Sound Recording TechniquesSKU-PRO-02
This Skills Unit, introduces the students to Large Format Mixing Consoles, a wide range of microphones and associated techniques and how to record and process a range of instruments commonly found in Contemporary Music.
Level - 4
Sound Design 1: Synthesis & SamplingSKU-PRO-03
Synthesis and Sampling techniques are not only used within Electronic Music, but also commonplace across most modern music genres. Looking at different synthesis types from Subtractive, Granular and Wavetable but also including FM, Physical-Modelling and Spectral and the wide and varied ways that Sampling can be incorporated into Production styles.
Level - 4
Fundamental Audio & Mixing ConceptsSKU-PRO-04
Understanding the fundamentals of audio is vital for any Producer, to be able to problem-solve and adapt their workflow. Digital Audio principles and correct routing, signal flow and gain staging will help the students to take their mixes to the next level, by comprehending why and where problems may occur.
Level - 4
Music & the Creative IndustriesCIF-401
This module enables students to understand how music-related skills, practices and theories are being applied in other industry sectors to problem-solve, connect and innovate.
It examines the principles and terminology used in these professional contexts and requires students to research and investigate the potential futures of music, musicianship, and music applications.
You will consider your place as a musician or music practitioner within the creative industries landscape, mapping out your path and how to maximise opportunities to make money and grow your profile and career.
Level - 4
Music, society, and Culture: Perspectives and DebatesCIF-404
Music is ubiquitous and global, existing everywhere and anywhere across the world, every minute of the day.
Music is also deeply personal and has unique meaning across countries and local communities.
The creation of new music is often a blend of beat, bar, melodies and harmonies, with influence from other artists and genres, from rap to k-pop. As a musician or music practitioner it is incredibly important to understand where sounds come from, how you can use them and where it will land with the audience that you are trying to build. There will be those who like what you do and others who criticise. The easiest way to become a target for criticisms is if you are perceived to have not taken care to understand music within societies and across cultures, being aware of issues and challenges that have shaped and continue to shape your industry.
For example, as a creator you may love the syncopation or phraseology of another language, but it may not always be appropriate to lift, stitch and sample words from other cultures in an unsympathetic way.
At one level this is known as ‘censorship’, which we often associate with regulation, government or policy. However, this module also places an emphasis on self-regulation and self-censorship by having a deeper understanding of how music works across cultures and societies.
Words matter, words can start wars or friendships.
Therefore, in this core module we aim to inform you, whilst also allowing you a safe space to discuss and debate yourselves about your own views and forms of artistic and academic expression. There is often no right or wrong, it is just important that you can discuss and explain your creative outputs in an evidence based and critical manner. This is a skill that is valued in the professional sphere too, giving you the ability to know who you are as a creative practitioner and explain your influence and values to your industry networks and audiences.
Level - 4
Engaging in Collaborative WorkCIF-406
This module enables students to work collaboratively on a shared project brief. Students will carry out a collaborative creative project in which they will apply their Level 4 personal, interpersonal and soft skills; their technical and sector specific professional skills; their creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and their project management, research, networking and presentation skills. Students will regularly and routinely meet to develop, manage, problem-solve, reflect on and evaluate the project progress and success at meeting the project brief with support from staff with professional industry project experience.
Level - 4
Creative MixingSKU-PRO-12
Building on skills and knowledge gained in the Mixing Fundamentals Skills Unit, this course explores the creativity that emerges from breaking the rules and pushing recording and mixing equipment beyond their sensible limits. Here, you can explore creative approaches and processes as applied to mixing and begin to develop a unique sound as a producer.
Level - 5
Specialist Collaborative WorkCIF-501
This module enables students to contribute through their chosen specialism to an interdisciplinary collaborative creative industries project. Students should engage with the appropriate professional networks for their specialist or interdisciplinary field.
Level - 5
Specialist Route SkillsCIF-503A/503S
This module enables students to use tools, techniques, and procedures to work toward producing work of a professional standard in their chosen specialist route. These sources will be used to critically reflect and analyse their work and the work of other practitioners in the appropriate frameworks. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 5
Professional Collaborative WorkCIF-502
This module aims to enable students to explore, examine, and review the function of a professional project. Students will work in a professional context to deliver a project in their specialism. Students will be responsible for identifying the requirements of a professional project brief. They will plan, deliver and review a professional project to current industry standards with their peers. Students will register themselves or/and their work as appropriate with a professional association and actively manage their professional networks, professional ethics and professional communications.
Level - 5
Professional Route SkillsCIF-504A/504S
This module enables students to create a portfolio of professional, specialist work demonstrating transferable skills to meet sector expectations. Students will apply sector specific creative and technical skills in different industry contexts. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 5
Audio-Visual CompositionSKU-PRO-10
In this Skills Unit, you will learn the fundamentals of writing music for visual media including film, TV and games. Explore best practices as well as a number of compositonal strategies that can be utilised when approaching the composition for any media project.
Level - 5
AcousticsSKU-PRO-09
Acoustics crosses over into many audio applications and industries. Getting the best out of your control room, monitoring, live room recording and other acoustic spaces are some of the many ways that a deeper understanding of acoustics can help.
Level - 5
DJ & RemixingSKU-PRO-07
This Skills Unit looks DJ’s and Remixers within Production. Utilising both hardware and software to develop DJ mixing skills and how the use of cue points, loops and stem mixing can link to the production techniques used within Remix Production.
Level - 5
Sound Design 2: Instrument DesignSKU-PRO-05
This Skills Unit, gives students the opportunity to design and/or adapt their own instruments with a focus on Sound Design. Looking at virtual software instrument development platforms such as Reaktor and circuit bending within hardware.
Level - 5
Leadership and CPDCIF-603
This module enables students to engage with continuing professional development and to review and develop their leadership skills in different contexts. Students will examine different models of leadership and review and develop their range of leadership tools, techniques and expertise in this area.
Level - 6
Immersive AudioSKU-PRO-20
The world of Immersive audio is ever changing and evolving, This Skills Units aim, is for students to be able to explore areas such as the use of Dolby Atmos and the way that sound can be produced and mixed to work in immersive environments.
Level - 6
Critical ReviewCIF-601A/601S
This module includes a research or practical project that critically reviews one or more current issues, constraints or practices that impacts the music and wider creative Industries, the application of music to other industry sectors or broader cultural or workforce issues relating to music and the creative cultural industries. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 6
Leading Professional Collaborative ProjectCIF-602
This module aims to enable students to build their leadership and professional skills through an interdisciplinary collaborative professional project. Students will design the requirements of the professional project brief, manage the project and communications and evidence project outputs.
Level - 6
Independent PortfolioCIF-604A/604S
This module enables students to create a portfolio and digital presence that includes course output, work experience, freelance work or volunteering targeted to professional opportunities or further study. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (A) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE (S) Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 6
Navigating the IndustrySKU-PRO-21
This Skills Unit is designed to link students to the working Industry, preparing them for their chosen areas of expertise and how to adapt and use their specialism within the workplace.
Level - 6
Sound Design 3: Max/MSP and JitterSKU-PRO-18
Max/MSP is an infinitely flexible, visual programming language for creating interactive music and visual applications. It is a powerful platform for exploring new ways to connect technologies and pushing the boundries of musical interaction and engagement. This course will get you up and running with Max, give you the tools to begin creating your own applications and expose you to some of the incredible examples of how Max is utilised in professional industry.
Level - 6
Interactive SoundSKU-PRO-16
This skills unit looks at how interactive systems can be used to enhance sound and music through audio for games and sound installations.
Level - 6
MasteringSKU-PRO-15
Mastering is the final stage of any audio production, This Skills Unit, gives students the opportunity to advance their mastering skills, using both software & hardware. As Digital Distribution continually evolves, keeping up to date with the latest formats and specifications is important. From vinyl, CD and digital mastering, the students will learn the skills to finalise their own music within Industry standerds.
Level - 6
Performance and TechnologySKU-PRO-13
Through case studies and hands-on demonstrations, this Skills Unit explores cutting edge technologies, their application within music performance and technology’s ability to enhance the music production process.
Level - 6
Professional Practice FrameworksCIF-701
This module enables students to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the professional sector specific expertise required for a creative industries profession. Students apply these creative and technical skills in a wide range of interdisciplinary contexts. Students will create or synthesise tools, techniques, and procedures to produce work that solves complex problems and disrupts in order to meet interdisciplinary objectives.
Level - 7
Applied Research (Focus and Impact on Creative Industries Futures)CIF-702A/702S
This module enables students to evidence academic expertise in an applied research context. Students will engage and reflect on the developmental process and develop learning strategies for applied research. They will work on a project collaborating with local communities, industry or academic networks as appropriate. This module runs across two terms, the first term focuses on the specific focus of the applied research and the second with the delivery and impact measurement for the research. ARTS-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a humanities, phenomenology or cultural framework. SCIENCE-RELATED SPECIALIST ROUTE Students will be able to use relevant academic research and sources to critically review and place their practice in a scientific methodological and technical framework.
Level - 7
Ideas into ActionCIF-703
Within this module students will investigate the project management processes needed to develop a project from concept to release. Students will explore projects from the perspectives of different collaborators in the research. They will identify potential collaborators for the different stages of developing and implementing their ideas and will develop skills and techniques to effectively pitch at a high level to a variety of audiences.
Level - 7
Making Connections and Building a CommunityCIF-704
This module enables students to Identify, inform, and establish a network of peers and relevant industry and community contacts to develop opportunities and advocacy in key organisations in the local community, research organisations, charities and the creative industries as well as connect with communities of investors. Students will engage core stakeholders in activities and communications to enable effective development of opportunities and increased advocacy using professional development tools such as action learning, critical reflective practice, clinical supervision, or other appropriate methods. Students will design, coordinate, and evaluate internal and external communications in a portfolio of evidence that tracks responses, activities, ethical considerations, influence, and impact.
Level - 7
Specialist Entry PortfolioCIF-001
This module aims to support students to develop a portfolio demonstrating their readiness for the MIF undergraduate programme.
Level - Foundation
Creative Project ManagementCIF-002
This module aims to provide students with the skills to effectively organise and manage projects.
Level - Foundation
Application of Creative Practice: Introduction To Synthesis & Sound DesignSKU-FDN-009
This module aims to help learners expand their palette of timbres and textures using appropriate hardware and software in the production of original and contemporary work.
Level - Foundation
Digital Product Development: Introduction To Production & Digital SoftwareSKU-FDN-005
This module aims to give students the knowledge and skills to create contemporary digital products using appropriate software e.g. Sequencing (Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Level - Foundation
Academic Practice & Effective CommunicationCIF-003
This module aims to provide students with core academic skills in using resources, referencing, presentations and the tools to communicate their ideas effectively.
Level - Foundation
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Did You Know?
Did you know outside of learning discipline-specific skills, students most want to practice, connect and collaborate and perform.
Did you know just ahead of you in London we are preparing our new flagship campus, and it will have more studios, more production rooms and more space to create and collaborate than in any other comparable institution anywhere in London?
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Did you know you can do a three-year degree in just two years? … Ask about ACM’s two-year accelerated undergraduate programme.
Did you know ACM and Metropolis run a dedicated Artist Development programme?
Did you know ACM has three record labels all managed by Metropolis and supported by ACM students where they learn by doing? … You can apply to work on the labels whilst you study at ACM
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Did you know as soon as you become an ACM student, you can submit your music to an independent A&R panel to be selected to have your work recorded, mixed and mastered at Metropolis?
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Did you know that at ACM you can apply to do a Masters in just 3 years as an option for all our creative industries courses?Read more
Did you know an integrated masters is a course that includes a degree and masters in a single course?Read more
