BA Music and Audio Production

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) offers an innovative BA in Music and Audio Production program, providing students with a comprehensive education that merges musical theory, performance, and technological proficiency. This undergraduate degree is tailored to meet the demands of the ever-evolving music industry, equipping students with skills essential for careers in music production, recording, and sound engineering.

Curriculum: The BA in Music and Audio Production at QUB features a dynamic curriculum that blends traditional music studies with cutting-edge audio technology. Students delve into music theory, composition, performance, and recording techniques. They gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and hardware, mastering the technical aspects of audio production. Additionally, the program covers business and entrepreneurship aspects relevant to the music industry.

Research Focus: QUB encourages a research-oriented approach within the BA in Music and Audio Production. Students engage in research projects exploring diverse topics such as sound design, acoustics, music technology advancements, or the cultural impact of audio in different societies. Through seminars and dissertation work, students develop critical thinking skills and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes industry engagement by providing practical experiences and fostering connections within the music and audio production industry. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, internships, and workshops conducted by industry professionals. Collaborations with recording studios and music production companies offer invaluable insights into real-world scenarios, preparing students for their future careers.

Global Perspective: Queen's University Belfast's BA in Music and Audio Production adopts a global perspective by exploring diverse musical traditions and technological advancements worldwide. The curriculum incorporates discussions on international music trends, enabling students to appreciate the global landscape of music production. Opportunities for international collaborations and exchanges further enhance students' exposure to varied perspectives in audio production.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80 to 85% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 17 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.

Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Queens University Belfast Scholarships for Excellence: The Scholarships for Excellence program at Queen's University Belfast is designed to support high-achieving undergraduate students. These scholarships recognize exceptional academic performance and provide financial assistance to help students reach their full potential.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.

Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

Graduating from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) with a BA in Music and Audio Production opens doors to an array of exciting and diverse career opportunities within the music industry and related fields.

Music Production and Engineering: One of the primary career paths for graduates is music production and engineering. With expertise in recording techniques, sound design, and proficiency in industry-standard software and hardware, graduates can pursue roles as music producers, recording engineers, mixing engineers, or mastering engineers. They work in recording studios, production houses, or as freelancers, contributing to the creation of music across various genres.

Sound Design for Media: Graduates proficient in audio production find opportunities in sound design for media. They can work in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries, creating and manipulating audio elements to enhance storytelling and immersive experiences. Roles include sound designers, Foley artists, or audio post-production specialists.

Music Technology Development: For those interested in the technical aspects, a BA in Music and Audio Production equips graduates to work in music technology development. They can become software developers, hardware engineers, or product managers for companies producing audio equipment, digital audio workstations, or music software.

Live Sound Engineering: Another career avenue is live sound engineering. Graduates can work as live sound engineers for concerts, festivals, or events, managing sound systems, mixing live performances, and ensuring high-quality sound experiences for audiences.

Entrepreneurship and Freelancing: Some graduates opt for entrepreneurship, establishing their own recording studios, production companies, or freelance ventures. With a solid understanding of the business aspects of the music industry gained during their studies, they can successfully navigate the competitive market.