MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Sound (Production)
Newton Park
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Sound (Production) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with backgrounds in music technology, audio engineering, music performance, or related disciplines. It is structured to provide a thorough grounding in advanced audio production techniques, encompassing studio recording, mixing, mastering, live sound reinforcement, and location recording. Students are encouraged to develop their creative approach to sound and technical proficiency through hands-on projects and collaborations. A key element involves working in professional-grade recording studios and live sound environments, simulating real-world industry scenarios. The program culminates in a significant audio production project or portfolio that showcases the student's skills and artistic vision, preparing them for professional practice.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Sound (Production) program is designed to be both rigorous and relevant to contemporary industry practices. Core modules typically cover advanced recording techniques, multi-track mixing, mastering for various delivery platforms, live sound engineering principles and practice, critical listening skills, acoustics and psychoacoustics, and the business of audio. Students engage with industry-standard software and hardware, developing proficiency in digital audio workstations (DAWs), mixing consoles, microphones, and other audio equipment. The program emphasizes the creative and technical aspects of capturing and shaping sound, exploring different recording methodologies, mixing aesthetics, and mastering techniques. Collaborative projects with musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives within the university are often a key feature, providing valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork. The curriculum also explores emerging audio technologies and formats.
Research Focus: While the MA Sound (Production) program is primarily vocational and industry-oriented, it operates within the research-informed environment of Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing Arts and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises experienced audio engineers, producers, and researchers who bring their professional expertise and scholarly insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current research in audio technology, acoustics, music production, and the impact of sound on perception. Students may undertake research-based projects that explore specific recording techniques, mixing philosophies, or the evolution of audio production practices. The university's broader research strengths in areas such as musicology, composition, and digital creativity provide a stimulating intellectual context for the program.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the MA Sound (Production) program at Bath Spa University is its strong and proactive engagement with the professional audio and music industries. The program actively fosters connections with recording studios, post-production facilities, live sound companies, music venues, and audio equipment manufacturers through guest lectures, workshops, and potential internship opportunities. Students often have opportunities to network with industry practitioners and receive feedback on their work. The program's curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and workflows, ensuring that graduates possess the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in professional audio production roles. The culmination of the program often involves portfolio development and showcasing work to industry professionals.
Global Perspective: The MA Sound (Production) program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining audio production practices in various international music scenes and media industries. The curriculum may include the study of diverse recording techniques, mixing styles, and mastering approaches from around the world. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on sound. The program may also explore international industry standards and workflows, preparing graduates to work in a globalized audio production environment. Furthermore, the program may touch upon the impact of global music distribution and streaming on audio production aesthetics and practices.
Location
Newton Park
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17835
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the MA Sound (Production) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly refined and versatile skillset, positioning them for a wide range of exciting and in-demand careers within the audio and music industries. The program's comprehensive training, blending artistic creativity with technical mastery and industry awareness, equips graduates to shape the sonic landscape of various media and musical genres.
Music Producer: Overseeing all aspects of music recording projects, from pre-production to final master, working with artists to achieve their creative vision.
Recording Engineer: Capturing high-quality audio in studio environments for music albums, film scores, and other media, utilizing advanced microphone techniques and recording technologies.
Mixing Engineer: Combining and balancing multiple audio tracks to create a cohesive and impactful final mix for music releases, film soundtracks, and broadcast.
Mastering Engineer: Applying the final polish to audio recordings, optimizing the sonic characteristics for playback across various platforms and ensuring industry-standard loudness and quality.
Live Sound Engineer: Managing the audio for live music performances, ensuring clear and balanced sound for both the audience and the performers.
Post-Production Audio Engineer: Working on the audio for film, television, and other visual media, including dialogue editing, sound effects mixing, and music integration.
Audio Restoration Engineer: Preserving and enhancing historical or damaged audio recordings using specialized software and techniques.
Audio for Games Engineer: Creating and implementing sound effects, music, and dialogue for video games, often involving interactive audio design.
Acoustic Consultant: Designing and optimizing the acoustic properties of spaces such as recording studios, concert halls, and home theaters.
Freelance Audio Engineer/Producer: Building a portfolio of diverse audio projects across various genres and media, offering their skills on a contract basis.
