BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production at BIMM University is a cutting-edge three-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for aspiring electronic music artists, producers, remixers, programmers, and sound designers. Offered across BIMM's vibrant campuses in the UK (Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, London, Manchester) and Berlin, Germany, this program delves deeply into the digital craftsmanship that defines today's electronic music landscape. Students gain profound technical expertise in areas such as processing, sampling, synthesis, sound design, mixing, and mastering, while simultaneously cultivating their creative and critical thinking to define their unique artistic identity. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with state-of-the-art, industry-standard equipment and software, guided by expert lecturers who are active and successful producers in the industry. This practical, industry-aligned approach prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers within the ever-evolving electronic music, media composition, sound design, and game audio industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production is meticulously structured across three years (Levels 4, 5, and 6) to build comprehensive skills in electronic music creation and production. In the first year, foundational modules include "The Creative Industries & You," "Audio Capture Methods & Equipment," "Creative Music Programming," "Sample Based Production," "Applied Synthesis," "Composition Toolkit For Producers," and "Multitrack Mixing." These modules establish core knowledge in digital audio workstations (DAWs), synthesis, sampling, and fundamental production techniques. The second year progresses with modules such as "Defining Your Practice in Context," "Creative Production Techniques," "Synthesis & Sampling," "Exploring Practice Through Collaboration," and "Digital Composition in Context," alongside three optional modules allowing for specialisation. The final year culminates in a significant "Final Project," "Concept Led Practical Production," and a "Professional Portfolio," complemented by four additional optional modules. These optional modules allow students to refine their career direction by choosing from areas like "Game Sound & Music," "Electroacoustic Composition," and "Audio Post Production," ensuring a highly tailored learning experience.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production program at BIMM University is predominantly practice-based, it integrates a crucial element of research and critical inquiry to foster intellectually curious and innovative electronic music producers. Modules like "The Creative Industries & You" and the "Final Project" encourage students to develop investigative skills, exploring underlying concepts and principles relevant to electronic music production. This involves researching the history and evolution of electronic music genres, the theoretical underpinnings of sound design, the impact of technology on musical creation, and the analysis of iconic electronic music artists' techniques. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate sources and consider issues such as potential biases and cultural diversity within the electronic music scene. This focus on research empowers graduates to develop an enhanced awareness of their creative identity, gain deeper insight into the topics that inspire them, and approach their production work with a strong, informed, and innovative methodology.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production program at BIMM University, providing unparalleled opportunities for real-world experience and professional networking. Students are taught by world-class lecturers who are themselves active and successful electronic music producers, DJs, and sound designers. BIMM boasts extensive connections within the electronic music industry, offering access to state-of-the-art industry-standard equipment and facilities. Students benefit from regular masterclasses and workshops featuring prominent electronic music artists and producers, gaining unique insights and direct networking opportunities. The curriculum fosters collaboration with students from other BIMM disciplines (e.g., performance, songwriting, music business), mirroring real-world industry dynamics. BIMM's dedicated Creative Futures team provides personalised careers guidance, connects students with job opportunities and internships, and helps them build a strong professional portfolio, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a sustainable career in the electronic music industry.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production program at BIMM University inherently fosters a profound global perspective, recognising the borderless nature and diverse global influences of electronic music. With campuses in major music cities across the UK and in Berlin, Germany, the program exposes students to vibrant international electronic music scenes and varied cultural approaches to production. The curriculum delves into global trends in electronic music genres, production techniques, and the international electronic music scene. BIMM's diverse student body, comprising individuals from numerous countries, creates a rich multicultural learning environment that encourages collaborative projects with diverse creative and musical perspectives. This global outlook prepares graduates to navigate international markets, collaborate with artists and professionals from around the world, and understand the universal appeal and technical demands of electronic music production in an interconnected global industry.