Location

Farnham

Start date

Sept 2026, Sept 2027

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS logo

UCAS codes

Course: W302
Institution: C93

+1

Placement year

Optional extra year of study

Entry requirements

Check qualifications

Tuition fees

Music & Sound Production at UCA

Produce music. Design sound. Launch your career from industry-standard studios on our BA (Hons) Music & Sound Production degree course.

Industry-standard from day one

You'll work in a real recording studio with industry-standard kit: mics, outboard equipment, and an ever-growing collection of instruments. Alongside this sits a 7.1.2 surround sound dubbing suite, a Foley and sound design room, dedicated editing suites, and live performance venues – all the spaces you'll work in professionally.

Taught by live practitioners

Your tutors produce records, run labels, compose for screen, perform live, and publish research. They collaborate in creative collectives, modelling the working relationships you'll build throughout your career. This means the curriculum stays current, adapting to the latest developments in a fast-moving industry, so your skills stay razor sharp and fit for purpose.

A campus full of creatives

At UCA Farnham, you're surrounded by filmmakers, animators, actors, and game designers – all of them need sound for their projects. You're not on the edges of a creative community here, you’re right in the middle of it – which means you’ll develop the kind of experiences and portfolios that few students have the chance to.

Broad by design

We’ve developed this course to be intentionally broad, to reflect the diverse careers that come out of it. Write and produce your own music, engineer and mix for others, design sound for screen, code software instruments, or launch a label – the choice is well and truly yours.

Accreditations, partners and industry connections

British Film Institute logo

British Film Institute (BFI)

The BFI is a charity and the UK’s leading organisation for film and moving image. It promotes and supports British film from newcomers to established makers, and cares for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive.

ARRI Certified Film School logo

ARRI

ARRI is a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film, broadcast, and media industries. The ARRI Certified Film School accreditation is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous standards of technical excellence, creative education, and professional development.

National Theatre Logo

National Theatre

The National Theatre has been sharing unforgettable stories for more than 50 years. In its role as the leader of theatre in the UK, it works tirelessly to bring theatre to audiences around the world and encourages the art of theatre through commissioned work, learning programmes and strategic partnerships.

Shakespere's Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is a world-renowned theatre, education centre, and cultural landmark. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity, and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.

Royal Academy of Music logo

Royal Academy of Music

The Royal Academy of Music moves music forward by inspiring successive generations of musicians to connect, collaborate and create. They are a meeting point between the traditions of the past and the talent of the future, seeking out and supporting the musicians of today whose music will move the world tomorrow.

What you'll study

The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.

Audio Culture: 30 credits
Audio Culture introduces you to the critical study of music through listening, analysis and research. The module develops foundational skills in analysing recorded music across a range of genres, styles and historical contexts, focusing on how musical elements, production techniques and musical function contribute to stylistic conventions. You will explore the ways in which music is shaped by social, cultural, political and technological influences, with particular attention to the role of digital media in creative practice. Through critical listening and writing, this module establishes essential analytical and academic skills that underpin creative development, future study and professional practice in music production.

Career Catalyst: Skills & Capability: 30 credits
This production toolkit module develops your creative, technical and digital fluency through hands-on experimentation, problem-solving and discipline-specific workshops in music production. You will build core skills in digital audio workstations, including composing, editing, arranging and recording with MIDI and audio, alongside essential studio practices such as microphone techniques, signal flow and session management. The module emphasises effective workflows, critical listening, production of original work and creating inclusive and safe production environments.

Applied Production: 30 credits
Applied Production develops your creative and technical skills through sustained, practice-based engagement with music production in studio and digital environments. The module focuses on the application of mixing and synthesis techniques within genre-informed and collaborative production contexts. You will work with multitrack recordings, digital audio workstations and sound design tools while exploring established conventions and contemporary practices in music production. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, collaboration, project management and reflective evaluation, enabling you to justify creative and technical decisions in relation to artistic intent, ethical considerations and professional practice.

Individual Project: 30 credits
This sound for stage module develops your ability to conceive, shape and realise individually led work for live and real-time sound contexts. Through practical workshops and self-directed experimentation, you will explore performance formats such as DJing, optimising computer-based productions for live performance, sound art and/or solo instrumental performance. You will gain experience with relevant technologies, including DJ equipment, performance software and controllers, and PA systems, while considering how sound functions in relation to audience, space and context. Emphasis is placed on creative experimentation and reflective practice, enabling you to articulate why particular performance approaches, technologies and formats are appropriate to your chosen project.

Sound for Screen: 30 credits
This module develops your technical and creative skills in post-production sound for film, animation and other media. You will design, edit and mix audio elements – including Foley, sound effects, ambience and music – to enhance narrative, emotion and audience experience. The unit emphasises industry- standard workflows, efficient audio production and reflective practice, giving you the skills to plan, organise and execute complex audio projects from start to finish, both independently and through collaboration.

Career Catalyst: Communities & Influence: 30 credits
This software instruments module introduces you to the design and development of custom music software through collaborative, practice-led exploration. Working in small teams, you will prototype and develop a functional software instrument shaped by the needs of an identified user community. The module emphasises experimentation, problem-solving and iterative development, alongside consideration of usability, accessibility and sustainability. Through this process, you will gain insight into coding for sound and the role of collaborative, open and community-driven approaches in software-based music making.

Music Industries: 30 credits
This module introduces you to the structures, roles and operating practices of the contemporary music and media industries. Through research, collaboration and industry-facing simulations, you will explore how music is created, distributed, monetised and promoted within global professional contexts. The module develops your understanding of industry ecosystems, professional roles and ethical considerations, while building confidence in communication, teamwork and problem-solving through applied, real-world scenarios.

Collaborative Project: 30 credits
This album launch module develops your ability to work effectively within a music production team through the collaborative planning, creation and delivery of a substantial group project. Working in negotiated roles, you will contribute to the writing, recording, production and release of original music, applying both foundational and advanced production skills developed across the course so far. The project culminates in a public-facing outcome, such as a recorded release supported by a live performance or showcase event.

If you opt to complete a professional practice year, this will take place in year three. You will undertake a placement within the creative industries to further develop your skills and CV.

While on your Professional Practice Year, you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee for that year. This fee will be determined using government funding regulations. Based on current regulations, we expect this to be a maximum of 20% of the tuition fee rate that you are charged for your second year of study. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during this year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this as you approach your Professional Practice Year.

Please note: If you are an international applicant, you will need to enrol onto the course ‘with Professional Practice Year’. It will not be possible to transfer onto the Professional Practice Year after enrolment

Creative Research: 30 credits
In this module you will undertake an extended, self-directed research project, grounded in academic rigour and critical inquiry, into music discourse. You will identify and investigate a clearly defined research question or theme relevant to your discipline and interests, drawing on appropriate academic literature and resources. Through structured research planning, critical analysis and evaluation, you will develop a coherent argument that situates your work within existing music research discourse. The module emphasises independent working, ethical research practice and critical engagement with sources, supporting you to communicate your findings clearly and professionally through a sustained written submission aligned with academic conventions.

Career Catalyst: Futures & Direction: 30 credits
This music business module develops your professional identity and prepares you to engage effectively with the music and creative industries. You will create a professional portfolio or dossier that articulates your skills, creative identity and career intentions, while exploring the practical materials required to present yourself to collaborators, employers and audiences. Through applied practice, you will plan short, medium, and long-term career strategies across freelance, portfolio, entrepreneurial and employed pathways, while developing project management, self-promotion and professional communication skills. Reflection on your strengths, working practices and areas for development will help you consolidate professional readiness, making informed decisions about how to position yourself in contemporary music practice.

Major Project: 60 credits
In this culminating final major project module, you will undertake an ambitious, self-directed creative project that synthesises the knowledge, skills and approaches developed throughout your studies. You will produce an extended body of work, such as a 30-minute album, experimental sound project or curated portfolio, alongside supporting documentation, presentation materials and a reflective analysis. This module emphasises planning, organisation and professional execution, requiring you to develop a project timeline, manage resources and meet self-defined milestones. You will apply advanced creative, technical, and disciplinary methods while engaging critically with theoretical, contextual and interdisciplinary perspectives. Reflection on your creative process, decision-making and outcomes will support the consolidation of professional skills, ethical and sustainable practice, and the articulation of your creative identity within the broader music and creative industries.

This course is designed to offer you (if eligible) the opportunity to study part of your degree aboard at a UCA partner university, while still earning credits towards your UCA degree.

For more information please visit the Study Abroad section

Year one

  • Independent study: 72%
  • Scheduled teaching: 28%
  • Maximum percentage of scheduled delivered online: 20%

Year two

  • Independent study: 74%
  • Scheduled teaching: 26%
  • Maximum percentage of scheduled delivered online: 20%

Year three

  • Independent study: 76%
  • Scheduled teaching: 24%
  • Maximum percentage of scheduled delivered online: 20%

Professional placement or International year (if undertaken)

  • Independent study: 98%
  • Scheduled teaching: 2%
  • Maximum percentage of scheduled delivered online: 100%

Please note: these details are for 2026 entry and could be subject to change for other years of entry.

Course specifications

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

Explore our gradshows

Each year, we’re privileged to be able to share our graduates’ incredible work with the world. And now’s your chance to take a look.

Visit the online showcase

Upcoming webinars

We offer a range of webinars throughout the year that you may be interested in.

You can also view recordings of all previous sessions through the UCA webinar archive.


Fees & financial support

Tuition fees - 2026/27

  • BA course: £9,790

If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee, for 2026/27 this is £1,955. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this.

Government guidance indicates that tuition‑fee caps will rise annually with inflation from 2026, subject to legislation, so tuition fees are likely to increase each year of study. 

Tuition fees - 2026/27

If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee, for 2026/27 this is £1,955. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this.

Government guidance indicates that tuition‑fee caps will rise annually with inflation from 2026, subject to legislation, so tuition fees are likely to increase each year of study. 

Tuition fees - 2026/27

  • BA course: £18,000

If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2026 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,490. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this.

The fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only, for details of previous years please see the full fee schedules.

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of scholarships and fee discounts available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our financial support information.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. Please see the Additional Course Costs section of the Course Information Documents for more details of the costs you may incur.

Find out what's included in your tuition fees.

Music Production careers

Graduates of this course can expect to continue in their career within a variety of different roles. These include:

  • Sound engineer
  • Music and audio technician
  • Technical support specialist
  • Audio producer
  • Music and sound design technician
  • Technical producer
  • Studio engineer

You may also like to consider further study at postgraduate level.

We will help you find the correct course for you and support you in your application should further study be for you.

Recording Studio, UCA Farnham

What’s it like being a student at UCA?

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A day in the life of a Music student

Second year student, Clayton De Haan, tells us that there is no such thing as an average day on his course.

Read Clayton's story

Music & Sound Production entry requirements

For this course we will need to see your portfolio of musical work for this course, please see the portfolio requirements section for more details.

 

Select your country to find the equivalent requirements

Portfolio requirements

For this course we will need to see a portfolio.

  • UK applicants: We will invite you to attend an Applicant Day so you can have your portfolio review in person.
  • International applicants: We will ask you to submit an online portfolio. 

Your portfolio should comprise up to five examples of original produced music or sound design. Please include work you are most proud of and that demonstrates your musical and sonic interests to the best of your abilities. It could include a collection of produced beats, a video of a performance, the music to a short film, a piece of sound design. In other words, it should represent you, your interests, and your process.

Please check our Music & Sound Production BA (Hons) portfolio requirements and read our advice on creating a strong music portfolio.

UCAS applicants should also check our UCAS personal statement guide for music applicants.

Full portfolio requirements and advice

Arusik Nanyan, BA Music Composition & Technology

What our Music students say

"I really enjoy the ability to be creative and make any of your ideas a reality. Here at UCA you are given all the assistance, equipment, time and space you need."
Arusik Nanyan

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UCAS codes

  • UCA institution code: C93
  • Three year degree: W302
  • Plus professional practice year: W303

BA (Hons) Music & Sound Production key statistics

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