Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Music and Sound Production

Master audio engineering with the latest tech in cutting-edge studios. Explore how technology is revolutionising music, create your own tools, and harness AI creatively. Prepare for an exciting career in the music and technology industries.

Our typical offer

96 UCAS points

Become a professional and effective audio engineer

Master professional audio software; build innovative and creative tools and develop your own software.

Start from the beginning

No prior musical training or technical expertise is necessary to undertake this course, just enthusiasm and new ideas!

Explore how music technologies can change and enrich lives

Learn how to apply your advanced knowledge to enable people with severe disabilities to interact with a computer.
BSc (Hons) Music and Sound Production
About Details Experience Careers Fees and funding Apply Register for open day

About

  • HJoin this course from September 2026

Studying Music and Sound Production at the University of Plymouth is where innovation meets inspiration. Our Music and Sound Production course blends creativity with industry-leading technology, empowering you to explore, innovate, and prepare for a dynamic career in music, audio technology, media and beyond. Offering hands-on experience and professional mentoring from industry leaders, as well as a vibrant social community of staff and students.

Ben PayneMr Ben Payne
Programme Leader

SSL Origin 32 recording consol

This course is for you if...

you want to express your creativity with hands-on software and music technology skills
Music technology
you're interested in learning a wide range of skills including recording, mixing, mastering, acoustics, digital audio workstations, audio processing, sound synthesis, and sampling whilst using the very latest technologies in the industry
Microphone
you aspire to work in the music and sound production industry
Lights on a stage
you're passionate about music and performing arts
music note

Details

Year 1

Encounter modern music technology and develop the fundamental technical skills required to work effectively and creatively with music and audio in the digital and acoustic domains.
Audio and Music Technology students prepare for musicians stage performance in The House, University of Plymouth.

Year 2

Transition from using existing audio and music technologies to learning how to develop and deploy your own. Engage with industry briefs and work as technical experts with musicians in the recording studio. Build your own digital instruments and software applications, and learn how to make hardware and software interfaces.
Recording studio in Roland Levinsky Building

Final year

Follow your passion: plan and develop a project that explores an area of computing, audio, and music technology that you choose. Practice advanced skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, audio signal processing, assistive music technology and create devices that can change and enrich lives.
BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Technology students doing sound production at The House.
 
 
 
 
 
 

JAMES accreditation logo
Accredited by JAMES
This course is accredited by JAMES representing APRS, MPG and associate industry bodies.

Experience

 

Learn hands-on music technology skills using the very latest technologies in the industry

You will learn hands-on software and music technology skills and apply them to express your creativity.
Study recording, mixing, mastering, acoustics, digital audio workstations, audio processing, sound synthesis, and sampling whilst using the very latest technologies in the industry.

I really enjoyed the cross functionality of the audio department. Being able to work as a musician, producer, composer and programmer with musicians, researchers, technologists and even film students was a true delight. It’s made me more comfortable communicating at work and proficient in understanding the needs of our customer bases.

Harriet Drury, graduate

Recording studio in Scott Building - used for music and sound production
Music and sound facilities
You will have access to a range of professional recording and performance spaces, as well as a wide range of industry-standard and specialised audio equipment.
Band playing live music at The House
The House
Put your skills into practice by helping with performances at The House, a state-of-the-art performing arts centre, offering world-class facilities.
Professor Eduardo Miranda -  ICCMR
Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)
Work with world-leading experts in the ICCMR.
@plymouth_uni_music

Curious about studying a music course at Plymouth? Check out our Instagram to see what our students are up to. Follow us and stay connected.
 
 
 

Work with world-leading experts

This course is taught out of the University of Plymouth's Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) .
Working on projects with industry partners such as the BBC R&D, Grey London, Rigetti Computing, Bauer Media, and CereProc, ICCMR was recognised as world-leading by the UK Government's last assessment of research quality. Each year, students are invited to exhibit their work at the ICCMR's Contemporary Music Festival.
Mr Ben Payne Teaching Fellow (Audio & Music Technology)


Teaching Fellow (Audio & Music Technology)

Programme Leader
Dr Nuria Bonet Lecturer in Music


Lecturer in Music

Dr Alexis Kirke Senior Research Fellow


Senior Research Fellow

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Working at Shearwater Studios has been an excellent experience for me in terms of gaining exposure to my desired industry and developing my skillsets. I’ve had the pleasure of serving my second internship with them, the first time as a Marketing Intern and now as an Assistant Engineer and Marketing Liaison.

Dzafran, graduate

Student Dzafran working in a recording studio. He is looking at a screen with a sound board in front of him. Dzafran and Joe, Shearwater Studios
 
 
This course provides you with a range of opportunities to graduate with a diverse portfolio of practical work giving you an edge in a competitive job market. Gain invaluable professional experience through internships, enhancing your employability and industry connections.
BSc (Hons) Music and Sound Production will open a wide range of career choices. You could look at channelling your creativity by pursuing a career in performing, composition (song writing and/or sound design for film or gaming) or working as a music producer or professional DJ. If creating music doesn’t appeal to you so much, you could consider other roles within the music industry such as artist management, A&R (responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists), promotion and booking, managing a music venue, producing music festivals or working as a music journalist. Additional media related roles include radio presenting, marketing and arts administration.
  • ]

    95% of our music graduates are in work or further study

  • >

    91% of our music graduates said their current activity is meaningful

  • [

    79% of our music graduates utilised skills they learnt during their studies in their current activity

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 Data displayed is for BA (Hons) Music.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
N/A per year
Part-time study
N/A per credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
N/A per year
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
96 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A levels
96 points.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
Distinction, Merit, Merit in any subject.
Candidates can be interviewed before an offer is made. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.

All Access courses
Candidates can be interviewed before an offer is made. Pass an Access to HE Diploma in any subject, including GCSE English and Maths grade 4 or above or equivalent with at least 33 credits at Merit/Distinction.

T level
Merit in any subject.

International Baccalaureate
26-30 overall to include 4 at in any subjects at Higher Level.
English accepted within Higher Level = 4+ (A1) or 5 (A2/B) Standard
Level = 5+ (A1) or 6 (A2/B)
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.

Welsh, Scottish and Irish qualifications
Welsh Baccalaureate: Accept as add on points; in addition to 2 A levels.
Scottish Qualifications Authority: 104-120 points
Irish Leaving Certificate: Obtain H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 - H3 H3 H4 H4 H4 (all at Higher level)

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
J397
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
    Our typical offer
    96 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    J397
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.