PETROC

FdA Music Production and Live Sound

Welcome to Petroc, one of the largest colleges in Devon, awarded 'Silver' from the Teaching Excellence Framework (July 2017) and rated 'Good with Outstanding Features' by Ofsted (November 2015). Petroc is the South West Regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Centre, recognised by the award of a Skills for Health Quality Mark, and plays a key part in the economic, cultural and social development of the county’s rural communities. We offer around 40 degree-level courses from foundation to BA (Hons) level across our three campus sites, making a 'degree on your doorstep' a possibility for hundreds of successful graduates to date.

We have strong links with local employers - so you can gain invaluable, hands-on experience during your degree-level studies. Based at our North Devon, Mid Devon, or at our dedicated University Centre at the Brannams campus, our award-winning courses offer small group sizes, workable and flexible study options, and represent outstanding value. And, when you’re ready to move on, you have a degree from the University of Plymouth – one of the top three modern universities in the UK, as ranked by the Sunday Times University Guide 2017. 

Visit our Petroc website to find out more, watch our course videos, read case studies of our successful alumni or apply directly for a guaranteed interview.

Course details

  • Year 1
  • Core modules

    • PETR1071 Research & Context

      This module is designed to enable students to gain knowledge of theory and principles relating to their area of study and transferable skills necessary to support an emerging professional practice. The application of that knowledge will embrace written responses and portfolio building (PDP). Within which the students demonstrate an appropriate awareness of their subject sector, its contemporary and traditional practice, employability and entrepreneurial requirements.

    • PETR1072 Live Sound Engineering

      This module introduces the student to a broad spectrum of skills and techniques necessary for the development of a professional live sound engineer. This module focuses on teaching each student the technical requirements behind setting up, rigging, and successful operation of sound reinforcement equipment for a live music performance. Alongside this, students will engage with problem solving, fault finding and repair techniques required in live sound engineering.

    • PETR1074 Computer Music

      Within this module students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques available to them with the view of creating a portfolio of computer music compositions. Students will look at how computer music has had an impact of contemporary music production and how music they create on computer fits within commercial markets. Students will be encouraged to research how computer music is used within varying genres and put theory to practice within their own musical ideas.

    • PETR1075 Mixing & Mastering

      This module looks at the study of music and audio production techniques relating to commercial trends and current technologies within the mixing and mastering processes. This modules' core focus is to give learners a view into the contemporary mixing and mastering practices that go into record production. Learners will study and apply the professional tools and techniques available to them to create industry standard commercial mixes and masters.

  • Year 2
  • Core modules

    • PETR1070 Music Business

      This module concentrates on organisations involved in regulating the music business, safeguarding intellectual property and royalty collection. Lectures will introduce contract law, copyright issues, developments with music promotion/distribution through traditional means and the Internet, also entrepreneurial/freelance aspects of employment in the music industry.

    • PETR1073 Recording Studio Engineering

      This module introduces the student to a broad spectrum of skills and techniques necessary for the development of a professional recording engineer. This module focuses on teaching each student the technical requirements behind setting up, signal checking, and successful operation of advanced recording equipment. Students will operate within a professional recording studio environment with the view to confidently create a multitrack studio recording.

    • PETR2081 Live Sound Recording & Practice

      This module continues the study of Live Sound from PETR1072 Live Sound Engineering to the roles and professional applications necessary to operate full-scale professional live sound public-address systems. Students will reinforce previous knowledge and progress their skills to the heights required within the Live Sound industry developing new skills and techniques along the way such as live sound recording.

    • PETR2083 Sampling & Synthesis

      This module will continue topics previous taught within PETR1074 Computer Music. Students will develop a comprehensive study of the tools and techniques behind computer music production, with a specific focus on Sampling and Synthesis. Students will develop a range of well-established and advanced techniques and practices with a view to developing their own Sampler instruments and Software Synthesisers.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with PETROC

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Studying with Petroc

With main campuses in Barnstaple, Tiverton and Brannams, if you decide to study at the combined college, you’ll be able to take advantage of increased resources and the plethora of learning opportunities associated with them.

Find out more about studying at Petroc