Foundation Degree in Popular Music Technology

About this course

Is the course right for me?
Do you enjoy composing and recording your own music? Have you considered making a career out of it? If you are looking for a dynamic and engaging learning experience then look no further! Our Foundation Degree in Music Technology is an innovative course, designed and delivered in partnership with Glamorgan University and Roland, one of the most influential music companies in the world. These strong industry links give you the best head start as a music professional and will equip you with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to develop a career in live or recorded music production. 

What makes WCT the best?
At WCT, our Music Technology facilities are amongst the best in the country. We boast industry standard equipment, purposely-designed rooms including an Analog studio, digital studio, live recording room, FM radio station and live performance area. We also have a front of house mixing environment, three practice rooms, a dedicated Music study centre & an audio production suite. We continually update our technologies and facilities to meet the changing needs of the industry 

We organise professional tutorials, weekly guest speakers and local work experience opportunities to give you a working insight into different sectors of the industry. You will also have the opportunity to participate in live events and radio broadcasts at Youthcomm, our very own commercial radio station.

How will I learn?
Our course offers a full-time programme of study lasting two years. We offer an exciting and varied programme that covers subject areas as diverse as Electronics and Freelancing!

What will I be doing?
You will learn about the relevance and importance of computer based music, sound creation and manipulation, audio editing and arrangement techniques.

You will create, compose, edit and record music for a wide range of applications, develop your media and video production skills and gain experience of studio and computer based recording techniques.

In your first year, you will study the following modules:

 Music Technology – explore the creative use of music software for composition, recording, sound design and sequencing
Radio Production - develop practical production skills such as location recording, interviewing, presenting, studio operation and programme planning
Electronics for Music and Media –  an overview of the key engineering-based technical skills required for a career in the music and media industry.
Working as a Freelance Musician- examine the creative and theoretical factors of working freelance in the music industry.
Study Skills- gain an academic underpinning to your practical units with a range of research and written skills
Creative Industries Practical – work on projects set by a relative creative industry and further develop your practical skills.

In your second year, you will study the following modules:

Studio Operation and Production - Ddvelop an understanding of the recording and mixing processes used within large commercial and smaller home recording studios.
Live Sound Engineering- work with large scale Public Address systems and touring performers.
Music Industry Practice – gain an overview of how the music industry functions and learn about contract and intellectual property rights, record labels, music industry structures, studio management and professional bodies.
Creative Industries Work Related Experience – build on your skills, knowledge and experience by undertaking a period of supervised work in a relevant industry.

For further information, please contact Paul Joyner at the Faculty of Academic, Creative and Technical Studies:

Tel. 01905 725716
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Entry requirements

You will need one of the following to apply for the course:

• A BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology or a related subject.
• One A Level (A2) in an appropriate subject with evidence that other subjects have been studied at an equivalent level
• Mature students will be considered on the basis of previous qualifications or industry experience equivalent to the above qualifications

After applying, you will be invited to attend an interview where you will complete an audition and written exercise.

Assessment

You will be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the course through assignment-based work. You will be issued with an ‘assignment deadline sequence’ at the start of the academic year followed by assignment briefs at specific points. Assignments contain tasks (both written and practical), all of which must be passed to achieve the qualification. Grading is in line with the standard HE system.

What next?

Many students choose to complete their full degree by enrolling on a third year (‘top-up’ option) at Glamorgan University or any other university that offers relevant progression.

After finishing the course, you could begin a career in Sound Engineering, Music Production or any other aspect of the audio/media industry. The roles you could take on vary from Live Sound Engineer, Recording Engineer, Producer or Sound Designer to Music Industry Manager, Marketing Officer and Promotional Assistant. There will also be other opportunities open to you in Education and Training, Audio Manufacturing and Sales.

 Jobs in the creative industries can be difficult to obtain without determination and persistence. It may be worth considering unpaid work experience to promote yourself in the early stages of your career. 

end

For help applying call 01905 743456