BA (Hons)

Vocal Artistry & Music Production

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BA (Hons)
Undergraduate - Level 4,5 & 6

Vocal Artistry & Music Production

Online
Locations
Bristol / Manchester
Start Date
September 2026
Course Length
3 Years
Attendance
Full-Time
UCAS Codes
W466 / W467

Why choose this course

Personalised vocal training and artistic development

Master your vocal performance with one-to-one coaching, exploring genre, style and technique while building confidence as a live performer.

Performance meets production

Combine live performance with hands-on music production, learning to create, arrange, and record your music

Experience and collaboration

Work alongside producers, songwriters, DJs and sound specialists on creative projects, with opportunities for live gigs, industry masterclasses and tailored optional modules.

Key Information
  • Where can I study?
    Bristol / Manchester
  • Start Date
    September 2026
  • Study Modes
    Full-Time
  • Course Length
    3 Years
  • UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
    £9,535
BA (Hons) Vocal Artistry & Music Production

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Vocal Artistry & Music Production course supports artists to develop a distinctive vocal identity and gain the technical skills to take creative control of their sound. Whether you're focused on live performance, studio work, vocal arranging, or genre-blending experimentation, you'll grow as a confident, self-sufficient artist.

You’ll receive tailored one-to-one vocal tuition that reflects your style, from electronic and experimental music to pop, rock, and rap. The course flexes to suit both focused and hybrid creative directions.

You’ll explore the full spectrum of production, from DIY workflows to high-end studio sessions and collaborations with producers and engineers. Technical fluency leads to creative autonomy, enabling you to shape, produce, and release your own work or collaborate on others’ projects.

You can deepen your focus or broaden your skills by exploring songwriting, commercial and experimental practices, performance technologies, or immersive audio. You’ll also have the chance to explore teaching, wellbeing, or music industry management. The course supports specialism and versatility, preparing you for a dynamic and evolving music career.

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This course is delivered at dBs Institute. Taught and awarded by Access Creative College

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Module Details

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in music production, vocal technique, and contemporary performance. You’ll learn essential skills in studio work, mixing, and stage presence while beginning to define your own artistic style. One-to-one vocal tuition supports your technical development, while modules in studio craft and performance help you bridge the gap between live and recorded expression.

Core Modules

Industry Foundations

Explore the music, sound and events industries while developing the creative, collaborative, and professional skills needed to build a sustainable career in your chosen field.

Music Production

Build foundational skills in digital music production using industry-standard software, while exploring diverse creative approaches that reflect your identity and artistic direction.

Vocal Fundamentals

This module develops core vocal skills, theory and performance through group work and personalised one-to-one coaching. Whether you’re into jazz, pop, rapping, R&B, or something in between, your sessions support relevant, personal creative growth.

Mixing

This module builds creative and technical mixing skills, exploring tools, workflows, and techniques to gain the confidence and insight to make informed, artistic decisions in a professional mix environment.

Creative Performance Techniques

Develop your ensemble performance skills through collaborative rehearsal, creative experimentation, live performance and an exploration of new techniques. Develop your stage presence, musicianship and confidence through hands-on rehearsals and live performance opportunities in real venues.

Studio Craft for Musicians

Build your confidence in the studio as you develop skills in recording techniques, mic placement, session prep, and performance. In this hands-on module, you’ll collaborate with producers, engineers, and musicians to shape and refine your sound.

In Year 2, you’ll explore more advanced production tools, develop your vocal artistry, and begin to define your creative identity and brand. You’ll refine your technical skills and broaden your stylistic palette through optional modules in advanced production, songwriting, and performance technologies. Collaboration and research become central as you prepare for independent work in your final year.

Core Modules

Industry Practice

Building on Industry Foundations, this module focuses on professional development, including valuing your work and developing an understanding of contracts, rights management, and how to generate sustainable income long-term.

Creative Technical Development

Advance your creative and technical abilities as a contemporary performer or vocalist as you explore new performance techniques, technologies and stylistic approaches.

Creative Research Practice

Explore how research can inform and expand your work as an artist. You’ll investigate areas that inspire your practice, from music culture to genre, technology or technique, while developing skills in critical thinking, project planning and reflective analysis that will support your final year portfolio and innovation work.

Performance, Persona & Stagecraft

Develop your live performance skills and artistic identity by exploring repertoire, staging, and style. Through workshops and showcases, you’ll build confidence, stage presence, and deliver compelling, authentic performances.

Option Modules

Advanced Music Production

This module builds on the Music Production module, further refining your creative and technical approach to music production and experimenting with unconventional creative approaches. You will explore advanced techniques in composition, arrangement, sound design, synthesis, and audio processing.

Composition & Arrangement

Develop your skills in songwriting, composition, and arrangement, exploring melody, harmony, and lyrical structure. Collaborate with peers to craft expressive, genre-spanning music that enhances storytelling and showcases your artistic voice.

Hardware Production

Explore hardware-based music production tools and setups, including synthesisers, drum machines, samplers, modular systems, guitar pedals, vocal processors, and drum triggers, developing a hands-on approach to sound creation and production.

Integrative Performance Technologies

Explore how tools like loop stations, vocal processors, MIDI controllers, and reactive visuals can enhance live performance. You’ll experiment with tech that suits your style, designing bold, expressive shows that reflect your artistic goals and push the boundaries of what live performance can be.

Commercial Music Creation

Create music for commercial use, learning the professional requirements for sync licensing, branded content and production libraries and exploring the roles of producers, songwriters, composers, and writers in different contexts.

Marketing & Promotion

Explore the principles, tools and strategies of marketing and promotion within the music industry, including social media, digital distribution, content creation, how to communicate your message and build a presence.

Immersive Audio

Discover the creative world of immersive audio, focusing on mixing and mastering in Dolby Atmos. Explore core principles of immersive sound, including object-based mixing, multichannel signal flow and spatial processing.

Your final year is all about realising your artistic vision and preparing for life after graduation. You’ll undertake two major self-directed projects: one focused on developing an industry-ready portfolio that showcases your skills, professionalism, and creative identity, and another that explores an area of innovative practice, allowing you to push boundaries, test new ideas, or experiment with emerging technologies.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore optional modules in areas such as education and wellbeing, music industry management, or collaborative practice. Throughout the year, you’ll refine advanced creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills, positioning yourself as a multi-skilled, forward-thinking music professional ready to enter and influence the industry. A research-led module in sound cultures encourages deeper reflection on the social, cultural, or political context of your work and its place in the wider music landscape. Optional modules are subject to availability.

Core Modules

Innovation: Exploration

This is the beginning of your final-year innovation journey where you will challenge the conventions of your creative discipline and build on the technical, creative and research skills developed throughout your degree.

Industry Portfolio Development

Plan, shape and build a professional portfolio that reflects your creative identity, strengths, and long-term goals, researching professional expectations, exploring formats and creating a strategy tailored to your sector.

Innovation: Realisation

Realise the work completed during the Innovation: Exploration module, bringing together your technical, creative, and research skills and taking your initial idea through to a completed outcome.

Industry Portfolio Delivery

Building on the Industry Portfolio Development module, you will finalise a body of work that aligns with your professional goals and presents your skills clearly to your intended audience.

Sound Cultures

This module invites you to critically explore the cultural, social, and political dimensions of sound and music, applying research methodologies explored in Creative Research Practice.

Option Modules

Music Education & Wellbeing Practice

Investigate how music can be used in educational, therapeutic and community settings as you explore its role in supporting learning, wellbeing and social connection.

Signature System Design

Create a personalised technical system that supports your creative and professional trajectory, such as a custom production workflow, a sample instrument, an audio plug-in or a seamless live rig for performance.

Management & Leadership in the Music Industry

This module will build your confidence, knowledge and adaptability to succeed in complex industry environments; equipping you with the professional skills needed to lead, manage and innovate in the industry.

Collaborative Creative Practice

Design, develop and deliver an original creative project in collaboration with others. You will refine your creative identity while you contribute to a shared artistic vision

How you’ll learn

Learning is hands-on and experience-led. You’ll spend time in studios, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces, developing your skills through practical workshops, production sessions, and one-to-one tutorials.

Instrumental tuition is central to your experience, offering personalised support to help you grow as a vocalist and creative artist. This is complemented by group sessions in musicianship, vocal technique, performance skills, and production workflows, helping you build confidence, versatility, and technical fluency.

You’ll collaborate with students across other music degrees, working on cross-disciplinary projects with producers, musicians, songwriters, DJs, and composers that reflect how the music industry operates. As part of the wider dBs creative community, you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in student-led performances and events, working with event managers and live sound students to bring your music to life in real-world settings. These experiences are optional but highly encouraged and can be a valuable part of building your confidence, network, and portfolio.

Ongoing feedback from tutors and peers supports your growth, with a strong emphasis on experimentation, reflection, and shaping your own sound and artistic identity.

On average you should allow for between 40-50 hours per week for your studies, of which approximately 25% will be taught (c.10 hours) and 75% will be self-study.

How you’ll be assessed

  • Assessments are 100% coursework
  • Portfolio development of live performance, creative, practical and/or technical work.
  • Written assignments. 
  • Presentations.

Please note. Option modules are subject to availability and may change, depending on factors such as demand, staffing and timetabling. As part of our process of continuous improvement, we routinely review course content to ensure that all our students benefit from a high-quality and rewarding academic experience. As such, there may be some changes made to your course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on our website. Any students affected will be informed of any changes made directly.

Design your degree

With shared modules and cross-course collaboration, you can customise your studies to focus on your specialism or explore new creative disciplines, giving you the tools and freedom to shape your own creative direction.

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Flexible Module Options

Tailor your learning experience with a range of flexible module options including immersive audio, advanced music production, composition & arrangement, marketing & promotion, integrative performance technologies, music education & wellbeing practice and many more.

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Cross-Disciplinary Projects

Work alongside other students, specialising in production, performance, vocal artistry, composition, sound design and live sound engineering to reflect the professional environment of the music industry.

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Real-World Collaboration

Work on real-world briefs and develop a professional profile while you study via dBs Pro, our in-house creative studio, which works on commercial projects and hires interns from dBs to help bring them to life.

Got questions about
this course?

If you want to know more about the course, how to apply or what our graduates have gone on to achieve, our friendly admissions team is here to help.

Book a call with an admissions advisor
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Who's this course for?

We’re looking for passionate and dedicated vocalists who want to perform, produce, and grow creatively. You might already be writing and recording your own tracks, performing at gigs or open mics, or experimenting with vocal production and effects. Today’s vocal artists need to be confident with both their voice and the tools that shape it, and this course is designed to help you develop in both areas.

With personalised support for your vocal style and hands-on experience using professional production tools, you’ll build the creative and technical skills needed to thrive as a modern, self-sufficient artist.

Entry Requirements

96-112 UCAS Points

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 96-112 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential, you will be invited to an interview/audition, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your experience and suitability for the course. 

We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. If you do not hold the minimum entry requirements but can demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation you will be considered on an individual basis.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we accept a variety of English language tests and they are listed on Falmouth University's International Entry Requirements page. If you don’t yet meet our undergraduate degree entry requirements, our Access to HE Diplomas offer a flexible and tailored route to prepare you for higher education.

A dBs student records vocals in our flagship Plymouth studio

Course Details

Student singing

How You'll Learn

Learning is hands-on and experience-led. You’ll spend time in studios, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces, developing your skills through practical workshops, production sessions, and one-to-one tutorials.

Instrumental tuition is central to your experience, offering personalised support to help you grow as a vocalist and creative artist. This is complemented by group sessions in musicianship, vocal technique, performance skills, and production workflows, helping you build confidence, versatility, and technical fluency.

You’ll collaborate with students across other music degrees, working on cross-disciplinary projects with producers, musicians, songwriters, DJs, and composers that reflect how the music industry operates. As part of the wider dBs creative community, you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in student-led performances and events, working with event managers and live sound students to bring your music to life in real-world settings. These experiences are optional but highly encouraged and can be a valuable part of building your confidence, network, and portfolio.

Ongoing feedback from tutors and peers supports your growth, with a strong emphasis on experimentation, reflection, and shaping your own sound and artistic identity.

On average you should allow for between 40-50 hours per week for your studies, of which approximately 25% will be taught (c.10 hours) and 75% will be self-study.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

The equal consideration deadline for September 2025 entry applications is  29th January 2025. 

UCAS Codes
Campus
Course Code
Campus Code
Institution Code
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Apply now

Ready to make your application? You can apply online, via Falmouth University by clicking the button below.

Apply now

Have a question?

To find out more about this course, get application advice and find out what funding is available, get in touch with our Admissions Team using our online form.

Register your interest

How to Apply

You can apply for this course through UCAS.

UCAS Codes
Campus
Course Code
Campus Code
Institution Code
Bristol
W466
D
D16
Manchester
W467
J
D16
Plymouth
E
D16

Institution Code: D16

Need help applying? Check out our Guide to UCAS or get in touch with our Admissions Team, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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A female student works on her laptop

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. Therefore, tuition fees may rise in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

UK & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

Course Type
Annual Tuition Fee
BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus
£9,535

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

Course Type
Annual Tuition Fee
BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus
£9,535

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus undergraduate degree programmes.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for home fees if:

  • You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
  • You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

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Important: Students who are ordinarily resident in Wales should be aware that this course is not currently designated to receive statutory student funding support from the Welsh Government.

Why Choose dBs

Why Choose dBs & ACC

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration.
Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Equipped with industry-standard facilities, as well as ground-breaking new technologies, our campuses have been meticulously designed to mirror the industry; giving you the ultimate environment to hone your skills, collaborate with creative professionals and learn from experts in the field.

Facilities

Manchester
Recording a string quartet in the Neve suite
Manchester
A student performing vocals in the Neve live room
Bristol
Our API 1608 studio
Bristol
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Bristol
Students making music in the production suite
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    Why Choose an Online Degree at dBs

    Our online Master's degrees offer a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.
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    Flexible study

    Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you.

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    Learn from the pros

    You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

    You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

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    Industry Connections

    As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.

    This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

    What our students say

    Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

    What our
    students say

    Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

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      Taught by the experts

      Our staff aren't just educators, they're active professionals who bring current industry practices directly into your learning experience. They're producers, engineers, composers, sound designers, and audio innovators who maintain parallel careers alongside their teaching.

      Every member of our teaching team maintains professional practice in the music and sound industries. From running studios and record labels to creating sound for films and games, they bring real-world experiences and want to share this with you.

      Meet your tutors

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        Opportunities

        Engaging with our industry

        In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

        Career support

        We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

        dBs Pro

        dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

        Your Future Prospects

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          Your Future Prospects

          Graduates of the BA (Hons) Vocal Artistry & Music Production will be equipped with a versatile set of skills, opening pathways across the music and wider creative industries. While many will pursue careers as vocal or recording artists, the course also prepares you for roles in music production, live performance, and artist development.

          You might find yourself working as a studio vocalist, session singer, vocal arranger, or artist-producer, or stepping into roles such as music educator, live music director, creative facilitator or performance coach. The blend of performance, production and collaborative experience also supports careers in touring, songwriting, technical direction and studio work.

          We aim to help you discover and refine your creative direction while giving you the tools and opportunities to forge a career on your own terms. You’ll receive dedicated support during your studies and beyond, helping you build the confidence, networks and experience needed to thrive in the industry.

          Two dBs students stand next to a flying speak stack in a festivalA string session been recored in a music halla female dBs tutor takes a lecture in our Dolby atmos roomA dBs student adjusting there synth sound

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          Register your interest

          Let's get started

          Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

          Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

          If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

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          Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

          Register your interest

          If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

          Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

          Apply for our Access to HE Diploma

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          If you’re 19+ and aiming for higher education, our diplomas provide the essential qualifications and skills you need to progress confidently onto university courses. Whether it’s a career shift, skill enhancement, or pursuing a long-held passion, our

          Access to HE Diplomas open doors.

          To apply for our diplomas, please complete the application form below. Once we have received your information, our admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview.

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