MA
Postgraduate - Level 7

Electronic Music Production

Online
Subject to validation
A dBs tutor producing in Ableton Live using a selection of hardware synths and controllers
Three dBs tutors creating a live performance using Eurorack synthesisers
Two students chat before a synthesiser recording session in dBs Bristol

Advance your skills in the creation, production and performance of high-quality electronic music in this industry-focused masters degree in Electronic Music Production. This groundbreaking course will propel you beyond technical mastery, and into shaping a thriving career in the music industry.

Key Information
  • Where can I study?
    Bristol / Manchester
  • Start Date
    September 2024
  • Study Modes
    Full-Time
  • Course Length
    1 Year (FT)
  • UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
    £8500 (FT)
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Key Information
Key Information
Electronic Music Production

Course Overview

Experiment with live electronic performance technologies, develop your own performance tools, synthesisers and signal processors, and refine your skills in processing, sampling, mixing and mastering. You will explore new ways of delivering your music, incorporating the latest computer-based performance technologies and gain in-depth technical knowledge combined with creative and critical thinking that will give you the freedom to define your artistic aesthetic whilst studying within a diverse community of electronic sound designers, composers, producers and performers.

To prepare you for a career in the music industry, you will focus  on current revenue streams and contemporary developments in this area, along with idea generation, workflow and project management skills, which will enable you to be productive with your skills.

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Access Creative College

If you’re based in or hoping to study in London, this course is available to study with Access Creative London.

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

Course Details

You will study a total of 5 modules, including a final major project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes.

A student using a modular synth

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

The course takes place over three trimesters, covering 45 or 90 weeks, depending on whether you choose to study one year full-time or two years part-time (online only). Over the course of five modules, you’ll refine your craft as an electronic music producer, become adept in the use of multiple industry-standard DAWs, generate a passive income through conceptualisation and development of a product, deepen your understanding of setting up your own business and deliver a final major project.

How You'll Learn

While furthering your understanding and application of key creative techniques in the composition, production and release of electronic music, you will look beyond music and diversify into new artistic ventures, all while developing entrepreneurial skills that will help shape you professionally. You will also develop practical skills through practice-based workshops, and learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, and individual tutorials. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars and our Virtual Learning Environment. In addition your learning will be supported by:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Masterclasses and guest lectures
  • Group and 1-2-1 tutorials
  • Access to extensive studio facilities and bookable equipment
  • Use of library resources and study spaces
  • Access to our Virtual Learning Environment
  • Access to supporting online resources including videos, reading and interactive activities

Assessments are 100% coursework, submitted in an electronic format to our virtual learning environment, and designed to reflect professional practice.

On average you should allow for between 40 hours per week for your studies of which approximately 15% will be taught (c.6-8 hours) and 85% will be self-study.

Why Choose dBs

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

Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab
Bristol
Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Bristol
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room
Bristol
Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room
Hands-on with hardware synths and controllers
Plymouth
Hands-on with hardware synths and controllers
Spinning a record on our Technics 1210 turntable
Plymouth
Spinning a record on our Technics 1210 turntable
A hardware synth performance in Studio 3
Bristol
A hardware synth performance in Studio 3
Students making music in the production suite
Bristol
Students making music in the production suite
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    Why Choose a Online
    Degree at dBs

    Our online master's degrees offers 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.
    A female student works on her laptop

    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. Video materials that have been created for online students will also be made available to students that select to study on-site.

    dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

    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.

    Student working on a project at dBs Pro

    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!

    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

    This postgraduate course pushes students into unexplored territory and as a result, can lead to a myriad of professional pathways. With such a strong industry focus, many students will pursue entrepreneurial careers, be that a record label, audio plugin developer or freelance producer. The potential is not limited to those fields though, and depending on the project, students may venture into music therapy, sound art or game audio.

    Here are just a few of the roles linked to this course:

    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.

    Please note that the UCAS 'on-time' application deadline for equal consideration is 31st January 2024.

    UCAS Codes
    Campus
    Course Code
    Campus Code
    Institution Code
    Manchester
    Bristol

    If you would like to make an application for this course, fill in your details below and a member of our admissions team will be in touch to advise you through the application process.

    For detailed information on how to apply please take a look at our guide to making an application.

    Further Study

    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.

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