MA MA Music Production

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• An academic or professional background in music production (or a related area)
• Sufficient prior knowledge and experience of and/or potential in music production to be able to successfully complete the programme of study
• Knowledge of aural culture and an ability to engage in critical discussion
• A clear sense of their own creative practice within the broad field of music production
• An interest in collaborative practices

MA Music Production will develop your employability skills for a wide range of music production career paths in areas including:

In response to the Climate Emergency, UAL has embedded responsible practices within the curriculum. We shaped our courses around principles of social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values for ethical practice and empower you to work towards an equitable future.

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves 5 units, totalling 180 credits.

Autumn, Term 1

The Practice of Music Production (40 credits)

This unit will cover the fundamental tools used in the process of music production.

You’ll demonstrate that you have an advanced understanding of core technologies and learn how to apply your knowledge practically, grounding and enhancing your own music production practice through contextual, technical and creative study.

Critical Perspectives on Music Production (20 credits)

Through critical group discussion of both historical concepts and current research and practice, you will evaluate your own music production practice in reference to global contemporary debates on the art of record production and the wider creative industries.

You’ll also undertake self-directed research in order to create an individual music production practice proposal.

Spring, Term 2

Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

In this unit, you will identify, form and develop collaborative working relationships with a range of potential partners - either within the University or externally. You’ll design and deliver a cross-disciplinary project to a bespoke brief, replicating the kinds of collaborative work that music production typically involves.

Music Industry Practices (40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll study the music industry by examining its past, present and future, along with the diverse technical, social, cultural and political influences that shape music industry practices.

You’ll participate in sessions to develop key skills needed to work within the industry, ranging from business planning, copyright and intellectual property to funding applications and performance rights. You’ll also have the opportunity to prepare for your career beyond the course by working to a set industry brief.

Summer, Term 3

Final Major Project (60 credits)

This unit will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the development of your own practice and research relating to music production through the completion of a Final Major Project.

Working within an extended period of practice-based research, you’ll synthesise the practical, reflective and conceptual developments in your work throughout the course, and also produce an accompanying critical reflection on that practice.

Autumn, Term 4

Final Major Project (60 credits - continued)