BA (Hons) Computer Science and Music Production Bachelor's degree at Keele University

This module introduces the core mathematical and algorithmic principles that underpin Computer Science, enabling students to model, analyse, and solve real-world computational problems. Students will learn to work with abstract data structures such as sets, relations, functions, and graphs to represent complex scenarios, apply basic statistical techniques to summarise and interpret data, and develop algorithmic thinking to approach problem-solving systematically. The module also explores the the

In the first part the module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming, together with techniques for applying these using Python. The module has a strong practical element. Examples will come from various areas of Computer Science and Data Science. You will gain skills of producing, compiling, and debugging simple programs in Python. These skills will be refined in later modules with applications in various areas of Computer Science. In the second part this module teach

Gain a solid grounding of the foundational skills and concepts needed to record and mix in the recording studio. Using professional recording studios with state-of-the-art equipment, staff with practical industry experience will introduce you to microphones, mic technique, routing, tracking, printing, overdubbing, re-amping, mix-prep, dynamic processors, and effects. You will learn about industry best practices and genre-specific workflows, develop the critical listening needed to achieve identi

Acquiring the foundational tools and skills you need to develop your student profile is the focus of this module. You will learn about the different pathways in your cultural or creative field while developing your own identity as a cultural critic, creative, and citizen. You will explore and map out your personal and professional development goals and plans, ensuring you make the most of your time at university and beyond. You will gain professional skills in communication and team working.

Understand the key theoretical and practical aspects of popular music, exploring its socio-cultural contexts, functions, performers, markets, and scenes. It challenges cultural assumptions about sound and listening, examining popular culture, fandom, and sound recording. You will learn about music dissemination, consumption, and sharing on digital platforms, covering ethics, strategies, methodologies, and realities in today's music world.

This module will enable students to actively engage in the digital environment/e-society with an understanding of the risks that they will encounter and the measures that may be taken to counteract them, as well as help students to acquire a firm understanding of the technologies that underpin today's digital information society.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to web technologies and databases, equipping students with the practical and analytical skills to design, develop, secure, and deploy modern web applications with robust data-driven backends. Upon completion, students will be able to apply industry-standard tools and best practices in contemporary web and database development.

Gain comprehensive skills by integrating live sound and studio engineering practices. You'll learn industry best practices and gain practical experience as both a live sound technician and engineer. This includes professional PA setup and mastering a cutting-edge digital PA system for live performance events. The studio engineering segment will build on your first-year foundations, allowing you to develop advanced techniques in various genres, ensuring a well-rounded expertise in both live and s

This module integrates principles and practices from software engineering and human-computer interaction (HCI) to provide a comprehensive exploration of the processes involved in designing, developing, and evaluating interactive software systems. Students will work both individually and in teams to apply agile software development methodologies alongside user-centred design techniques, ensuring that technical functionality and usability requirements are addressed throughout the development lifec

This module offers you the chance to contribute to the world outside Keele either through completing a work placement, a project for a client (or a series of projects for different clients) or working as a team to deliver a successful festival or event. You will be trained to showcase your creative and collaborative skills and abilities effectively before applying for an opportunity advertised through the module (or you can source your own, subject to it meeting the module's requirements).

Augmenting Live Performance introduces you to leading-edge, modern live music performance techniques and gives you the chance to build your own digital performance devices and apply them live contexts. You will explore current and historical issues around liveness and learn the semiotics of performance. Building on first-year skills you will explore specific augmenting live performance techniques, including recording studio and electronic music production techniques in live performance events, F

Broadening your knowledge of the variety of career pathways open to you enables you to identify, analyse, and showcase your degree skills and experiences effectively. Through completing and reflecting on problem-based tasks relating to different sectors, such as telling the story of a business, or writing a funding proposal to support a music festival, you will build and refine your creative and collaborative skills and learn how to articulate them in ways that will be attractive to employers.

This module enables you to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively large or complex technical, software, programming, research or business problem within the discipline.

This module provides you with an opportunity to 'shine'. Using skills from the first two years of your degree, you'll build a comprehensive portfolio. You'll develop music production and sound design works using studio and lab tools, negotiating content with your supervisor. Projects can include mastering an album, creating industry-standard sound designs (foley, video games, audio-visual ads) or writing about the practice-based research. Your work will be presented in a concert/show, enhancing

Explore the design, function, technology, and visual aesthetics of advanced audio tools like VST plugins, audio units, and M4L devices. Through two practical assessments, you will build and programme audio tool prototypes for music production. Topics include emulation, skeuomorphism, and visual feedback, focusing on effective user experience (UX) and engaging graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Activities include prototype testing, pitching ideas to an industry focus group, and designing new graph

Build the skill sets needed to be a mix engineer and mastering engineer. You will learn how to prepare music releases, game audio and music, TV, Radio and podcasts, and audio for streaming platforms. You will engage in more advanced multitrack mixing involving analogue and digital hardware. You will also acquire critical mastering skills and explore the practical and creative use of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for mixing and mastering in highly efficient and future-proof ways

This module explores music as a tool for conflict transformation through activism and its darker aspects, such as manipulation, power, and violence. It examines how music can acknowledge trauma, understand conflict roots, facilitate debate, preserve memory, and subvert the status quo, while also being used for political power, population manipulation, torture, and maintaining hegemonies. Additionally, it considers how music technology and the industry impact music's potential to inspire resistan

Gain a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming and the concept of concurrent programming, using Java as a working language. You will learn more advanced design patterns which can be applied in a range of real-world application areas. You will gain a comprehensive foundation in software development management and its associated processes. This will cover the skills needed to manage software products and their quality and explore Test-Driven development. You will be able to apply softw

This module provides an advanced understanding of database techniques and the contemporary issues involved in deploying modern database systems. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop secure

Study Southern US culture on location! The American South is a distinctive but difficult to define geographical and cultural entity, and attitudes to the South range from celebration to derision. Studying with others from a range of disciplines, you will think through historical and current constructions of the US South through its history, literature, film, and wider culture. You spend four weeks at one of our partner universities taught by Keele staff, shaping your own research project with th