BSc (Hons) Music Production Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby
BSc (Hons) Music Production at University of Derby covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Music Production is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Derby, based in Derby Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Engineering and technology graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 65% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Commercial CompositionCore40 credits
Module details
Opportunities to investigate multiple perspectives in musical design, that have impacted upon the composition of commercial music, are offered within this module. The ideologies of dominant styles and antecedents will be investigated and you will be encouraged to directly participate in creative and re-creative activities particularly in areas less familiar. You will explore theoretical constructs in music, their relevance and significance to the modern commercial sector, considering expression, aesthetic, stylistic and contextual aspects of your own creative work. Module learning outcomes Identify creative potential and consider novel possibilities by confronting, exploring and assimilating
Assessment: Practical
- Music Industry and SocietyCore20 credits
Module details
This module will provide an introduction to the academic study of popular music and to the discourses of popular music culture. It will supply you with the conceptual tools for engaging with popular music in a scholarly fashion. Familiarity with these critical perspectives and debates will enable you to build an understanding of the historical, cultural, social, economic, technological, and aesthetic developments that have shaped popular music in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This module will familiarise you with key issues, theories, and approaches as it focuses on how popular music texts are created, circulated, and consumed. It will explore the relationship between the music,
Assessment: Coursework
- Music Theory For ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
Modern music recording and production is a highly technical process involving sophisticated integration of technology and musicianship. Successful producers maintain both a clear working knowledge of technology as well as a fundamental analytical understanding of music, instrumentation, associated terminology and language of communication, and critical listening skills. This module allows the development of music theory knowledge and production skills appropriate for application in a modern recording and performance environment. You will explore fundamental production techniques and applicable music theory through analysis, listening and re-creative technical activities within common musical
Assessment: Coursework
- Studio Production TechniquesCore40 credits
Module details
Studio Production Techniques enables you to develop practical and technical knowledge of modern recording studio practice. The module provides an opportunity to manage a recording studio session, explore and apply fundamental recording concepts with confidence, and deploy core post-production techniques. Utilising industry-standard software you will acquire understanding of the operational features employed in computer-based recording systems. Interpersonal skills are developed within the module through group work activities resulting in a portfolio of recorded material. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Demonstrate team-working and time-ma
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
Year 2 4 modules
- Composing for CommissionCore40 credits
Module details
This module aims to enable the you to develop your creative awareness, aesthetic sensibilities and production techniques through the composition of solutions to a variety of given and negotiated musical scenarios. Incorporating an exploration of composition as both a creative and re-creative activity, study will focus upon the theory and practice relating to production, instrumentation, form and arrangement associated with significant commercial musical genres considering authenticity, listener coherence and the graphical representation of musical structure. You are encouraged to draw upon your own experiences of music performing and listening, participating in collaborative music making and
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Music Business StudiesCore20 credits
Module details
The music industry is constantly evolving to meet the challenges that advancing technology and the changing needs of the music consumer brings. Consequently, it is essential to have a clear understanding of this business. This module explores this and associated industries and develops a comprehensive understanding of the business and potential careers for the music graduate. This module will also provide the opportunity to relate academic knowledge and vocational skills to the professional work environment. This module has a research focus for the essentials that are needed to understand and work in the music industry.
Assessment: Coursework
- Spatial Sound and Music PerceptionCore20 credits
Module details
This largely practical module aims to provide the next generation of sound composers and music producers with the necessary appreciation of multi-channel audio techniques and concomitant perceptual effects. Virtual reality ‘sound-and-vision’ artificial environments are proliferating in usages such as cinema, education, computer games, data representation, and acoustic modelling, providing many new opportunities for virtual reality audio content-producers
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Creative TechnologiesCore40 credits
Module details
The module develops theoretical and practical knowledge in relation to music production software, hardware and audio processing techniques. You will investigate a wide variety of audio production and sound design techniques utilised within contemporary music. Encompassing studio and non-studio environments, you will develop understanding of key creative technology features and gain confidence in their context through practical application. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Evidence organisational and time management skills Demonstrate, through practical application, understanding of a range of software and hardware production systems Explai
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
Optional placement year 1 modules
- Placement Learning and Professional DevelopmentCore20 credits
Module details
This module forms part of the placement year typically completed between the second and final stage of a degree programme. The module provides a framework for the development of reflective skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice including for example aspects of problem solving such as objective setting, planning, negotiating, demonstrating, and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of work completed within the organisation and future employability planning. During the module students will develop a reflective portfolio where they record the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the placement experience and evaluate how this wil
Assessment: Coursework
Year 3 3 modules
- Production PortfolioCore40 credits
Module details
The module takes the form of a structured, student-managed commercially orientated project enabling development of personal creative interests and abilities, and provides students with the opportunity to convey personal expression and imagination in practical music making through employing appropriate technical and interpretative means. The musical and technical objectives of the project are negotiated as appropriate with the tutor and need to be of relevance to the experience and expertise of the student as a distinct component of their final year studies consolidating the development of an individual music personality through advanced technical skills and deeper levels of interpretive insi
Assessment: Coursework
- Creative ProjectCore40 credits
Module details
You will investigate a specific area of personal interest, developing skills and experience relevant to the intended career path. The module extends knowledge and skills acquired during levels 4 and 5, and requires you to undertake co-authored, practical and technical research into your chosen area of expertise, resulting in a professional event or artefact. To facilitate the project’s realisation, a supervising tutor will be allocated to provide support and guidance throughout the duration of the project Module learning outcomes Collaborate with co-creators, including potentially those from different artistic disciplines, to produce a high-level event or artefact Plan, manage and document h
Assessment: Coursework, Practical
- Research ProjectCore40 credits
Module details
The Research Project module is a significant element of specialist degree programmes, requiring initiative, resourcefulness, time management and professionalism. The module aims to develop students’ abilities to work independently, objectively researching an individual topic in appropriate academic depth using relevant concepts and techniques. The process is intended to allow students to develop skills particularly relevant to a career in their specialist area, demonstrating how knowledge and understanding interconnects with other disciplines in the arts, humanities, social and physical sciences as appropriate. Students will collect, analyse and apply information, and exhibit skills such as
Assessment: Coursework
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
Who it's for
This course suits those with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Recent entrants typically held A-levels or equivalent, with most accepted students arriving with a UCAS tariff between 64 and 79 points. You should check the university's admissions pages for specific entry requirements and any subject prerequisites.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) Music Production is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Derby, a public university located on the Derby Campus. Instruction is in English. The degree is a nationally recognised qualification from a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The University of Derby holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 65% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 30% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code J930). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Derby →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £26,500 – £37,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £27,000 | £21,500 – £33,000 | 190 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £25,000 – £40,500 | 210 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.3 out of 10: NSS 89% · in work or study 95% · continued 65%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Derby
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Derby Campus - Markeaton Street
1,938 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Derby from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
This course lists IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area). If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Derby’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Derby and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Derby
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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