BA (Hons) Music Production Bachelor's degree at the Arts, London
BA (Hons) Music Production at Arts London has been running since 1986 and leads to a nationally recognised BA (Hons) qualification.
About this course
BA (Hons) Music Production is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the Arts, London, based in London College of Communication. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Performing arts graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Music & Performing Arts, 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)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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 6 modules
- Introduction to Music ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
You'll be introduced to the context of contemporary music production, key skills required by music producers such as critical listening and production analysis, and academic and planning skills needed to manage audio production in response to industry briefs.
- Audio Principles for Music ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
You'll explore the technologies and techniques of contemporary studio production, the function and application of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and techniques for recording musical instruments in a studio environment.
- Composition Skills for Music ProducersCore20 credits
Module details
You'll enhance your understanding of practical music theory by analysing musical components such as melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and form. You'll explore approaches to composition and arranging techniques in a variety of genres by producing a collection of compositions.
- Music IndustriesCore20 credits
Module details
This unit introduces you to key stakeholders within the music industry, developing your understanding of industry responses to an evolving commercial and technological environment. You'll also explore career options as an employer, entrepreneur or artist.
- Creative Mixing TechniquesCore20 credits
Module details
You'll enhance your understanding of mixing techniques for multi-channel playback systems in audio applications such as VR, moving image, installations, music composition and record production. You'll also build written and reflective skills by researching your chosen applied area and reflecting on your developing practice.
- Creative Audio ProgrammingCore20 credits
Module details
You'll consider the theories, technologies and techniques of programming for music production. You'll also explore the function and creative application of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in sound manipulation, sampling and synthesis.
Year 2 6 modules
- Music CulturesCore20 credits
Module details
You'll develop your awareness and understanding of key historical, contextual and technological developments in popular music, including recording and production. Your communication and analytical skills will grow through critical debate and analysis of music cultures and sub-cultures.
- Audio Principles for Live SoundCore20 credits
Module details
Building on your knowledge of mixing and microphone placement, you'll apply your learning to different approaches for live music scenarios. You'll test theoretical concepts like networked audio, dispersion and speaker arrays in a live music environment.
- Specialist ElectiveElective20 credits
Module details
This unit offers you the opportunity to specialise in an area of your interest. You may choose one specialist elective from a range of options that cross the sound and music discipline. Specific electives shall be determined on a yearly basis, according to staff expertise, emerging technologies and research areas, and changes in the sound and music industries, and may include: Sound and moving image, Hardware hacking, Songwriting and production, Electroacoustic Music, Live coding, Live electroni
- Music in the MarketplaceCore20 credits
Module details
You'll build on knowledge of the music industry gained in Year 1 to identify, analyse and apply methods for funding, marketing and promoting music in the contemporary marketplace.
- Aesthetics of Music ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
This unit will develop your understanding of music perception and the application of acoustic and psychoacoustic principles to recording and production. You'll listen critically to acoustic spaces, audio equipment and audio material, and learn how to apply this to key production decisions.
- Creative Industry ProjectCore20 credits
Module details
You'll conceptualise your ideas while establishing, building and working in teams to respond professionally to an industry brief. You'll work collaboratively with an external client to produce creative work that will be showcased publicly.
Year 3 4 modules
- Innovations in Music ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
This unit will develop your understanding of innovations in music production, exploring how emerging tools and techniques are transforming the discipline. You'll examine a range of technologies, including artificial intelligence, as well as advancements in software and hardware, and their applications in areas such as composition, recording, mixing, and mastering.
- Research Skills for Music ProducersCore20 credits
Module details
You'll investigate and apply relevant research, managing and planning methodologies to propose a research project in your chosen specialist area.
- Final Major ProjectCore60 credits
Module details
You'll design, develop, implement and evaluate a significant creative project to a professional standard, applying your research and planning skills to create a music production-related outcome.
- Professional Practice PortfolioCore20 credits
Module details
You'll develop your ability to identify and evaluate opportunities in the creative and cultural industries relating to your area of professional practice. You'll build your enterprise skills and gain confidence to become a freelance professional or to set up your own business. You'll collate and present a portfolio of work relevant to your chosen area of the industry, demonstrating your professional skills and understanding of career paths.
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.
What you'll study
On the BA (Hons) Music Production degree, you'll develop technical and creative skills in recording, mixing and producing music across multiple genres and contexts. A course like this typically moves from foundational musicianship and performance through to specialist production work. You'll usually start with core musicianship, theory and ensemble performance, then progress to composition and music technology modules that cover studio craft and digital production tools. In your final year, you'll pursue a specialism such as music production, performance, composition or musicology, often culminating in a major project, whether a portfolio of produced tracks, a professional recording or written work. Alongside technical study, you'll explore the business of music, including funding, promotion and building a sustainable creative career.
Who it's for
Most accepted students arrive with A-levels or equivalent qualifications (85% of recent entrants). The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students is 160–175 points. This course suits those committed to developing practical and theoretical knowledge in music production within a London-based creative environment.
Careers & job market
Across Music and Performing Arts courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates in this field earn £20,000–£28,000 at 15 months post-graduation, £15,725–£22,200 after three years, and £19,975–£28,200 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
The BA (Hons) Music Production is a 3-year full-time degree awarded by the University of the Arts, London, a University based at London College of Communication. Instruction is in English. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its teaching was assessed as Bronze in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
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.
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 | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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 W374). 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 Arts London →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 Music & Performing Arts 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 | £24,000 | £20,000 – £28,000 | 4620 |
| 3 years after | £20,500 | £13,500 – £27,500 | 170 |
| 5 years after | £25,500 | £18,500 – £35,000 | 185 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 4,620. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in music & performing arts · 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 Music & Performing Arts nationally
National figures for Music & Performing Arts 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.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 4,620. Cohort 2021-22. 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 Music & Performing Arts courses at the same study level.
Compared with 527 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Is BA (Hons) Music Production worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) Music Production earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Music & Performing Arts 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 Music & Performing Arts 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
- Orchestras & ensembles
- Schools & conservatoires
- Studios & venues
- Media & freelance
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Music & Performing Arts graduates.
Music Tech Beta Liaison & Support SpecialistinMusic Brands, Inc.Music QTSColmore Education Recruitment LtdMusic Teachers in HuddersfieldAcademicsMusic Rights Operations & Data Services LeadPPLMusic Engagement Officer - Alternative Provision · Coventry MusicMusiceducationukMusic Audio & Tech Support Desk SpecialistMandarin RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £24,000. 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 8.2 out of 10: NSS 79.9% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of the Arts, London
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around London College of Communication
7,241 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 Music & Performing Arts right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Arts London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £30,890 / 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 level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading. 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 Arts London’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 Arts London and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Arts London
Music & Performing Arts at other universities
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated foundation year)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated year in professional practice)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama & Theatre StudiesAberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (including Foundation Year)ACMCommon 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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