Undergraduate Programme Specification
BA Music and Audio Production
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | BA Music and Audio Production | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Arts | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | MAP-BA-S | UCAS Code | W374 | HECoS Code |
100223 - Music production - 60 100841 - Popular music - 40 |
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| ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
| Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Single Honours | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 3 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 360 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Arts, English and Languages |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 6 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Music (2008) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
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Programme Specific Regulations There is some flexibility for students to take modules outside of this Programme and this will be decided on an individual basis. Where permissible the following applies: |
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Students with protected characteristics N/A |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
In accordance with Queen's University's Mission Statement, the BA Music and Audio Production aspires to be a broadly-based, practice-driven programme designed to appeal to musicians from a wide range of musical backgrounds interested in the production of musical content in the recording studio and live performance environments. Its unique educational benefits come from strong partnerships with the BBC, Ulster Orchestra, Opera NI, Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Moving on Music, Diatribe Records, DTS and Dolby - the Dolby Atmos immersive sound system is installed in the Sonic Arts Research Centre, (SARC's) Sonic Lab, the only such available system in a UK HE institution. The BA Music and Audio Production programme will be taught, predominantly, at one of the UK's largest and best-equipped centres in the field of music and sound, the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC). Students can expect to obtain the highest standard of instruction from staff with expertise in the fields of music and sonic arts. Within this context, the programme aims to provide students with:
The necessary skills, tools and techniques needed to embark on careers as audio practitioners or undertake research and teaching in music and the sonic arts
Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of sound production, propagation and manipulation
The ability to creatively harness audio technology for the purposes of recording, editing, mixing, mastering, producing and projecting music and audio
Knowledge and understanding of a range of current and emerging developments in the practice of audio production
A broad experience of musical repertoires, their performances and their cultural contexts
The skills and techniques needed to realise highly individualized musical expression and imagination in practical music-making
Awareness and practical experience of the wider commercial environment in which creative audio professionals operate
Exposure to a variety of learning methods and acquisition of advanced critical, analytical and physical skills
An enriched learning experience through regular interdisciplinary collaborations with specifically selected industry partners
High levels of professionalism and the adoption of professional standards: punctuality: reliability; commitment and self-discipline
Strong interpersonal skills, encompassing team-working skills and effective oral, written, presentation and listening skills
The values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and the potential for continuing artistic and creative development, leadership and innovation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed throughout the programme in lectures, class group-work, seminars, tutorials, workshops, concert attendance. Interpretation and analysis of ideas generated through class discussion and group exercises. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, oral examinations, listening tests, essays, projects, learning journals, seminar presentations, concert reviews, book reviews, textual editing, podcasts. |
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Demonstrate the ability to record music and/or speech to a broadcast standard using appropriate microphone selection and placement and to critically evaluate the microphone technique(s) employed. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops and critical listening labs. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, coursework assignments, listening assessments, computer based assessments. |
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Demonstrate the ability to operate sound studio hardware and software (missing consoles, digital audio workstations, outboard processors) to facilitate the editing, mixing and mastering of recorded music and/or speech and to critically evaluate the mixing techniques(s) employed. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical labs. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, coursework assignments, practical examinations, listening assessments, computer based assessment. |
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Demonstrate the ability to convey highly individualized musical expression and imagination in practical music-making through employing appropriate technical and interpretative means. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Composition portfolios, solo recitals, ensemble recitals, improvisations. |
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Demonstrate the ability to interpret, augment and propel dramatic narrative through the design of sound or music for accompanying media, employing appropriate technical and interpretative means. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught at Stages 2 and 3 in lectures, tutorials and workshops. Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, composition portfolios, continuous assessment. |
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Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and undertake leadership in music-making, through ensemble performance, co-creation, or improvisatory work. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Composition portfolios, ensemble recitals, improvisations. |
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Demonstrate the ability to creatively utilise technology in practical music making activities such as composition, performance, improvisation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught at Stages 2 and 3 in lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Composition portfolios, solo recitals, ensemble recitals, improvisations, coursework assignments. |
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Demonstrate the ability to apply practical software, hardware and design skills to the construction of new musical instruments and interfaces. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught at Stages 2 and 3 in lectures, labs and workshops. Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, project reports, solo recitals, ensemble recitals. |
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Critically evaluate a variety of differently notated, improvised and performed music styles |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, seminars, concerts, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Practical examinations, learning journals, concert reviews, class presentations, listening exercises, podcasts. |
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Demonstrate practical experience of developing work in the professional domain, including the production and online dissemination of AV media-based works and/or artistic documentation. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught at Stage 3 through individual and ensemble tutorials, performance classes. Complimented by independent inquiry into appropriate external venues, event promotion, and the design of external funding bids. Methods of Assessment Written and online documentation, screening/exhibition. |
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Engage with and evaluate a variety of sources (texts, notated scores, recorded and live performances). |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed throughout the programme in lectures, class group-work, seminars, tutorials, workshops, concert attendance. Interpretation and analysis of ideas generated through class discussion and group exercises. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, oral examinations, oral examinations, listening tests, essays, projects, learning journals, seminar presentations, concert reviews, book reviews, textual editing, podcasts. |
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Understand complex issues and arguments and communicate this understanding both orally and in written form. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed throughout the programme in lectures, class-group-work, seminars, tutorials, workshops. Current theory is referenced and commented on through both oral and written work. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, oral examinations, listening tests, essays, projects, learning journals, seminar presentations, concert reviews, book reviews, textual editing, podcasts. |
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Contextualise music and its history from a variety of perspectives and contexts. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed throughout the programme in lectures, class group-work, seminars, tutorials, workshops. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, oral examinations, listening tests, essays, projects, learning journals, seminar presentations, concert reviews, book reviews, textual editing, podcasts. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of different types of music styles. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, seminars, platform classes. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, essays, learning journals, class presentations, concert reviews. |
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Understand a wide range of musical histories and of their political, aesthetic, social and cultural contests. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, seminars, platform classes. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, essays, learning journals, class presentations and discussions, concert reviews. |
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Understand the fundamental properties of sound, the nature of sound propagation, and the methods of representing/synthesising sound. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops. Classroom instruction is augmented by the use of video instruction. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, coursework assignment, practical projects, class presentations. |
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Demonstrate knowledge of the professional and consumer delivery formats used for distributing and/or transmitting audio. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught at Stage 3 in lectures, tutorials, seminars. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, coursework assignments, class debates, class presentations. |
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Understand the operational principles of electroacoustic transducers. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops. Design theory is reinforced through the regular application of microphones and loudspeakers in most practical assignments. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, coursework assignments, laboratory experiments. |
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Demonstrate knowledge of the loudspeaker configuration formats used for the spatial reproduction of audio for film and music. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught at Stage 3 in lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, coursework and assignments. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate the ability to produce high quality work independently, and to show self-motivation and critical self-awareness. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, project reports, composition portfolios, solo recitals, ensemble recitals, improvisations. |
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Demonstrate the ability to work in combination with others on collaborative activities and to show teamwork, negotiation, organisation and decision making. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in tutorials, workshops, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, project reports, composition portfolios, ensemble recitals, improvisations. |
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Demonstrate an awareness of different professional and cultural environments and an ability to adapt and respond creatively to the relevant environment. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme but particularly at Stage 3 within the core 'Professional Practice' module. Methods of Assessment Project reports, coursework assignments |
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Demonstrate the ability to present work articulately in written and oral form, intelligible to both expert and non-expert audiences. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Examinations, essays, class presentations, coursework assignments, project reports. |
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Demonstrate advanced knowledge of ICT and innovative approaches to the application of ICT skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, performance platforms. Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, composition portfolios, solo recitals, ensemble recitals, improvisations. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Fundamentals of Sound | MUS1010 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Introduction to Composition | MUS1005 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| Solo Performance 1 | MUS1017 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| Fundamental Harmony | MUS1013 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 60% | 0% | 40% |
| Composition 1a (Acoustic Composition) | MUS1011 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 65% | 0% | 35% |
| Sound Recording and Production 1 | MUS1038 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| Audio Mixing I | MUS1030 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Music in History | MUS1041 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Being Creative: Music Media and the Arts | ESA1001 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Introduction to Music | MUS1002 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Principles of Business in Arts, Cultural and Creative Industries | SCA2002 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Songwriting | MUS2055 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Notation and Transcription | MUS2066 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Composition II | MUS2011 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Audio Programming | MUS2080 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 0% | 100% | 0% |
| Sound Design for Screen | MUS2036 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Classical Analysis | MUS2015 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Fame | MUS2043 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Sonic Arts | MUS2004 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Improvisation | MUS2050 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% |
| Interactive Media and Future Broadcasting | BCP2005 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Radio and Podcast Production | BCP2002 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Interactive Sensing Systems | MUS2013 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Experimental Popular Musics | MUS2033 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Instrument and Installation Design | MUS2034 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Solo Performance 2 | MUS2017 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% |
| Live Production Systems | MUS2048 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Music Psychology | MUS2052 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sound Recording and Production 2 | MUS2038 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Sonic Arts 2 | MUS3003 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Composition 3a | MUS3011 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sound Recording and Production 3 | MUS3038 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Composing for Screen | MUS3014 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Special Project | MUS3076 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Single Performance 3 | MUS3072 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| Double Performance 3 | MUS3082 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 20% | 80% | 0% |
| Audio Post Production | MUS3009 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Professional Practice | MUS3004 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Work-based Learning | AEL3001 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Bach and Mozart | MUS3033 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Traditional Irish Music: Form, Style and Development | MUS3069 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 40% | 10% | 50% |
| Auditory Perception | MUS3010 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Music and Medicine | MUS3008 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Composition 3b | MUS3012 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| The Politics of Performance: From Negotiation to Display | ESA3002 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 90% | 10% | 0% |
| Dissertation | MUS3084 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Politics in Popular Song from the French Revolution to Punk | MUS3055 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Immersive Media | MUS3007 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1
Students should take 120 CATS points.
Necessary pre requisites:
MUS1011 - pre-requisite is GCSE Music or Grade 6 Theory
MUS1013 - pre-requisite is entrance test
MUS1017 - pre-requisite is successful audition
MUS1041 - pre-requisite is GCSE Music or Grade 6 Theory
Stage 3
Students should take 120 CATS points.
Necessary pre requisites:
MUS3003 - pre-requisite is MUS2004
MUS3009 - pre-requisite is MUS2036
MUS3011 - pre-requisite is 58% or above in MUS2011
MUS3012 - pre-requisite is 58% or above in MUS3011
MUS3014 - pre-requisite is MUS2011 or MUS2004
MUS3020 - pre-requisite is MUS2053
MUS3072 - pre-requisite is 60% in MUS2017 or MUS2018 or successful audition
MUS3082 - pre-requisite is 64% in MUS2017 or MUS2018 or successful audition
MUS3076 pre-requisite: 55% average in MUS2043. Proposal by Induction Week
MUS3084 pre-requisite: Normally 62% average in MUS2043. Proposal by Induction Week
Stage 2
Students should take 120 CATS points, 60 of which will be core modules.
Please note that students are not permitted to take more than 2 non MUS modules.
Necessary pre requisites:
MUS2011 - pre-requisite is MUS1011
MUS2015 - pre-requisite is MUS1013
MUS2017 - pre-requisite is MUS1017 or audition
MUS2034 - pre-requisite is MUS2013
MUS2066 - pre-requisite is A-Level Music Grade C or Grade 8 Theory
MUS2080 - pre-requisite is ELE1053 or equivalent computer programming experience