Undergraduate Programme Specification
BA Music and Sound Design
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 Sound Design | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Bachelor of Arts | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | MUS-BA-MSD | UCAS Code | W371 | HECoS Code |
100221 - Music technology - 50 100842 - Film music and screen music - 50 |
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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 Some flexibility for students to take modules outside of this Programme is possible and will be decided on an individual basis. When 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 new BA Music and Sound Design aspires to be a broadly-based, practice-driven programme designed to appeal to musicians interested in composing music and designing sound for a wide range of contexts but with particular emphasis on film and theatre. 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 SARC's Sonic Lab, the only such available system in a UK HE institution. The BA Music and Sound Design 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 sound and music designers/composers 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 composing, designing, synthesising, processing and projecting music and audio
Knowledge and understanding of a range of current and emerging developments in the practice of sound design and composition for a range of new media
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 sound designers and composers 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: Cognitive SkillsOn 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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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, 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. 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 form 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, essay, 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 contexts. |
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. Methods of Assessment Written examinations, coursework assignments, practical projects, class presentations. |
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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 assignments. |
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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. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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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 lecturers, 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 lecturers, labs and workshops. Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, project reports, solo recitals, ensemble recitals. |
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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 (mixing 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 technique(s) employed. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Taught throughout the programme in lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical labs. Small group tutorials, individual personal study in studio facilities, video instruction and tutor/peer review of work in progress are used extensively to develop practical audio engineering skills Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, coursework assignments, practical examinations, listening assessments, computer based assessment. |
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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: 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, improvisation. |
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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 % | ||||||
| Fundamental Harmony | MUS1013 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 60% | 0% | 40% |
| Audio Mixing I | MUS1030 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Fundamentals of Sound | MUS1010 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Sound Recording and Production 1 | MUS1038 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 60% | 40% | 0% |
| Solo Performance 1 | MUS1017 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 20% | 80% | 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% |
| Composition 1a (Acoustic Composition) | MUS1011 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 65% | 0% | 35% |
| Introduction to Composition | MUS1005 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 50% | 0% |
| Introduction to Music | MUS1002 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Songwriting | MUS2055 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Composition II | MUS2011 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Audio Programming | MUS2080 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 0% | 100% | 0% |
| Live Production Systems | MUS2048 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Instrument and Installation Design | MUS2034 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 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% |
| Solo Performance 2 | MUS2017 | 2 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% |
| Classical Analysis | MUS2015 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sound Design for Screen | MUS2036 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Fame | MUS2043 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Music Psychology | MUS2052 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Notation and Transcription | MUS2066 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Interactive Sensing Systems | MUS2013 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sonic Arts | MUS2004 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Sound Recording and Production 2 | MUS2038 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| 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 Media and Future Broadcasting | BCP2005 | 2 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Experimental Popular Musics | MUS2033 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Film and Sound: History and Theory | FLM2014 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Improvisation | MUS2050 | 2 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% |
| Composition 3a | MUS3011 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Composing for Screen | MUS3014 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sound Recording and Production 3 | MUS3038 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | Y | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Sonic Arts 2 | MUS3003 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | 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 | N | 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% |
| Composition 3b | MUS3012 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Film and Music: Theory and Criticism | FLM3024 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Music and Medicine | MUS3008 | 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% |
| Politics in Popular Song from the French Revolution to Punk | MUS3055 | 3 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Dissertation | MUS3084 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Immersive Media | MUS3007 | 3 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
Stage 1
Students must take 120 CATS.
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 must take 120 CATS points.
Necessary pre requisites:
MUS3011 - pre-requisite is 58% or above in MUS2011
MUS3012 - pre-requisite is 58% or above in MUS3011
MUS3020 - pre-requisite is MUS2053
MUS3038 - pre-requisite is MUS2038
MUS3072 - pre-requisite is 60% in MUS2017 or MUS2018 or successful audition
MUS3082 - pre-requisite is 64% in MUS2017 or MUS2018 or successful audition
Stage 2
Students must take 120 CATS.
Students are not allowed to enrol on more than two 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
FLM2014 - pre-requisite is FLM1001