Sound and Music Production Degree Guide

 Whether you're passionate about studio work, live sound, sound design or audio for film and games, this degree equips you with the creative and technical skills to work in a wide range of sound-related careers.

What You Study

Courses vary in focus depending on the university - some lean more towards music and composition, others toward engineering and media production. Key areas typically include:

Core Topics:

• Studio recording techniques

• Mixing and mastering

• Music technology and software (e.g. Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton, Cubase)

• Digital audio workstations (DAWs)

• Live sound engineering

• Microphone techniques and acoustics

• Sound design for film, games and TV

• Electronic music production

• Composition and arranging (in some programmes)

Additional Themes May Include:

• Music theory and song-writing

• Music business and copyright

• Audio post-production

• Psychoacoustics and sound perception

• Interactive audio and immersive environments (e.g. VR/AR)

You’ll spend a lot of time in:

• Recording studios

• Computer labs

• Mixing suites

• Live sound environments

• Group projects with musicians, filmmakers or game developers

Useful A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications)

Entry requirements vary. Some courses are highly creative, others are more technical. Useful subjects include:

• Music or Music Technology

• Physics (for acoustics-heavy or engineering-focused courses)

• Media Studies or Film

• Computer Science (helpful for sound design and audio programming)

• BTECs in Music Production, Creative Media or Performing Arts are widely accepted

A portfolio or showreel is often required, showcasing tracks you’ve produced, mixed, or recorded.

What Makes a Strong Application

To stand out:

• Show passion and experience with sound and production tools

• Include details of:

  • Music or sound you’ve recorded, produced or mixed

  • Use of DAWs or studio equipment

  • Collaboration with artists, filmmakers, or game designers

  • Any live sound experience (e.g. school productions, gigs, festivals)

• If asked for a portfolio, quality and originality matter more than polish

• Demonstrate your creativity and willingness to learn new tools and techniques

Career Prospects

Sound and Music Production leads to a wide range of careers across the creative industries, including:

• Music industry:

  • Music producer

  • Mixing or mastering engineer

  • Recording studio engineer

  • Sound designer for artists or DJs

• Media and entertainment:

  • Audio post-production for TV, film or streaming

  • Sound editor for broadcast or advertising

  • Composer or audio designer for games

• Live sound and events:

  • Live sound engineer for concerts or theatre

  • AV technician

  • Tour or venue audio manager

• Other roles:

  • Audio branding

  • Podcast production

  • Music education or technical support

Transferable skills include:

• Audio editing and sound manipulation

• Technical problem-solving

• Collaboration and creative communication

• Project management and attention to detail

• Working to deadlines under pressure

Studying in the UK vs Other Countries

UK

• Home to a vibrant music and media industry

• Strong courses at universities like Leeds Beckett, BIMM, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Salford, and Southampton Solent

• Many courses accredited by JAMES or connected to industry partners

• Excellent facilities: pro-level studios, live rooms, post-production suites

USA

• Often studied through Recording Arts, Music Technology, or Audio Engineering degrees

• Famous schools include Berklee College of Music, Full Sail University, NYU and USC

• Emphasis on industry connections and specialist facilities

Canada

• Music production taught at both universities and colleges

• Sheridan, Ryerson, and McGill offer strong programmes

• Co-op options and links to music/media hubs like Toronto and Vancouver

Australia and New Zealand

• Offered as part of Music, Creative Arts or Audio Production degrees

• Hands-on, industry-focused with strong tech and music business integration

• Institutions like SAE, JMC Academy and RMIT have specialist programmes

Europe

• English-taught music production degrees available in the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany

• Strong focus on electronic music and sound art in some regions

• Affordable tuition in many EU countries, with growing international student communities

Final Thoughts

Sound and Music Production is ideal for students who:

• Are passionate about the technical and creative side of audio

• Love music, sound, and storytelling through sound design

• Enjoy working both independently and in collaborative environments

• Want to build a portfolio that reflects their unique sound and vision