BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Production

About your course

By studying BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Production at Liverpool John Moores University you will graduate with excellent technical skills plus the business management expertise required to succeed in this exciting industry.

Behind every live or studio performance lies a fascinating array of modern audio technology. This course gives you an opportunity to learn about the theories and concepts which underpin the use of this equipment, enabling you to work independently, solving practical problems and identifying solutions which help performers, producers and directors get the best results.

It is important to note that while this course includes some elements related to artistic matters, it is not primarily an arts-based course, though content creation by students does feature quite extensively within the framework as a means of underpinning and enhancing the development of understanding in the techniques and technical processes involved. Furthermore, students are expected to engage with other media production theories and techniques where audio plays only a part, albeit a significant one.

The advent of new computer-based technology has profoundly altered the way we create, capture and deliver audio content. In order to secure a career in the audio/music-related industries, you will need to gain and demonstrate the competence and confidence to work effectively with this technology.

Traditionally, purely technical graduates lack a business and management perspective. Similarly, media studies graduates often lack the necessary technical appreciation to work in this field. This programme bridges that gap and you will graduate not only with enhanced abilities in the operation of the specialist equipment deployed and with sound/music appreciation, but also the business management awareness to succeed in the audio/music production industry. Three strands (production; technology; management) run throughout the course, building knowledge at each level. (Despite the emphasis on the use of technology, applicants are not expected to have Level 3 qualifications rooted in subjects that would be pre-requisites in more traditional technology degrees and staff are familiar in dealing with students from a wide range of backgrounds.)

You will have access to state-of-the-art audio technology as well as staff with extensive knowledge and experience. You will develop skills in media technology, basic signal capture and storage, computer applications and studio technology and be trained in all aspects of creating live or recorded entertainment. Combined with the practical hands-on experience you will get if you choose to do a work placement, this will give you a significant advantage when it comes to securing your first job.

You will have access to industrially-relevant teaching facilities at the Byrom Street campus including a dedicated 'live' recording area, radio and television studios, recording booths and modern editing facilities.

Learn more about our degree course in a 3-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5rdoDrhkVE&t=8s

For handy hints and tips on how to avoid the top 5 common mistakes when creating audio and video content, see the 1-minute video at the top of this article: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/features/top-5-audio-visual-mistakes

Additional course costs

Students are recommended to get their own headphones, portable disks and SD cards though these can all be provided by the department if required.

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

• Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
• Subject specific requirements: We require one A Level in a relevant subject including Computing, IT, Maths, Physics and Music Technology
• Is general studies acceptable? Yes
• Average A Level offer: BBC
• Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

• National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D* if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM from a relevant subject area if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications

• Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Further information: 112 UCAS tariff points in a relevant subject area.

• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Additional information: 112 UCAS tariff points

• Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

• Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Grades / subjects required: 112 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects

• Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

• T Level requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Pleasecontact the Faculty for further information.

​Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.

Employability

The first group of students from the BSc Audio and Music Production degree graduated in 2011, with a number securing employment with high profile companies, including BBC Radio 4 and Sky, clearly demonstrating the calibre of both our students and the programme itself.

Since then graduates have continued this successful employment profile with companies such as Adlib, ITV, Bradford City Film, ADI tv, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Bauer Media and various independent recording studios. One of graduates is a BAFTA-nominated and award-winning independent composer, producer and performer.

Graduate opportunities include working as sound engineers or in sound production working in television and radio companies, theatres, event venues and music recording studios. Many graduates have also started their own recording/production companies.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.