Music Production with Foundation Year

Hone your creative and technical skills in our recording studios, design your own sounds and sound-making tools, and explore cutting-edge 3D spatial audio systems. Learn from experienced tutors and compile a portfolio of commercial recordings to

Four key reasons to choose this course

• Inspirational facilities - Learn in one of the country's most advanced university recording studios
• National endorsements - Assessors from JAMES said Derby's music courses have 'a unique personality'
• Graduates with music technology and production skills can look forward to exciting career opportunities in a field which is constantly innovating
• Our course blends the latest production techniques with creative vision and a strong understanding of the commercial environment

You'll gain an excellent understanding of the music industry and recording studios, and learn about the technology of the studio, and playback systems. You'll explore the process of sound recording and production, design and build your own sound-making tools, and complete a portfolio of commercial recordings. You'll also develop your awareness of the commercial environment, and how best to promote your music.

This course is accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES), which means it meets the highest professional standards set by industry. You'll become part of a vibrant music scene within both the University and the city of Derby. Our teaching team includes experienced academics and practitioners who have in-depth knowledge of the industry and are breaking new ground in the discipline.

In the video below, Cristian reflects on his experience as an international student studying Music at Derby:

• Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
• Students with an overall score of 60% would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year
• UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required

• If you are studying and completing any internationally recognised qualification such as A-levels; International Baccalaureate (IB) or the American Curricula from the International Schools within Jordan, then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelors degree. Please see individual course pages for specific entry requirements
• If you have completed a recognised international foundation programme with good grades
• Advanced entry to year 2 or 3 may be possible. You will need to supply detailed information including courses taken, grades achieved, syllabus and a grading guide

Playing a critical role in the UK's creative economy, the music industry is undergoing dramatic change. New digital distribution models are emerging, live events are rocketing in popularity, and exciting new ways of music-making are constantly evolving. It means that professionals specialising in music technology and production are in greater demand than ever before - in the UK and overseas.   

Sound and music technology is important in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry. Sound recordists, music producers, audio engineers, broadcasters, musicians, composers, film-makers, computer game designers and sound designers all use music technology in some form or other. Our graduates have progressed into many fields of professional activity including production and studio work, outside broadcast management and web design.  

You can also consider taking your skills to the next level by studying our MA Music Production like Harry and Jordan who feature in the below video: