Keele University

What you'll study

The programme blends practical music production and audio engineering with digital media production, offering a mix of studio-based practice, technical training and creative projects. Teaching typically covers core areas such as recording, mixing and mastering, music production using industry-standard DAWs, sound design for media, and live sound techniques, together with modules in video production, interactive media, social media for creators and basic web/multimedia technologies.

• Year 1 / Foundation: introductory modules in audio technology, musicianship and composition, basic recording techniques, an introduction to digital media production (editing, camera basics, storytelling) and study skills/project planning.
• Year 2 / Developing practice: deeper work in multitrack recording, mixing and mastering workflows, synthesis and sound design, location recording, plus digital media modules covering video editing, motion graphics and interactive media. Collaborative projects begin to link audio and visual production.
• Final year: major individual or group honours project (portfolio or dissertation with a practical outcome), advanced modules in audio post-production, game and film audio, advanced production techniques, entrepreneurship for creatives and optional modules from other subject areas to broaden skills.
• Assessment: a combination of practical projects and recordings, portfolios, presentations, written essays and reflective logs.
• Facilities and learning methods: practical studio labs, Mac suites with industry software, live performance spaces and workshop sessions; learning through workshops, seminars, one-to-one supervision and industry-style briefs. Opportunities for live events, placements and collaboration with other departments are normally available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a completed secondary school qualification such as A-levels, a BTEC Level 3 qualification, or an International Baccalaureate diploma, or an equivalent qualifications profile. Typical offers reflect standard undergraduate conditional offers but vary year to year; applicants should check the university's admissions pages for current guidance.

• Portfolio/audition: you may be asked to submit a short portfolio or examples of recent work (recordings, mixes, compositions, videos) or attend an audition/interview to demonstrate practical potential and motivation.
• Experience: prior experience with music performance, songwriting, basic recording or digital media is advantageous but not always mandatory; short introductory modules and support are provided for those developing technical skills.
• Mature and international applicants: are welcome; international students should meet English language requirements as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in the creative and media industries. The degree equips students with practical production skills, technical knowledge and a portfolio of work valued by employers.

• Music producer, record engineer, mixing/mastering engineer
• Sound designer for film, television, games and immersive media
• Audio post-production and broadcast/audio-for-TV roles
• Live sound engineer and front-of-house/monitors technician
• Digital content creator, multimedia producer, video editor
• Freelance creative entrepreneur, studio owner/manager, or progression to postgraduate study in music technology, sound design or media disciplines

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers an interdisciplinary teaching environment with relatively small group sizes and a campus-based student community, encouraging collaboration across music, media and other subject areas. Students benefit from practical, hands-on learning in dedicated studios and computing suites, supported by staff with professional and academic experience in music production and media practice.

• Practical focus: emphasis on studio practice, project work and building an industry-ready portfolio.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: scope to take optional modules from other disciplines to broaden creative and technical skills.
• Industry links and employability: opportunities for placements, live project briefs and networking that support graduate transition into the creative industries.
• Supportive campus: a residential campus with resources for collaboration, live events and student-led initiatives in music and media.