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Studying Music, Performance and Production at our Centre for Music and Audio Technology (launching in 2018) will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to launch your career in the music industry.
Overview
On this exciting new programme, you develop your creative skills in performance, composition and music production. You learn how to write and perform music in a range of styles using industry-standard technology. Your critical skills are enhanced through the study of musical conventions and how these are used in contemporary and commercial forms of music.
Our degree programmes
Our three innovative undergraduate music programmes specifically meet the needs of those pursuing careers in the music industry. They combine rigorous academic study, technical instruction, creative outputs and professional opportunities.
In addition to this programme, we offer:
Study abroad
We have partnerships with universities around the world, offering you the chance to study abroad for a term or for a year. Rising to the challenge of living in another country and immersing yourself in a different culture is a rewarding experience and demonstrates to potential employers that you are independent and flexible in your outlook.
Year in industry
It is also possible to undertake a year’s placement in industry either at home or abroad, gaining experience working in a professional environment. We offer support and advice to help you find a placement either in the music industry or other sectors such as charities and arts organisations.
Study resources
We are based on an inspirational waterfront environment in the Historic Dockyard Chatham, part of our Medway campus. We have excellent, industry-standard facilities and our studios are installed with state-of-the-art technology from leading manufacturers.
Our flagship studio integrates a new Neve Genesys Black G48 mixing console with our existing Genelec 5.1 surround system, and has a large live room and vocal booth.
We also have a number of other studios including an Avid HD studio with SSL Matrix mixing console, a Genelec multi-speaker studio, Foley recording studio and other well-equipped post-production suites and iMac workstation rooms.
In addition, our Music and Audio Arts Sound Theatre is one of the best in the UK.
Students can perform music in a variety of specialist spaces at the Medway campus and can also use the fantastic performance spaces at our Canterbury campus.
Independent rankings
Kent is a leading university and in The Guardian University Guide 2018 was ranked 22nd in the UK. In the recent Research Excellence Framework, we were ranked 17th* for research intensity, outperforming 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities. Renowned for the quality of our teaching, our lecturers will challenge and inspire you.
*of 122 universities, not including specialist institutions.
Teaching Excellence Framework
Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Please see the University of Kent's Statement of Findings for more information.
Course structure
This is a provisional list of modules we expect to run in the 2018/19 academic year. The modules for this programme are currently under review and may vary slightly in content or availability from those listed.
Stage 2
Compulsory modules:
Music and Sound for Film, Television and Media
This module investigates the field of music in moving image, offering an insight into the musical language that dominates much mainstream cinema, but also addressing gaming platforms and alternative approaches to scoring film.
Composition and Production
TBC
Ensemble Performance
This module develops students’ facility and versatility as performers in the context of small ensembles, band workshops and performances.
Songwriting Techniques
Students learn to carry out basic harmonic analyses of existing songs and apply theoretical approaches to produce original work, investigate different ways to structure songs, explore creative methods to write and develop lyrics, and learn how to enhance basic song templates with melodic accompaniments (eg strings, brass, etc).
Orchestration and Arrangement
This highly practical module introduces students to the complex formal conventions surrounding professional score presentation, instrumentation and orchestration.
Optional modules:
Music in the Community
This module explores the various contexts of community music alongside the ‘outreach’ work of arts organisations and the work of related professional disciplines such as teaching and music therapy; it includes a short fieldwork placement.
Sound Design and Audio-Based Composition
Students develop the ability to discern and analyse sound characteristics, record and sculpt sonic events to create original sound design, and produce advanced creative work that explores the rich potential offered by sound processing and arranging techniques.
Analysing Musical Genre
TBC
Performance: Session Skills
This module focuses on specific skills and techniques essential for performers working as sessions musicians across a varied range of genres, as informed by contemporary music industry practice.
Performance and Improvisation
This module explores a variety of approaches to improvisation, including Western idiomatic conventions, music(s) from other cultures, part-composed/part-improvised material, and contemporary and ‘free’ methodologies.
Stage 3
Compulsory modules:
Employment in the Music Industry
Employment opportunities and career pathways are explored in this module, including the financial aspects of business start-ups and self-employment eg taxation, cash flow, etc.
Independent Project
In this module, students bring together the expertise and knowledge they have accumulated in one final project, eg a large-scale composition, a songwriting project, sound design and Foley, audio-visual work, sound installation, audio programming, sound spatialisation, or performance.
Critical Perspectives on Music in Society
Why do we listen to, play and create music and how does it affect our lives, identity and political views? This module explores the role of music in our lives and our society.
Optional modules:
Spatial Sound Design, Composition and Performance
This module explores spatial sound, multi-loudspeaker and surround sound formats; students will produce and perform their own creative work, making use of sound spatialisation techniques.
Dissertation
The module takes the form of an individual research study relating to music or audio technology.
Music, Arts and Health
There is an expanding body of research and evaluation to support the case that the arts can make an important contribution to health and wellbeing; this course provides the opportunity for students to engage with this area of research.
Collaborative Project
TBC
Advanced Performance, Stagecraft and Psychology
This module focuses on the consolidation of advanced, professional-level stagecraft skills (practical and artistic), supported by an understanding of psychological strategies that can streamline practice sessions and optimise performance.
Advanced Individual and Group Performance
This highly practical module builds on skills and understanding developed in the prerequisite Stage 1 module Individual and Group Performance, challenging you to develop your instrumental skills to an advanced level and employ additional techniques to further optimise practice sessions and hone professional presentation.
Stage 1
| Modules may include | Credits |
|---|---|
|
CMAT302 - Performance Stagecraft and Psychology
The module will focus upon the development of stagecraft skills (practical and artistic), supported by an understanding of psychological strategies which can streamline practice sessions and optimise performance. Students will study the key elements of professionalism in performance, including artistic communication/audience relationship; pace, choreography & stage management; control of technology; adjustment to context/venues. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental lessons and through performance workshops which provide a weekly forum for discussion and feedback. Students will work towards a 5-6 minute final performance assessment and submit a written review that critiques stagecraft issues (practical and artistic) in relation to 2 professional performances they have attended as audience members. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT303 - Performance and Production Project
In this module students will be guided to create, produce and perform an original, collaborative musical work which will be presented in the summer term. Group projects between three to five students will be considered. Each student will negotiate their role within the group, aided by a supervising tutor, and students will be required to document their working processes throughout the project. Initial workshops will discuss collaborative methods and provide an analysis of case studies. Later workshops will be used to try out and test ideas, with feedback from both the lecturer and other student groups. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT305 - Music in the Creative Industries
The module explores the current creative industries, particularly focusing on music industry characteristics and structures, music organisations and relevant arts groups. Students will be guided to appreciate a broad range of career opportunities in these areas and they will develop an understanding of the skills and specialisms required for specific areas. This will provide a clear context for their further studies on their chosen degree programme. Students will also develop their critical awareness by examining recent historical trends in music and the creative industries. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT307 - Music and Contemporary Culture
This module will provide a broad introduction to important aspects of music history and culture from the twentieth century to the present day. Different approaches to musical language will be considered (tonality/modality, rhythm and timbre in a range of mainstream and experimental styles). The advent of sound recording and the increasing importance of technology in music will also be examined. These key ideas will be connected to research specialisms within the Centre for Music and Audio Technology, encouraging students to appreciate the potential for further study in each of these areas. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT311 - Individual and Group Performance
The module will focus upon the development of performance skills, an understanding of approaches to effective regular practice and professional presentational considerations. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental / vocal lessons and weekly performance workshops. Students will develop their musicianship by listening to others and by performing themselves regularly, both as soloists and as part of a group. Some workshops will have a stylistic focus which will provide guidance on idiomatic performance conventions, enabling students to develop the broad skillset needed to tackle the demands of the current professional music industry. Students will work towards an assessed 5-6 minute final public performance, plus a written performance plan/critical reflection. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT312 - Digital Music Production
On this module, students will be introduced to the digital audio workstation and key pieces of software in order to create original pieces of music. Fundamental technical skills in recording, editing, transforming and mixing sound will be developed. Examples from a range of contemporary styles will be examined and their musical characteristics will be analysed in order to provide compositional models for creative work. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT313 - Critical Listening and Sound-Making
The module will explore critical listening and sound within the wider framework of the environment as a whole, helping students to develop a comprehensive understanding of sound relationships, sensitise their hearing and enhance their expert listening skills. Students will learn to recognise structural elements of sound, they will learn new concepts and be introduced into novel areas of sound-making. The module will culminate in the production of a substantial piece of creative work and a detailed evaluation that links theory and contextual issues with practice, strengthening students' critical listening and sound-making skills. View full module details |
15 |
|
CMAT314 - Creating Music for Performers
Students are provided with an introduction to some fundamental principles of music composition, such as rhythm, time, line, texture and form. They are guided to consider how these elements work in key pieces by recent composers in a variety of styles. Practical sessions and group work will provide opportunities for students to explore their own musical ideas, leading to a greater understanding of the relationship between music composition and performance. View full module details |
15 |
Stage 2
| Modules may include | Credits |
|---|
Year in industry
You can extend your studies from three to four years by taking the Year in Industry option (this option is not available if you are studying on a part-time basis). This provides the opportunity to gain relevant workplace experience as part of your programme of study. You can also increase your contacts and network so that you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
The Year in Industry is taken in addition to your standard undergraduate programme and normally falls between your second and final year. You typically work on a placement for the full calendar year, and salary and holiday entitlements vary according to the employer. The year is assessed on a pass/fail basis through employer feedback and a written report that you submit.
Year abroad
Going abroad as part of your degree is an amazing experience and a chance to develop personally, academically and professionally. You experience a different culture, gain a new academic perspective, establish international contacts and enhance your employability.
All students within the Faculty of Humanities can apply to spend a Term or Year Abroad as part of their degree at one of our partner universities in North America, Asia or Europe. You are expected to adhere to any progression requirements in Stage 1 and Stage 2 to proceed to the Term or Year Abroad.
The Term or Year abroad is assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not count towards your final degree classification. Places and destination are subject to availability, language and degree programme. To find out more, please see Go Abroad
Stage 3
| Modules may include | Credits |
|---|
Teaching and assessment
Our staff bring with them a broad range of experience, from our expert academic staff to our highly qualified technicians and practising professionals. Together they support, develop, challenge and inspire you throughout your studies.
We use a variety of teaching methods including practical and technical workshops, performance platforms, seminars, lectures and group projects.
Careers
Kent equips you with essential skills when it comes to getting a job. More than 96% of our 2016 graduates found a job or further study within six months of graduation.
Career opportunities for music graduates include many aspects of the creative industries, such as:
- music recording and production
- audio software development
- sound for film
- music performance
- music management
- composition and songwriting
- research and academia.
It is also possible to pursue careers in areas including:
- video games
- live sound for theatres and festivals
- audio installations for museums
- sonic arts and computer music.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | BBC including Music or Music Technology at B |
| GCSE | Grade C or 4 in English and Maths |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above. |
| BTEC Level 5 HND | DMM (in a music subject, or alongside an A-level in Music or Music Technology at B). Alternatively, any BTEC can be considered alongside an A-level in Music or Music Technology at B. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 14 points at Higher Level, including Music HL 5 or SL 6, and including HL English at 5 or SL English at 6 and HL Maths at 5 or SL Maths at 6. |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advice about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2018/19 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9250 | £18400 |
| Part-time | £4625 | £9200 |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
Your fee status
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for Year in Industry
For 2018/19 entrants, the standard year in industry fee for home, EU and international students is £1,385.
Fees for Year Abroad
UK, EU and international students on an approved year abroad for the full 2018/19 academic year pay £1,385 for that year.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
For 2018/19 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.