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Studying Music Business 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 learn about the music business, developing your creative flair while studying key areas such as marketing, management, copyright legislation, industry practices, finance and entrepreneurship. You also develop creative production skills using the latest technology.
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
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
CMAT304 - Music Management Principles
CMAT305 - Music in the Creative Industries
CMAT306 - Music Event Production Project
CMAT307 - Music and Contemporary Culture
CMAT312 - Digital Music Production
CMAT313 - Critical Listening and Sound-Making
CMAT314 - Creating Music for Performers
CMAT315 - Marketing Communications in the Music Industry
Stage 2
Compulsory Modules
Artist Management and Artist and Repertoire Principles
Music and Sound for Film, Television and Media
Contracts, Copyright and Rights Management
Music Journalism, Press and PR
Music Marketing Strategies
Composition and Production
Optional Modules
Songwriting Techniques
Orchestration and Arrangement
Analysing Musical Genre
Music in the Community
Sound Design and Audio-Based Composition
Stage 3
Compulsory Modules
Income Streams and Financial Management
Business Plan Development
Critical Perspectives on Music in Society
Independent Music Project
Optional Modules
Spatial Sound Design, Composition and Performance
Dissertation
Live Electronics in Music Performance
Music, Arts and Health
Collaborative Project
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.
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 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.