BA (Hons) Music (Production) - 2025 Entry

Accepting applications for September 2025 through Clearing

Apply for 2025

Study BA (Hons) Music (Production) at Leeds Conservatoire

Gain the skills and experience to become a sophisticated music producer, with the freedom to express yourself musically in any genre. You will learn through hands-on studio and Mac Lab sessions with expert producers and software specialists in order to prepare you for a successful career in music production.


*Please note this course is for 2025 entry only*

Looking to study in 2026? See BA (Hons) Music Production for 2026 entry

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 Years /
    4 Years (with Foundation Year)/
    1 Year (Top-Up)
  • UCAS Course Code(s): W301
    W333 (with Foundation Year)
    3Q9X (with Jazz)
    5W2D (with Popular)
    W304 (Top-Up)
  • UCAS Institution Code: L30
  • Apply Via: UCAS Undergraduate Application (note: this course cannot be found under the 'Conservatoire' application option)
  • Study Mode: Full time
  • Validated By: University of Hull

Course Overview

World-class facilities

We have six industry-standard recording studios and
seven mixing rooms. Our six Apple Mac Labs are equipped with over 100 high-specification iMacs, MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces, as well as industry standard software such as Logic Pro X, Pro Tools and Ableton Live. There are numerous composition, rehearsal and performance spaces. All of these facilities are open until late during term-time, giving you a dedicated, flexible environment in which to develop your recording and producing skills.

Industry links

Each year, a number of industry professionals deliver masterclasses to our students. Recent sessions have been given by Andrew Scheps, Grammy Award winning Mix Engineer (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Adele, Ziggy Marley); Glen Scott, Producer, Composer, Musician, Artist, Engineer (James Morrison, Mary J Blige, James Blunt, Craig David, Backstreet Boys); Warren Huart, Producer Aerosmith, James Blunt, Korn); Mike Spencer, Producer (Rudimental, Emeli Sande, Newton Faulkner); Olga Fitzroy (award-winning recording engineer with Foo Fighters and Coldplay).

Visits from labels and management can provide you with the opportunity to respond to live publishers’ briefs and audition your material in front of industry contacts – a great networking opportunity which can result in getting published.

Pioneering approach

Our pioneering Augmented Reality app is the first ever to be used on a Production course. The app allows you to use a smartphone or tablet to access an interactive tutorial on our Audient sound mixing desks, giving you access to support and guidance outside of teaching sessions.

A Community of Musicians

Only at Leeds Conservatoire will you get the unique opportunity to collaborate with musicians from a variety of genres and with a multitude of specialisms. As a producer you’ll be in demand amongst our community of over 1,200 musicians, allowing you to build a portfolio of experience and establish your professional career long before you graduate.

Career destinations

Graduates from Music Production degrees at Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Recording Artists, Sound Designers, Broadcasters, Producers, and Film Composers. Find out more in our Alumni section.

“I did a pop track with a student called Lucy Whittaker. We put it forward for BBC Introducing and it was selected as Radio 1 track of the week, which was amazing and such a massive learning curve.” – Frankie Harper, Music Production graduate

Foundation Year

If you choose to study the 4-year programme with Foundation Year, your first year will focus on developing you through specialist one to-one tuition, and strengthening your music theory and academic skills, as well as your creativity and artistry.

You will also have access to a weekly programme of workshops and masterclasses, as well as regular individual tutorials with academic staff. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will automatically progress to year one of the 2026-entry curriculum, and will work towards an award of BA (Hons) Music Production with Foundation Year.

Important note: There is no option to progress from Foundation Year onto Year 1 of a combined honours course, as these courses will not be running in 2026.

Specialist Group Study (Composition) Foundation

(for Classical and Jazz composers and all Film Music and Songwriting students)

Specialist Group Study (Performance) Foundation

(for Classical and Jazz performers and all Popular Music students)

Specialist Group Study (Production) Foundation (for Electronic Music Production and Music Production students)

 

Specialist Study (Composition) Foundation

(for Classical and Jazz composers and all Film Music and Songwriting students)

Specialist Study (Performance) Foundation

(for Classical and Jazz performers and all Popular Music students)

Specialist Study (Electronic Music Production) Foundation

(for Electronic Music Production students)

Specialist Study (Production) Foundation

(for Production students)

 

Years 1, 2 and 3

For students starting a course with Foundation Year in 2025, Years 1, 2 and 3 will follow the curriculum of the 2026-entry BA (Hons) Music Production course.

Please note: There is no option to progress from Foundation Year onto Year 1 of a combined honours course, as these courses will not be running in 2026.

DAW Fundamentals 

You’ll develop the essential DAW skills needed for audio and MIDI production, supporting your work in the studio. This module covers key software functions and helps you apply them to live recording and creative projects. It builds the fluency needed for professional-level audio production. 

DAW Production 

You’ll take your digital production skills further by exploring advanced DAW workflows, plugin integration, and session management. This module enhances your creative and technical ability in a DAW environment and prepares you to deliver professional-quality production projects with confidence and precision. 

Music Production in Context 

You’ll explore the evolving role of the music producer through case studies of influential producers and landmark recordings. This module helps you understand how production techniques shape genre, sound, and industry impact, enriching your own practice through contextual analysis. 

Production Analysis 

You’ll dissect successful productions to understand what makes them work across a range of genres. Using analytical tools, you’ll study arrangement, sound design, and mix choices, developing sharper listening and production judgment. This module enhances your critical and creative understanding of studio practice. 

Studio Fundamentals 

You’ll learn how to navigate the studio with confidence, understanding key elements such as console architecture, microphones, cabling, and signal flow. This module supports your technical and logistical development while building your communication and planning skills for collaborative production environments. 

Studio Techniques 

You’ll build on your foundational studio knowledge by producing a complete portfolio project. This module helps you manage sessions, apply creative and technical processes, and deliver professional studio outcomes. It prepares you for advanced production work through hands-on learning and guided independence.

Arranging & Writing for Producers 

You’ll explore arranging and songwriting techniques within a DAW, working across genres to develop your creative voice. This module strengthens your understanding of musical form, harmony, and structure from a producer’s perspective, giving you the skills to create distinctive, effective arrangements for professional contexts. 

Creative Mix Techniques 

You’ll deepen your technical and creative mixing abilities across different genres and production styles. By applying analytical and evaluative methods, you’ll refine your sound and prepare for work in professional studio contexts. This module supports your growth in both studio production and critical listening. 

Creative Studio Production 

You’ll further develop your creative and technical production skills, gaining experience with studio workflows, recording systems, and sound design techniques. This module encourages continuous growth and reflective practice, helping you deliver well-crafted studio projects with confidence and clarity. 

Mastering 

You’ll gain a clear understanding of the technical and creative aspects of mastering audio. This module teaches you how to finalise tracks for various formats, focusing on clarity, balance, and consistency. You’ll also explore the history and evolving role of mastering in modern music production. 

Sampling & Synthesis 

You’ll dive into advanced techniques in sampling and synthesis using DAW tools and plugins. This module gives you both theoretical and hands-on knowledge, helping you craft unique sounds and apply them creatively across your production work. You’ll develop your sonic identity through exploration and analysis. 

Studio Production Project 

You’ll apply everything you’ve learned in a self-managed studio project, combining your technical, creative, and organisational skills. This module challenges you to take full control of your production process, working independently to deliver a high-quality portfolio that showcases your growth as a producer.

Collaborative Project 

You’ll work with artists from across the creative industries—like filmmakers, designers, or musicians—to plan and deliver a professional production project. This module develops your collaboration, leadership, and production skills while simulating real-world creative scenarios and workflows. You’ll bring your technical knowledge into dynamic, cross-disciplinary practice. 

Individual Project 

You’ll design and deliver a major production project aligned with your artistic and professional goals. Working independently, you’ll apply the full range of your skills to produce high-quality work in your chosen genre or specialism. This module supports self-direction, industry readiness, and career planning. 

Live Production Environments 

You’ll explore the practical and technical aspects of live sound, from setting up systems to operating equipment at events. This module promotes teamwork and real-time decision-making, helping you understand roles and workflows in live production. You’ll gain confidence working in high-pressure, collaborative environments. 

Sonic Arts & Sound Design 

You’ll explore sound as a creative and cultural medium, engaging with experimental techniques and artistic production. This module encourages exploration through critical listening, unconventional tools, and advanced sound design. You’ll broaden your practice and push the boundaries of how sound can be used and understood. 

Vocal Production for Producers 

You’ll develop advanced vocal production skills, including psychological insight into performer-producer collaboration. This module explores vocal recording, processing, and editing in depth, helping you bring out the best in vocalists and refine your approach to one of the most crucial elements of modern production.

What You Will Study (See Modules and Specifications)

Each year of the course is structured into three distinct strands:

  • Specialist Study – Small group tuition in analogue and digital recording and production techniques
  • Contextual Studies – Develop your composition, arranging, musicology and aural skills
  • Professional Studies – Develop your skills for working in the creative industries

Some examples* of Contextual Studies and Professional Studies modules:

  • Working in the Creative Industries
  • Self-Promotion and Music Marketing
  • Music for the Moving Image
  • Performance with Electronics
  • Concerts and Touring
  • Structure & Functions of the Film Music Industry
  • Software Environments - Performance and Sound Creation
  • Business Start-Up
  • Music Journalism
  • Songwriting
  • Working with Music in the Community

*The above examples are chosen to represent a selection of the kind of mandatory and elective module options offered, so you can tailor your degree to your area of interest. See the full list of modules currently available for this course, including mandatory and optional modules, plus detailed module specification documents.

Module specifications are for applicants choosing to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year. In compliance with University of Hull regulations, the conservatoire retains the right to make minor amendments and improvements to course, programme and module content year on year. This may result in minor changes to these specifications by September 2022.

If you choose a Combined Honours programme (e.g. Production with Popular), your Specialist Study (e.g. small group recording/production tuition) would be in Production and your Specialist Group Study (e.g. ensemble/band sessions) would be in your second genre.

Production with Jazz

  • Specialist Study - Production
  • Specialist Group Study - Jazz

Production with Popular

  • Specialist Study - Production
  • Specialist Group Study - Popular

If you are at Grade 6 standard or higher in an instrument or voice, you can also choose to have additional 1:1 tuition in this area outside of your standard timetabled teaching.

This is not part of your course, but there are a limited number of Instrumental, Vocal & Composition Bursaries available, or tuition can be arranged at additional cost.

Academic Requirements

BA (Hons) - 3 Years

96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

BA (Hons) with Foundation Year - 4 Years

96 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

BA (Hons) - Top-Up

Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent in a relevant subject.

A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).

Performance and Musical Theory Standard

Read our full entry requirements to see more  detail on musical performance and theory standards.

Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)

Read our step-by-step application guide

Applicants will need to submit a portfolio of work. 

Exact requirements vary depending on which programme you are applying for.

Read more detailed portfolio information.

For detailed information regarding tuition fees, payment options, and financial support:

If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:

Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull

Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: W301 

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours
Duration: 4 years
UCAS Course Code: W333 

BA (Hons) Music (Production with Jazz)

Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 3Q9X

BA (Hons) Music (Production with Popular)

Course Type: Undergraduate, Combined Honours
Duration: 3 years
UCAS Course Code: 5W2D

Course Key Information Document 2021/22

Course Type: Undergraduate, Single Honours (Top-Up)
Duration: 1 year
UCAS Course Code: W304

Alumni Profile

Alex Carrie

Course Studied: BA (Hons) Music (Production)
Year of Graduation: 2015

Alex Carrie graduated in 2015, and with his band KRRUM was signed to label 37 Adventures just as they finished their study at Leeds Conservatoire.

Top Career Highlights:

  • Over 5 million plays for track 'Evil Twin' on Spotify
  • Performing at Radio 1's Big Weekend, Lovebox and Pitchfork Paris festivals
  • Track 'Evil Twin' featuring on an Apple Watch 2 advert

 

See more from graduates

Tutor profiles

MediaTracks

Our partnership with MediaTracks, an established and successful library music provider, powers our bespoke Quarry Music student library music platform. 

Through Quarry Music, we support talent development within the music industry, while creating new, relevant and authentic compositions for clients and users of library music catalogues.

Find out more
Facilities

Our Production students have access to 13 recording and mixing studios, equipped with Audient, SSL and Neve equipment, and Logic and Pro Tools recording software, including one with 5.1 surround sound setup and an HD projector, making it perfect for cueing up your sound effects and music with film footage.

Find out more
“I was chosen to perform at the Gala Concert in my first and second year and I’ve performed at Crosswire. I also played at Sound City in Liverpool through the conservatoire’s touring scheme. I never expected to play a festival during my time at Leeds Conservatoire, so that was a great experience.” – Santino Browne, Production with Pop graduate
Open Days

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days. 

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.

Open Days
Open Days

Find out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days. 

As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.

Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.

Open Days
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