BA Music Production and Sound Recording
About this course
BA (Hons) in Music Production and Sound Recording, a music degree focused on technical and creative approaches to audio engineering and studio production. Core topics include Programming, Signal Processing, and Entrepreneurship. The course is taught through six recording studios and concert halls, offering hands-on training with vintage and modern equipment. The first year covers foundational practices through modules such as Introduction to Sound Recording, Sequencing Synthesis and Sampling, Core Skills for Sound Production and Recording, and Analogue Studio Techniques. The second year progresses into advanced techniques via Digital Signal Techniques, Electronic Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics, Popular Music Recording Techniques and Aesthetics, and Western Art Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics. The final year involves advanced study with Musicology of Record Production, Sound Entrepreneurship, and the Independent Project for Music and Sound Recording. Optional modules across the programme allow students to explore topics like Dance Music Cultures, Location Sound, and Writing and Producing Songs.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including A in Music Technology or Music If you are not taking A level Music or Music Technology we will accept AAB in three A Levels plus ABRSM or Trinity Grade 5 Theory and Grade 7 Performance. Other equivalent qualifications and exam boards may be considered on a case by case basis. IB: 35 points including 6 in Music at Higher Level BTEC: DDD in Music or Music Technology. If you are taking a BTEC in a different subject, an additional A Level or equivalent qualification in Music or Music Technology will be required.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 98%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 55 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 23%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 16%
- London: 27%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 5%
- Northern Ireland: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Sound Recording
- Sequencing Synthesis and Sampling
- Core Skills for Sound Production and Recording
- Listen to This! (Music Production and Sound Recording)
- Analogue Studio Techniques
- Dance Music Cultures
- Location Sound
- Midi: Programming and Performance
- Popular Music and Experimentation
- Sonic Fictions
- Sound Art
- Advanced Audio
- Composition 1
- Conducting
- Creative Sound and Image Production
- Gaming: Industry and Culture
- Introduction to Digital Culture
- Music in the Community
- Writing and Producing Songs
- Digital Signal Techniques
- Electronic Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics
- Popular Music Recording Techniques and Aesthetics
- Western Art Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics
- Midi: Programming and Performance
- Popular Music and Experimentation
- Sound Art
- Music in the Community
- The Social Power of Popular Music
- Musicology of Record Production
- Sound Entrepreneurship
- Independent Project for Music and Sound Recording
- Midi: Programming and Performance
- Popular Music and Experimentation
- Sound Art
- Conducting
- Music in the Community
- The Social Power of Popular Music
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Music Production and Sound Recording at University of York earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £26,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £32,000. The £26,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Music.
What do graduates of BA Music Production and Sound Recording at University of York do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Music Production and Sound Recording at University of York?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Music Production and Sound Recording at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Does BA Music Production and Sound Recording at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Music Production and Sound Recording at University of York?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.