
- Creative Music Technology
BMus (Hons) — 2026 entry Creative Music Technology
鈥淎ll sound is music!鈥 Our Creative Music Technology degree offers you a route to an exciting career in the arts and creative industries, equipping you with the skills for making innovative music in the 21st century across a wide range of genres, to develop your own unique musical style.
Why choose
this course?
- We're ranked top of all the creative music technology courses in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025).
- You鈥檒l be taught by creative music technology experts and creative practitioners, and work in a unique environment using world-class professional facilities.
- Take the opportunity to get industry-ready with our award-winning Professional Training placements.
- Join our vibrant, creative community with collaboration across all courses, facilitating outstanding performance and composition opportunities.
- Our Music and Media鈥檚 Performing Arts Technology Studios underwent a 拢1.7m refurbishment and expansion in 2022.
Statistics
1st in the UK
For Music by the Guardian University Guide 2025
Top 5 in the UK
Music is ranked 5th for overall student satisfaction* in the National Student Survey 2025
Career prospects
95% of our Music and Media students are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025, HESA)
*Measured by % positivity across all questions for all providers listed in the Guardian University Guide league tables
Explore
What you will study
On this practice-led course you鈥檒l study the creative use of music technology using a wide range of specialist software and hardware, preparing you for a broad range of careers in the creative industries.鈥
You鈥檒l choose from areas of study such as electronic music creation and performance, recording and production, sound design, music for moving image and creative music programming. Traditional music skills are also an important part of the course, and you may also choose to study traditional instrumental music, including performance.鈥
Our vision is to create 鈥榯hinking musicians鈥. We鈥檒l work with you to develop analytical and interdisciplinary approaches to composing, performing and working with technology to produce a strong portfolio of creative work.鈥
The skills that you develop will prepare you for professional opportunities in the creative industries, as well as future postgraduate education.鈥
Awards and scholarships
Our students benefit from our connections to the music industry. We are a member of the Adam Audio Academic Programme, through which each year an undergraduate student is selected to become an Adam Audio scholar.
Students may apply for the yearly Ableton Prize for Composition and the Ableton Prize for Live Performance.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
Course options
Year 1 - BMus (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module introduces the theoretical, aesthetic and practical issues of sound design within a variety of electronic music contexts. Subject areas include the use of creative sampling in composition and the exploration of various forms of synthesis techniques. Seminars are divided between seminars devoted to sound design software and theoretical and historical aspects of synthesis.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to increase your understanding of the principles of common-practice harmony in preparation for more advanced harmonic study in later modules on your degree programme. You will achieve this primarily through the study of the four-part chorale writing of J.S. Bach, learning how to analyse these harmonies at first-year undergraduate level as well as to reharmonise chorale melodies in this style.
This module is one of two in first year designed to develop your music technology skills in relation to compositional creative practice. You will examine both established and emerging histories of this field and develop strategies for implementing contemporary approaches to computer-based compositional practices. The module includes elements of reflective compositional practice based on your own musical background and listening history.
Optional
This module is one of six project-based modules within the Music degree programmes. Such modules focus on learning in the context of musical practice such as composing or performing; they are based on a professional model of project management to realise concerts, compositions and arrangements, conference events, recordings and publications. Your learning is supported by weekly lectures and/or seminars that present the key concepts, techniques and developments within the project topic. Project modules will develop a coordinated and managed group activity based on the project theme, such as a large-scale performance or musical outcome, a music creation project with associated conference/performance/material outcomes and documentation. Music projects are cross-year, cross-programme modules in which you can pursue your own specialism by agreement with the Module Leader and have the opportunity to work collaboratively to realise your ideas. Two project module themes will be available in each academic year. Each theme will only occur once for each student cohort. The following projects are some that have run in the recent past and give an indication of the breadth of topics presented but may change in subsequent years due to staff changes and availability. Reworking Music - investigation and realisation of the ways in which music has been recycled across a wide range of genres; The Musical - the study and realisation of musicals of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; Medieval Music - exploring medieval music in its own time and ours; Dido and Aeneas - contextual and analytical study of Purcell's opera, including performances and the creation of new works based on associated themes; Women in Music - female musicians through the ages in popular and classical music; Folk Music and Nostalgia - exploring folk music, primarily in an Anglo-Irish context, and its relationship to nostalgia; Words and Music - investigating the many relationships between words and music in both texted and untexted genres in a range of musical traditions; Film Music - uncovering and learning to utilise techniques of combining music, image and narrative.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to aspects of the Western classical and popular music repertoires, increasing levels of cultural awareness, and to develop transferable skills. The module provides a foundation for Topic Studies 1A and B and historically based work at FHEQ 5 and 6.
This module equips all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to arrange pre-existing music, including the vital ability to work collaboratively, that is so useful in many avenues of work, not just the arts. All students learn about the Department鈥檚 culture and 鈥榠nfrastructure鈥 around performance, such as the ways in which our concerts are managed and the various ensembles available for students to play in. The module builds resilience, as students reflect on their work as arrangers, performers and assistants at Departmental concerts, identifying what went well and what could be improved, thereby laying the ground to develop further in future modules. All students learn from seminars given by invited speakers, in which a range of sectors within the music industry are represented, and from writing reviews of visiting artists to the Department where they can witness professional performance at first hand. The module has two pathways: 鈥榓rranging鈥 suits students with a focus on composition, connecting to and applying knowledge acquired during Harmony 1 and building a foundation for the specifically compositional activities in Pathways in Musicianship B in semester 2; 鈥榓rranging and performing鈥 suits students with all-round skills looking to develop their instrumental or vocal technique through one-to-one lessons with a specialist tutor. In both pathways, students experience performing as part of large or small ensembles and become involved in the performing culture of the Department. The module builds students鈥 confidence and resilience as musicians, preparing them for the more specialised performance and composition modules in years 2 and 3.
Semester 2
Compulsory
This module is one of two in first year designed to develop your music technology skills in relation to compositional creative practice. This module continues the technical and aesthetic examinations of both established and emerging histories of this field and develops strategies for implementing contemporary approaches to computer-based compositional practices begun in Composing Electronic Music A
This module introduces students to key principles and skills related to audio recording and music production within a creative and practice-based context. The module lays a foundation for skills used throughout the Creative Music Technology programme, including application of understanding the basis of sound propagation and reproduction and the principles of digital audio. Students will undertake audio recording and music production within the context of the creative practice that they learn about in other core Creative Music Technology modules such as Composing Electronic Music A and B.
Optional
This module is one of six project-based modules within the Music degree programmes. Such modules focus on learning in the context of musical practice such as composing or performing; they are based on a professional model of project management to realise concerts, compositions and arrangements, conference events, recordings and publications. Your learning is supported by weekly lectures and/or seminars that present the key concepts, techniques and developments within the project topic. Project modules will develop a coordinated and managed group activity based on the project theme, such as a large-scale performance or musical outcome, a music creation project with associated conference/performance/material outcomes and documentation. Music projects are cross-year, cross-programme modules in which you can pursue your own specialism by agreement with the Module Leader and have the opportunity to work collaboratively to realise your ideas. Two project module themes will be available in each academic year. Each theme will only occur once for each student cohort. The following projects are some that have run in the recent past and give an indication of the breadth of topics presented but may change in subsequent years due to staff changes and availability. Reworking Music - investigation and realisation of the ways in which music has been recycled across a wide range of genres; The Musical - the study and realisation of musicals of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; Medieval Music - exploring medieval music in its own time and ours; Dido and Aeneas - contextual and analytical study of Purcell's opera, including performances and the creation of new works based on associated themes; Women in Music - female musicians through the ages in popular and classical music; Folk Music and Nostalgia - exploring folk music, primarily in an Anglo-Irish context, and its relationship to nostalgia; Words and Music - investigating the many relationships between words and music in both texted and untexted genres in a range of musical traditions; Film Music - uncovering and learning to utilise techniques of combining music, image and narrative.
This module has a flexible, three-pathway, format that allows students to improve their musicianship in ways that reflect their musical interests and skills. The module also ensures there are opportunities for all students to acquire knowledge, skills and experience in key areas: collaboration (between composers and performers), group work (when performing in an ensemble or taking part in concert management activity), documentation and presentation skills (in compiling a record of performance activities during the semester). Students will continue to be exposed to the Department's culture and 'infrastructure' around performance, such as the role of concert management and the different types of ensembles available to participate in, but will be starting from a more familiar base than in semester 1 with the potential to contribute more visibly and impactfully to music making in the Department. The module continues to build resilience as students reflect on their work as ensemble performers and assistants at Departmental concerts, identifying what went well and what could be improved, thereby laying the ground to develop further in year 2 and 3 performance modules. All students continue to learn from seminars given by invited speakers, in which a range of sectors within the music industry are represented, and from attending concerts by visiting artists to the Department where they can witness professional performance at first hand. The module has three pathways: 'composing' suits students with some experience in composition, providing an opportunity not only to consolidate key techniques in developing musical ideas but to work in slightly larger musical forms according to broadly defined models; 'composing and performing' suits students looking to acquire experience or build confidence in composition whilst continuing to develop their performance skills - here, the initial compositional exercises that underpin the first half of the module provide accessible building blocks of compositional technique; 'performing' suits students who prefer to focus on performing through combining their one-to-one lessons with intensive practice time. In all pathways, students experience performing as part of large or small ensembles and become involved in the performing culture of the Department. The module further builds students鈥 confidence and resilience as musicians, preparing them for the more specialised performance and composition modules in years 2 and 3.
The purpose of this module is for you to acquire knowledge of approaches to the research, discussion and writing about popular music at first-year undergraduate level. This is pursued through the study of a single album or group of tracks and its/their various contexts. The module provides a foundation for the study of popular music in the second and final years of your programme. An indicative case study is Adele's output, studied from a range of perspectives such as music analysis, lyric analysis, music video analysis, the contemporary music industry, cover versions, authenticity in popular music, the popular music canon, gender and sexuality, and popular music on film.
The purpose of this module is for you to acquire knowledge of approaches to research, discussion and writing about music of the Western classical tradition at first-year undergraduate level. This is pursued through the study of a single work or a small group of works and its/their various contexts. The module provides further foundation for historically-based study in later years of your degree programme. An indicative case study is Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, studied in detail and contextualised within Beethoven's overall development as well as musical and historical developments more broadly. Perspectives include analysis, reception and historically-informed performance practice.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
In Year 1 students take all compulsory modules and select three optional modules, one in Semester 1 and two in Semester 2. In Semester 2 students choose either MUS1039 or MUS1038, PLUS either Music Project 1B MUS1033 or Pathways in Musicianship B MUS1036.
Year 2 - BMus (Hons)
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module is one of two in second year within the Creative Music Technology degree that builds on the understanding of creative practice and technical skills in relation to making electronic music acquired in first year. The module deepens your knowledge and understanding of contemporary compositional repertoire involving technology, enabling you to further develop your creative practice in an informed manner. In the module we also examine a varied range of technical skills in order to enrich your understanding of the aesthetic, technical and theoretical basis of historical and contemporary electronic music.
This module follows on from the module Recording and Production A in first year and reinforces and extends the key principles and skills related to audio recording and music production within a creative and practice-based context. The module furthers the foundation of skills used in the Creative Music Technology programme, including application of understanding the basis of digital audio production and recording skills. In this module you will undertake audio recording and music production within the context of the creative practice you've developed in other core Creative Music Technology modules such as Creative Music Technology Practice A.
Optional
This module provides you with an overview of the structures that support and shape the arts and creative industries in the UK, and introduces current issues and debates in cultural provision. It introduces the arts funding system in the UK, government policies for the arts, and the support infrastructure for music in the UK. It also provides the opportunity for you to discuss the issues that shape and influence the arts professions, and their impact upon arts workers and audiences.
This module introduces you to a range of fundamental compositional techniques and concepts, applicable in many stylistic contexts.You will encounter and expand your knowledge of a diverse range of global and historical musical practice on the acoustic and electronic domains, as well as theoretical concepts that unite and delineate such broad approaches. In so doing, you will not only learn to emulate specific compositional practice, but also to forge an individual, informed and contemporary compositional voice.
The purpose of this module is threefold: 1) to develop knowledge and understanding of the main methodologies in applied performance research, 2) to advance individual learning and preparation skills in the context of your instrument or voice, and 3) to cultivate performing experience. Additionally, the module focusses on 1) cultivating practical skills in event management and learning basic conducting techniques; 2) development of writing skills to produce performance reviews; 3) building resilience by reflecting on your work as performers, ensemble members, and managers at Departmental concerts. The creative skills you learn will also contribute to your learning in other modules, while the reviewing skills will broaden your knowledge of different types of repertoires. The module is delivered through lectures, seminars, and individual instrumental/vocal lessons, covering a range of musical styles, historical contexts, and various research aspects of performance practices of different music types. The module leader will provide feedback on your performance in seminars and departmental concerts, which will help you develop confidence in performance. Additionally, writing concert reviews will allow you to witness high-level performances firsthand and critically evaluate their success.
This module provides an opportunity for the in depth study of harmony within the context of Anglo-American popular music of the past century from the standard jazz repertoire to progressive pop, rock, fusion and contemporary jazz.
This module is one of six project-based modules within the Music degree programmes. Such modules focus on learning in the context of musical practice such as composing or performing; they are based on a professional model of project management to realise concerts, compositions and arrangements, conference events, recordings and publications. Your learning is supported by weekly lectures and/or seminars that present the key concepts, techniques and developments within the project topic. Project modules will develop a coordinated and managed group activity based on the project theme, such as a large-scale performance or musical outcome, a music creation project with associated conference/performance/material outcomes and documentation. Music projects are cross-year, cross-programme modules in which you can pursue your own specialism by agreement with the Module Leader and have the opportunity to work collaboratively to realise your ideas. Two project module themes will be available in each academic year. Each theme will only occur once for each student cohort. The following projects are some that have run in the recent past and give an indication of the breadth of topics presented but may change in subsequent years due to staff changes and availability. Reworking Music - investigation and realisation of the ways in which music has been recycled across a wide range of genres; The Musical - the study and realisation of musicals of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; Medieval Music - exploring medieval music in its own time and ours; Dido and Aeneas - contextual and analytical study of Purcell's opera, including performances and the creation of new works based on associated themes; Women in Music - female musicians through the ages in popular and classical music; Folk Music and Nostalgia - exploring folk music, primarily in an Anglo-Irish context, and its relationship to nostalgia; Words and Music - investigating the many relationships between words and music in both texted and untexted genres in a range of musical traditions; Film Music - uncovering and learning to utilise techniques of combining music, image and narrative.
The purpose of this module is to build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your first year of study in research methods, discussion and writing about music of the Western classical tradition or popular repertories through the study of a single work or a small group of works or the study of a single album or group of tracks and its/their various contexts. The module provides further foundation for historically based study in your final year.This topic will change each year and indicative topics may include Popular Music and New Media, Popular Music and Culture, Musical Theatre, Opera Studies, Historical Performance Practice and Studying Music as Performance (this is not an exhaustive list).
Semester 2
Compulsory
This module introduces the history and practice of creating music and sound design for the moving image in a variety of contexts. Skills in this area are introduced alongside key concepts in visual literacy for 'reading' a film and other examples of the moving image. Contexts examined will include an overview of the principles of musical design for commercial work, as well as those for more experimental moving image repertoire and techniques. Appropriate theories and critical responses to music and sound design for the moving image will also be a core part of this module.
This module is one of two in the second year of the Creative Music Technology degree that builds on the understanding of creative practice and technical skills in relation to making electronic music acquired in first year. The module deepens your knowledge and understanding of contemporary compositional repertoire involving technology, enabling you to further develop your creative practice in an informed manner. In the module we also examine a varied range of technical skills in order to enrich your understanding of the aesthetic, technical and theoretical basis of historical and contemporary electronic music.