BA Hons Degree in Music Production

Qualifications obtained:

BA Hons Degree in Music Production
Digidesign Protools 101
Digidesign Protools 110
Apple Logic 101

Who is it for?

Whether it's at a club, in a movie or adding tension to your video game, everyone loves to listen to music. If you're a musician, in a band, a DJ or the person who listens to a track and constantly wonders "how DO they make that sound?", then you're the type of degree student we're looking for.

At Pulse, we take your passion for "all things audio" and train you to create, track, overdub, mix and master the sounds we are surrounded by on a daily basis. Our BA (Hons) in Music Production covers every aspect of recording and production and will set you on the right road for a successful career in the audio industry.

This 3 year full-time course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required to work within the dynamic area of music production and technology. Creativity is prioritised and course content features Creative Production Skills, Recording Techniques, Sequencing, Sampling, Sound Processing, Music in Context and Research Skills.

The skills gained through this course allow graduates to move into a variety of careers within the creative industries, such as music recording and post-production and sound design for the web and multimedia.

Key Features:

Become a music producer
Learn to create, record, mix and produce music
Unrivalled practical training and experience in Pulse's recording studios including Windmill Lane Recording Studios, The Engine Room and Area 51
Official certification in Digidesign ProTools
Record bands live and in the studio
Create music for visual media including film, TV, commercials, animated features and games

Overview

The music production degree combines creativity with cutting-edge technology. As a student, you will use the finest audio training facilities in Ireland to develop industry specific skills in the areas of studio recording, sound engineering, live recording, sound design, computer music production and audio visual work.

You will record bands, create music for film, learn to mix creatively, explore video production, record live and on location and study aspects of the music business and law of music and media.

As with all our courses, you will spend a large amount of time in our world-class studios, using state-of-the-art mixing desks, microphones, outboard equipment and software. Upon graduation you will achieve not only a recognised degree qualification, but also professional industry certification from Digidesign ProTools.

We at Pulse like to motivate our students and encourage you to become the very best you can be. To reward your hard work, we choose those who are excelling in all areas of the course and invite you to sit in on client sessions in the world famous Windmill Lane Recording Studios.

The music production degree course is internationally recognised and widely sought after by all sectors of the music industry. Your show reel will demonstrate your technical, artistic and professional abilities, giving you the cutting edge needed to gain employment in this exciting and varied industry.

Courses at a Glance

Year 1

Audio Visual Investigation
Performance In Context
Creative Music Technology
Recording 1
Professional Practice

Year 2

Video and Sonic Art Installation
Creative Production 1
Research Project
Applied Project
Recording 2
Professional Practice 1

Year 3

Creative Production 2
Presentation Project (Double)
Recording 3
Plus either Practice as Research (Double) or Dissertation
Plus Personal and Professional Development

Assessment

The majority of your coursework is assessed through practical submissions and written work in the form of supporting documentation and essays. We also use viva voces, seminars and tutorials as methods of formative and summative assessment and feedback for the work you produce.

Entry Requirements

Admission Criteria:

We expect all applicants to have a proven interest in music and music production and perhaps the performing arts in a wider context. Knowledge of the basic use of computers (either Mac or PC platform) and music/audio software will be helpful, but it is not essential for you be expert in these areas before starting the course. More important is a proven interest in music making, sound recording and design and its associated technologies. A willingness to explore new ideas is important alongside creativity and a positive attitude to study.

Entry on to our Degree Programme is based on a combination of the equivalent of a minimum of 240 CAO points and audition.

Additionally we will normally expect applicants to evidence a number of the following:

Grade 4 Music or equivalent
The ability to devise original work across a variety of media
FETAC Level 6 / HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media or similar
3 GCE A Level, NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
Extra-curricular activity, such as band performance, DJ-ing, community arts, visual or performing arts

Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will be equally considered.

Applicants, including Visiting Students, whose first language is not English, should include an original or certified true copy of one of the following:

TOEFL
- Paper based 570 with a TWE (test of written English) score of 4.5
- Computer based 233 with a score of 4.5 in the essay
- Internet based 90 with a written score of 21
Cambridge Proficiency Grade C
Cambridge Advanced Grade A
IELTS Academic Version 6.5 with no individual band below 6

Students who do not satisfy the College's English language requirements for direct entry will be required to take an English language preparatory course before commencing studies at Pulse. While the College does not offer an English language preparatory course, you will find the Department of Education and Science official listing of recognised language schools.

Each applicant is offered an interview regardless of prior experience or academic qualifications. The letter of interview highlights requirements for selection and advice on interview prepararion.