BA (Hons) Music Production - 2026 Entry

Note: This course is found under the Undergraduate option when making a UCAS application NOT the Conservatoires option.

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Study BA (Hons) Music Production at Leeds Conservatoire

Our BA (Hons) Music Production degree puts you at the heart of the studio, giving you the creative freedom and technical expertise to shape the music you want to make. Whether you’re an aspiring music producer, mix engineer, songwriter or sound designer, this course will equip you with the skills to produce music at a professional level.


*Please note this course is for 2026 entry only*

Looking to study in 2025? click here

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 3 Years /
    4 Years (with Foundation Year)/
    1 Year (Top-Up)
  • UCAS Course Code(s): W301
    W333 (with Foundation Year)
    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

You’ll develop expertise in studio recording, mixing, mastering, and post-production and refine your production techniques, workflows and arrangement skills using industry-standard tools and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).  

You’ll work in small group sessions and practical workshops, gaining the confidence in MIDI programming, audio editing, and sound manipulation and arrangements to run your own sessions and collaborate on creative projects. 

As you progress through the course, you’ll deepen your critical listening skills, explore the history and context of music production, and take part in collaborative and interdisciplinary projects with other creatives. In your final year, you’ll deliver a final portfolio project - this could be an album, soundtrack, or commercial release - aligned with your career goals. 

Taught by experienced producers and industry professionals, the course balances technical mastery with creative exploration, preparing you for a wide range of careers across production, recording, mixing, media, performance, and beyond. 

Industry Collaboration 

From studio masterclasses to real-world production briefs, you’ll work alongside producers, engineers, and artists. Guest sessions with creative practitioners and business specialists from across the music and media industries keep your learning relevant and connected. 

Creative Opportunities 

Record bands. Mix for film. Produce original work. You’ll collaborate on student-led projects and cross-course events – from song releases to large-scale multimedia productions. 

Facilities 

You’ll have access to pro-spec studios, Mac labs with Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton, DJ and live sound rigs, and collaborative workspaces. From mic placement to mastering, the facilities match the real world. 

Graduate Destinations 

Our graduates go into recording, live sound, songwriting and production, TV/film music, production for games, teaching and freelance creative work. Progression to our MA Music Production will be available with fee discounts. 


 

“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

What You Will Study

Contextual Studies Foundation 

You’ll build core academic and musical skills to support your creative journey. By analysing repertoire in social and historical context, you’ll develop critical thinking and a grounding in musicology and analysis. This module helps you connect your creativity with reflective practice, preparing you for undergraduate-level study and your evolving role as a music producer. 

DAW Foundations 

You’ll explore the basics of digital composition using industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). This module introduces you to essential production techniques and helps you build your first digital portfolio. You’ll also begin to apply theoretical knowledge from music theory, laying a solid technical foundation for future production work. 

DAW Principles 

Building on DAW Foundations, you’ll expand your skills in composition and arrangement using professional DAW software. You’ll deepen your understanding of tools and techniques while continuing to produce creative digital work. This module strengthens your technical fluency and prepares you for more advanced production environments. 

DJ Foundations 

You’ll gain hands-on experience with DJing at an introductory level, learning essential hardware and software techniques. This module supports your development as a music producer by helping you build performance, communication, and project planning skills. You’ll create your first DJ-led project and prepare for future live production work. 

DJ Principles 

You’ll enhance your DJ skills by exploring key principles behind hardware and software operation. This module builds your confidence in delivering structured performances while sharpening your communication and project skills. It supports your growth as a producer-performer and readies you for Level 4 work. 

Music Theory Skills for Producers 

You’ll gain a practical understanding of music theory tailored for producers. By exploring melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure, you’ll build the fluency needed to compose, produce, and analyse with confidence. This module helps you apply theoretical knowledge directly to your DAW-based creative work. 

Studio Foundations 

You’ll be introduced to the studio environment, learning how to operate recording equipment and understand signal flow. This module covers key principles of studio setup and communication, helping you develop the planning and interpersonal skills needed to complete a successful project in a studio setting. 

Studio Principles 

Building on Studio Foundations, you’ll expand your practical knowledge and technical confidence in the studio. You’ll apply more advanced operational procedures and refine your teamwork and project management skills. This module prepares you for professional production work and Level 4 studio modules. 

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.

BA (Hons) Music Production with Foundation Year - 4 Years

If you know that conservatoire study is for you, but you don’t think that you’ll meet the academic or musical entry requirements, our four-year courses are an excellent opportunity to start studying your degree while you focus on your musical development.

An extra year of access to our creative and collaborative environment, excellent facilities, expert staff and rich performance opportunities will build your confidence as a conservatoire musician.

Find out more about BA (Hons) with Foundation Year.

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 

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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