

UCAS code
W370Mode of Study
Full-timeDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023Accredited
Yes
Overview
Our BSc (Hons) Music Technology degree course will help you lay the groundwork for a rewarding career in the music industry as a creative or technical producer.
You’ll learn how to engineer and produce music and sound using professional studio hardware and software, experiment with innovative practices and emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence (AI) – and through collaboration and project work, you’ll develop transferable skills that can be applied beyond your degree.
In year 1, you’ll explore subjects relating to recording and production, composition, and music computing. You’ll then choose a pathway that focuses on your chosen specialisation, preparing you for your future career.
In years 2 and 3, you’ll specialise in a specific area of music technology by choosing specific modules, and graduate with an exit award.
Exit awards
Depending on the modules you choose in your second and third years, you’ll get one of the following exit awards upon completing the course.
Award Type
The Recording and Production award emphasises studio recording, production, and engineering skills. You’ll study designated studio modules and embark on a range of practical projects.
The Composition award emphasises creative practice, especially composition and sound design. You’ll explore technological approaches to help realise your own musical works.
The Computing award focuses on software design and development, coding, and audio programming and processing for creative projects. It will prepare you for emerging employment and research development opportunities.
Course highlights
- Use our brand-new, high-end professional music studio complex – comprising three studios, two live rooms, vocal booth, and editing rooms
- Familiarise yourself with industry-level studio equipment – including a Neve Genesys Black G96 mixing console in our flagship Studio 1, a SSL Matrix 2 mixing console in
- Studio 2, and a Dolby Atmos surround sound studio in Studio 3
- Explore our growing range of hardware synthesisers (including Buchla System 7)
- Demonstrate your expertise with industry-standard applications to professionals by earning Avid Pro Tools and Audiokinetic Wwise-110 certifications
- Gain valuable industry experience and knowledge by taking an optional placement – either with a company or as self-employed
- Develop original software tools for music and sound
- Create live installations and performances using sensors and alternative controllers
- Work on collaborative projects with students and staff across the Faculty
Accreditation
This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services), a group of industry professionals and employers.
The JAMES accreditation lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work in the industry when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who didn’t do an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs.
JAMES reviews our accreditation every three years to make sure the course content remains up-to-date with industry trends and developments. So you’ll always be learning skills relevant to your career.
Skills and qualities you'll need for this Music Technology degree course
To get the most out of this course, you'll need to have studied A levels or a BTEC National in Music Technology or Music Production. You can also demonstrate your music and/or music technology knowledge through a portfolio, if you lack qualifications in the area.
We're looking for enthusiastic, motivated and ambitious applicants, with backgrounds in the fundamentals of music recording, production, composition, creative computing and broader creative practice.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Music Technology
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25-26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
Selection process
- A relevant qualification or experience in music/sound is required.
- Applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our BSc Hons Music Technology portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Your facilities
Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)
Create stunning works for film, TV, music, gaming and immersive reality in the UK's first integrated facility of its kind.

Music and Sound Recording Studios
Our high-end professional music studio complex—completed in Summer 2022—houses 3 studios, 2 live rooms, editing rooms, and a vocal booth.

Featured student work
Cristian Munteanu – Cinematic Themes for Symphonic Orchestra
This majestic track is taken from our 2021 graduate Cristian's final-year project in Genre Studies. It's part of a selection of original multi-genre compositions exploring the nature of genre classification. You can listen to more of his work in our Music Technology Graduate Show 2021 showcase.
Immerse your ears and realise what you can achieve by studying Music Technology at Portsmouth.
Careers and opportunities
Music technology’s a continually developing field that’s fundamental to many areas of the creative industries, including television, film, animation, computer games, and digital media.
The experience you get on this course means you'll be ready to use the latest technology and equipment available to employers, giving you a head start over others when it comes to applying for jobs.
You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Graduate areas
Areas you could work in include:
- visual media
- computer games
- audio programming
- music studio work
- education
Graduate roles
Job roles you could work in include:
- composer
- sound designer
- audio/software developer
- musical technician
- studio manager
- studio engineer
- music teacher/lecturer
- game audio professional (composition and sound design)
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Throughout the course at university, I’ve grown exponentially, not only in the field of music but also as an individual.
Placement year (optional)
Between your second and third year, you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It's also a great incentive for employers once you graduate.
You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.
Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.
Creative Careers
Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.
They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:
- Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
- Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
- Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
- Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.
Placement destinations
Previous students have done placements at places including:
- Hot Vox Ltd – a music promotion and events company operating around London and beyond
- Blackhill Studios – a professional recording studio in Southampton
- Mayfield Studios – a Portsmouth based recording studio, record label and video production studio
- University of Portsmouth Music Studios – our own music production facilities
Featured placement
Antti Liakka – Self-employed
Antti formed his own business, AudioAssets, as part of his placement year. Discover his journey, the benefits of being self-employed, and the highlights and challenges he's faced on the way.
What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year (apart from your optional placement year), you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules
All pathways
- Studio Theory and Practice – 40 credits
- Creative Music Technology – 40 credits
- Creative Computing for Music and Sound – 40 credits
Core modules
Recording and production pathway
- Creative and Critical Research Design – 20 credits
- Recording and Production Techniques – 20 credits
- Sound Design and Music for Games – 20 credits
- Acoustics: Studio Design and Live Sound – 20 credits
Composition pathway
- Creative and Critical Research Design – 20 credits
- Creativity and Resilience – 20 credits
- Composition Portfolio – 20 credits
- Sound Design and Music and Games – 20 credits
Computing pathway
- Creative and Critical Research Design – 20 credits
- Advanced Creative Computing for Music and Sound – 20 credits
- Applied Music Technology Project – 20 credits
- Audio Programming – 20 credits
Optional modules
Recording and production pathway
- Music Technology in Performance – 20 credits
- Composition Portfolio – 20 credits
- Music Enterprise and Career Development – 20 credits
- Institution Wide Language Programme – 20 credits
- Creative Technologies Study Exchange – 60 credits
- Applied Music Technology Project – 20 credits
Composition pathway
- Music Technology in Performance – 20 credits
- Recording and Production Techniques – 20 credits
- Music Enterprise and Career Development – 20 credits
- Institution Wide Language Programme – 20 credits
- Creative Technologies Study Exchange – 60 credits
- Applied Music Technology Project – 20 credits
Computing pathway
- Creativity and Resilience – 20 credits
- Music Technology in Performance – 20 credits
- Sound Design for Music and Games – 20 credits
- Electroacoustic Composition – 20 credits
- Institution Wide Language Programme – 20 credits
- Creative Technologies Study Exchange – 60 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We'll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules
Recording and production pathway
- Final Year Project – 40 credits
- Professional Studio Practice – 20 credits
Composition pathway
- Final Year Project – 40 credits
- Free Composition – 20 credits
Computing pathway
- Final Year Project – 40 credits
- Audio Programming/Sound and Music Programming – 20 credits
Optional modules
Recording and production pathway
- Specialist Studio Project – 20 credits
- Emerging Music Technologies – 20 credits
- Flexible Client Project – 20 credits
- Collaborative Sound Project – 20 credits
- Music and Sound Synthesis – 20 credits
Composition pathway
- Composition for Visual Media – 20 credits
- Emerging Music Technologies – 20 credits
- Implementing Game Audio – 20 credits
- Collaborative Sound Project – 20 credits
- Music and Sound Synthesis – 20 credits
Computing pathway
- Foundations of AI – 20 credits
- Emerging Music Technologies – 20 credits
- Implementing Game Audio – 20 credits
- Collaborative Sound Project – 20 credits
- Music and Sound Synthesis – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- practical projects
- working journals
- academic and evaluative essays
- performances
- oral presentations
- case studies
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- tutorials
Teaching and support staff skills, professional experience and research interests include music computing, programming, game audio, composition, musicology, and engineering and production.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
Watch Sky Curtis, Seb Langdon and Jaye Wright's vlog about their Sound Application
Sky Curtis, Seb Langdon and Jaye Wright
Sound Application
For this project, we created an interactive app highlighting the various soundscapes of areas around Portsmouth & Southsea based on the concepts of Acoustic Ecology from R. Murray Schafer’s World Soundscape Project. Videos of the areas are presented in the app along with impressionistic music composed for the different areas.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your BSc (Hons) Music Technology degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
All fees may be subject to annual increase.
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,250 per year
- EU students: £9,250 per year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International students: £17,900 per year
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each modules.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – W370
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.