• Postgraduate

Record Production MA

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Overview

Overview

Would you like to advance your career in the highly competitive fast-paced music industry?

This advanced course in record production will show you how to define a creative vision for a project while also managing relationships in the studio.

A team of world-renowned record producers, composers, arrangers and engineers leads this Masters in music production.

Based at one of the largest audio complexes in Europe, you will have access to an enviable array of studio equipment and performance spaces, as well as opportunities to network with fellow artists and musicians.

View some of our students' recent work.

A student operating a sound desk

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Record Production with us?

Why study Record Production with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The course immerses you in the area of Record Production, from equipment and gear to discussing different recording skills.

Andrew Hudson
Next
London College of Music: founded in 1887
£1m+ investment in the Paragon Annex Studios. Our studio complex is now one of the largest in Europe.
UWL boasts a 200-seat fully equipped studio theatre
Industry focused teaching
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Your studies will incorporate the production of popular recorded music from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. You will deconstruct and analyse the process of record production, enhancing your ability to understand today’s music industry.

The course has been designed to combine the technical skills of advanced recording, digital signal processing and mixing with 'human skills', such as managing sessions, pre-production, developing your career, communication and performance in the studio.

As you progress through the course, you will become more aware of social and consumer trends in the music industry, and create a personal development plan to help you achieve your career goals.

Find out about our successful course alumni.

Compulsory modules

  • Approaches to Recording

    You will analyse and study methodologies, practices and positions on recorded ‘realism’ and be introduced to more experimental approaches to recording that might subvert this. You will be given the opportunity to conduct self-directed research into both development and future use of microphone & recording technology via both stereo and surround microphone techniques.

  • Performance in the Studio

    This module will investigate the idea that musical performance for recorded output is very different to concert performance. You will learn how a record producer not only has to be aware of these differences, but also of what is required at a psychological and interpersonal level, and how to achieve it.

  • The Development of Audio Technology

    In this module you will study the development of recording technology from the beginning of the 20th century including how these developments varied geographically, socially and culturally. You will look into questions such as:

    • Did the spread of audio technology occur at the same time in India as it did in Argentina?
    • How did the apartheid system in South Africa affect the production techniques used by black African artists compared to white artists?
    • Why have there been and continue to be so few women producers?

    You will also explore the debate surrounding the differences between analogue and digital sound.

  • Combining Sounds

    This module explores the process of combining sounds, from simplistic mono tape recordings through to multi-tracked, multi-channelled environments. You will deconstruct different genres of music focusing on the working practices and methods applied when combining and mixing sounds. Practical studio sessions will allow you to experiment and analyse sound construction and multi-layering techniques. 

  • Research Methods

    You will be trained in research methods and critical methodology as preparation for undertaking research that supports and advances the project work in your course. You will define, articulate and critically reflect upon the research concerns of your own practice, thereby underpinning and enhancing your knowledge and understanding of your chosen field of study. You will present your work at the multi-disciplinary LCM postgraduate conference.

  • Manipulating Sounds

    You will study how the techniques for manipulation of audio have transformed the recording process, to the point where the recording studio (or now a computer) can be considered as an ëinstrumentí in its own right. In addition to studying techniques from the traditional to the advanced, you will look at the theoretical and practical considerations of manipulating audio.

  • Masters Project

    For this module you will undertake an ambitious and self-managed large-scale practical project on a topic of your choice. The project will be framed by a study of contemporary research around your topic, and will be designed to expand and enhance the skills and knowledge around a specialised area. The project makes an excellent showcase to kickstart your future career.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You need: 

  • an honours degree (2:1 or above) in music technology or a related subject
  • advanced musical knowledge (although knowledge of notation and instrumental skills are not required)
  • a portfolio of degree level or professional work
  • a written statement.

We may also offer you a place based on relevant experience or training, normally from within the work environment. All applications are considered individually.

Find out more about our processes for recognising previous experience.

We look for students who show enthusiasm and a passion for the subject through previous study or professional experience.

If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.

6.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement of 6.5 overall score for IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements. Find out more about our English Language courses.

You will also need advanced musical knowledge (although knowledge of notation and instrumental skills are not required), and to provide us with:

  • a portfolio of degree level or professional work
  • a written statement.

 

We look for students who show enthusiasm and a passion for the subject through previous study or professional experience.

If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students or those with dependants.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, including awards for specific subjects.

Awards for music students are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year*

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Simon Zagorski-Thomas

Professor Simon Zagorski-Thomas

I am a Professor of Music at LCM, co-chair of the Association for the Study of the Art of Record Production and a director of the Art of Record Production Conference. I specialise in record production and lead several initiatives to develop new research into 21st century music practices. My career before academia spanned 25-years of record production, sound recording, composition and songwriting.

I am a Professor of Music at LCM, co-chair of the Association for the Study of the Art of Record Production and a director of the Art of Record Production Conference. I specialise in record production and lead several initiatives to develop new research into 21st century music practices. My career before academia spanned 25-years of record production, sound recording, composition and songwriting.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Two men a sound desk watching a music performance

Once you graduate you could go on to work as a: 

  • sound engineer 
  • post-production engineer 
  • recording artist 
  • producer 
  • composer 
  • re-mixer 
  • studio manager  
  • company director 
  • product developer 
  • product demonstrator.

Alternatively, you may want to explore a related area of study, such as Advanced Music Technology. You could also take an MPhil or PhD in areas such as Popular Music Production or Electronic/Electroacoustic Composition. Please see our postgraduate courses for more options.


 

How to apply

How to apply

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ARTSFEST

Someone operating a sound desk during a dress rehearsal

Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Music Technology ARTSFEST page.

MA Record Production alumni

The London College of Music stands at the forefront of the academic study of music technology and record production. On graduation, you will join the ranks of our successful alumni, including: 

  • Jan 'Stan' Kybert - freelance engineer and producer, assistant to Mike 'Spike' Stent; has previously worked with artists such as Paul Weller, Oasis, Miles Kane, KT Tunstall, The Draytones, Bjork, Massive Attack, The Spice Girls and Madonna.
  • Mark Brocklesby - owner of Big Smoke Studios; has previously worked with artists such as Yousef, Red Snapper, James Walsh, Mosi Conde, Phil Franz Jones, Jenny Bae and Gwilym Simcock.
  • Gittit Pearlmutter - University lecturer at Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv.
  • Irene Salamanca Barreto - freelance producer, sync manager in music publishing; has previously worked with companies like Reservoir Media Management INC, Concord Music Group and Imagem Music Group.
  • Hammad Rashid - producer, educator and YouTuber; known for his extensive works using Urdu influences.
  • Anthony Meynell - owner of Hi-Lo Records; has previously worked with artists such as Squire, Sugarplum and Beat Direction.

Other graduates have gone on to work with prominent artists, including Lady Gaga, Peter Gabriel and Blondie, and organisations including the BBC, Norsk Films and Warner Bros.

Facilities

Facilities

Lawrence Hall, a black box theatre at the University of West London

Performance spaces

Our flexible, professionally-equipped performance spaces include Lawrence Hall, a 200-seat black box studio theatre, and Vestry Hall, a classical music performance space featuring a Steinway B Concert Grand piano, concert tuned percussion and seating for up to 150 

Production Studio 1 at the University of West London

Production studios

We have four black box production rooms featuring performance dance floors, ballet barres, wall mirrors and ¾ drapes. All rooms have PA and AV support in all rooms. The digital stage pianos are by Roland.

A music practice room at the University of West London

One-to-one teaching pods

We have five acoustically isolated teaching pods featuring Roland and Korg digital pianos and mirrors to facilitate one-to-one teaching in voice.

A music performance room at the University of West London

Music performance rooms

All music performance rooms feature drums and backline plus PA support.

  • Drums by Roland and Pearl.
  • Backline by Marshall, Orange, Line 6, Fender and Gallien-Kruger
  • Stage pianos by Korg and Roland
  • Synths by Roland and Kurzwiel
  • PA by Yamaha, ABT and Nexo.
Basement practice room at the University of West London

Basement practice rooms

  • All LCM practice rooms benefit from LCM’s All Steinway School status to bring you the very best instruments.
  • Three percussion practice and teaching rooms.
  • Percussion rooms feature Pearl kits with recording and playback systems.
Media Resource Centre at the University of West London

Media Resource Centre

At our Media Resource Centre (used by all subject areas) you'll find extensive portable audio recording systems, including up to 24 track digital HD recording and portable Focusrite RedNet systems.

There is also video-camera and accessory support, including LED and tungsten lighting systems, track and dolly systems and stedi-cam rigs.

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.