• Undergraduate

Music Technology with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • UWL is the second London modern university for Music, Complete University Guide 2024
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024 
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024 
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023** 

This specialist course offers you the chance to apply music technology in creative ways using professional equipment and software. It is our flagship music technology course and is designed to give you the skills the music industry values most.

Our music technology courses are built on two decades of development and experience. As a student on this course, you will have access to one of the largest audio complexes in Europe and learn from highly experienced tutors.

The London College of Music (LCM) is collaborative, and we will encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities for recording and networking with musicians, producers, gaming, film students and artists.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

View some of our students' recent work.

student at mixing 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 Music Technology with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Music Technology with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

I picked this course because there were none like it in my country. The facilities here are mindblowing. I'd recommend this course to anyone wanting to study music tech.

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

Course detail & modules

On this music technology specialist course, you will acquire and develop the skills you need to work with contemporary sound and music, both pre-and post-production. In addition, you will learn the theory and techniques that are essential for creating music and audio to a professional standard.

While the course will focus on music production, it will also give you the opportunity to apply your work in a broader context and you will explore the fascinating areas of:

  • music production and mixing 
  • game audio 
  • audio post-production
  • surround mixing  
  • experimental sound art.

We will also help you to hone your business survival skills – essential for any self-employed specialist. Collaboration is an integral part of this course and there will be scope to join forces with students from LCM and other Schools. You will be able to work with musicians performing in a range of styles, including contemporary, pop, jazz, western and classical. Furthermore, you could expand your horizons by working with students in media, video and film, digital animation and games design. These opportunities will help to enhance your CV even before you have graduated.

Throughout the course, you will learn through traditional and applied methods including lectures, workshops and live sound work. Your recording and live sound work will take place in our dedicated workshops, so there is no need to book sound studios.

Find out about our successful course alumni.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

Compulsory modules

  • Academic Performance

    This module allows you to further develop a range of transferable skills that you will demonstrate in your own subject-specific studies and apply to a final piece of written work at the end of the module. The module is designed for you to further develop your skills in a range of academic, investigative and research techniques including how to evaluate and select evidence appropriate to your discipline from a range of learning resources. The module also aims to develop your critical thinking and writing strategies, encouraging you to become aware of personal learning development and to apply the introductory skills learned in your first semester in order to produce a final piece of academic writing relevant to your discipline.

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Sound Production Workshop

    This module will provide the fundamental skills required to be successful in analogue studio-based work, exploring technique through supported practice. The module will focus on the fundamental skills of signal routing between hardware devices typical in modern studios. 

  • Project Studio

    This module will move you towards the applied creative side of studio production work. You will explore a range of tools, techniques and instruments typically found in modern pop and electronic music styles. By doing so you will learn to operate and perform with these tools in an integrated analogue and digital small-studio environment.

    This module will introduce you to concepts and practice of:

    • Sequencing
    • MIDI
    • Sampling
    • Drum programming
    • Synchronisation
    • Compositional strategies
  • Digital Skills

    This module will give you the chance to edit music video material, to use Photoshop to design cover art, to create a band web page using HTML and to develop your blogging skills in WordPress.

  • Introduction to Contemporary Production Studies

    Making music involves understanding how it works – the sounds and the structures – and in this module you will examine the way that others have made music and use some of those ideas to make your own productions. You will explore musical structure, rhythm, melody, harmony, instruments and how computers represent those sounds on a screen.

Compulsory modules

  • DAW Mixing and Production

    This module offers you the opportunity to develop as a creative user of professional DAW systems.

    Through the module you will gain fluency in the use of:

    • hardware and software
    • synths
    • samplers
    • controllers

    You will also grasp the essential concepts required for next level music production.

  • Recording Theory

    Recording Theory is a broad module introducing a variety of topics vital to the field of music technology. It also serves as a base for the more practical and technically orientated modules in the music technology degree courses at LCM/UWL. It is a key module designed to equip students with a grounding in the core knowledge and techniques germane to the disciplinary nature of the music technology courses.

    The module aims to provide the student with a solid grounding in the theory, techniques and terminology associated with contemporary acoustic and digital recording practice, as well as ensuring a fundamental grasp of the basic physics of sound and sound propagation.

  • Portfolio Development

    This module focuses on the development of your portfolio career. Increasingly, the successful modern freelancer requires a diverse range of skill sets in:

    • writing styles
    • technique
    • arrangement
    • production
    • the ability to expand your client base and income streams.

    Workflow demands will be examined in a time managed ethos to allow best practice. The module also explores creative outlets, future facing opportunities and residual income streams to allow you to pursue a career as a music professional whilst developing your portfolio.

  • Recording Practice

    Recording Practice will help you develop the required skills needed to operate studio recording technology to a high standard. The module will further the listening skills covered in Recording Theory and will increase your sensitivity to different recording and musical contexts. It covers a comprehensive overview of contemporary studio technology and the recording process.

    The module will also extend ear-training techniques and examine each component of studio technology in detail. In addition, it will address how the techniques of recording are coupled to the technology, providing each student with a backbone of knowledge designed to help the recording demands of the second year.

  • Popular Music Analysis

    If you understand how other people’s music works, it will help you develop your own creative vision. Different music genres all have their own particular sonic signature and this module is where you learn how to identify and talk about the elements which have defined recorded music, from past to present allowing you to absorb the techniques and mix aesthetics to build them into your tracks.

  • Live Sound Production

    This module is focussed on employability and provides you with a deep understanding of the processes involved in musical theatre and play production. The module will focus on the techniques and roles involved within the sound department, from the sound designer through to the sound operators. In addition to this there will also be contextualisation through an introductory study of theatre practice.

Compulsory modules

You will study all compulsory modules and your choice of ONE optional module.
  • Applied Studio Techniques

    This module develops the creative engineering skills gained from the Recording Practice module and to then adds session-planning skills, production/mixing skills, modern recording techniques and remixing. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for complete productions in a professional-standard recording studio. 

  • Sounds, Grooves and Genres

  • Production and Release Strategies

    Traditionally, a business led approach has been a key skill for any freelance music professional. Increasingly music industry professionals are also required to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.  As the boundaries of digital technologies and media converge, the need to understand how new concepts are generated and practically applied looks set to be one of the key tools for future creative-content practitioners. This module will focus on digital pioneers who displayed creative enterprise in the modern music industry, and will also break down and explain how best to utilise: music platforms, digital-design tools, social channels, historical context and revenue streams. 

  • Research Methods for Music Technology

  • Sound and Music for Screen

    The module is putting the student in the role of a ‘Sound Designer’ and ‘Composer’, an increasingly important role in the life of the audio post-production and music freelancer. This module should serve as a springboard for students to proactively engage in this field. By the end of the module students will have created a body of sound and music to picture work, which can serve as an industry standard tool to promote their work with other film makers and content producers to work to near professional workflow standards and circumstances, reflective of current industry practice.

Optional modules

  • Live Sound Production

    This module is focussed on employability and provides you with a deep understanding of the processes involved in musical theatre and play production. The module will focus on the techniques and roles involved within the sound department, from the sound designer through to the sound operators. In addition to this there will also be contextualisation through an introductory study of theatre practice.

  • LCM Music Factory

    LCM Music Factory embraces the network and community available within London College of Music and the University to provide real-life scenarios for the production of original music with a contemporary stylistic focus through collaboration. The fundamental aim of this module is to offer the student an opportunity to experience both the pressure and challenges of producing recorded artefacts to a specific musical brief. There is also a significant research aspect to the module, with assessment based upon both practical and theoretical knowledge in equal measures. 

Compulsory modules

You will study all compulsory modules and your choice of ONE optional module.
  • Project

    In the final year of your degree course, you will create your own project with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a student. You will be guided and supported, but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at UWL.

  • Creative Sound for Games

    Gaming is a fast growing and lucrative area of the entertainment industry.  By the end of the module you will have a solid appreciation of the power of audio for games, combined with the skills to develop audio assets and implement them in middleware. This in turn will form the basis of a show-reel which can be used for future promotion and collaboration within the gaming industry.

  • Live Event Production

    Will focus on developing, and specialise on, live music mixing skills to an advanced level. The module provides a practice-based context for the application and acquisition of advanced mixing techniques for a variety of platforms and setting applications to allow the student to manage and troubleshoot technical issues and provide appropriate technical solutions; taking into account contemporary approaches to mixing, professional outputs/formats and also future facing audio consumption requirements.

  • Audio Post-Production

    The module is both practical and theoretical and is designed to give students the opportunity to explore and develop creative techniques to produce sound design, ADR, foley and audio post for a range of post-production requirements.

  • Mixing for Screen and Broadcast

    This module will develop on and off specialisms in mixing to an advanced level, the module provides a practice-based context for the application, evolution and acquisition of advanced mixing techniques for a variety of platforms and format-setting applications, to allow the student to manage and troubleshoot technical issues and provide appropriate technical solutions for the master mix. 

  • Experimental Sound

    In this module, you will have to design an experiment that generates an audio experience. You will have the freedom to explore and develop individual ideas and abilities in the context of sound, producing a portfolio that shows confident expression and creative risk-taking, but with technical accomplishment. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BA (Hons) Music Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Music Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four 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.

Looking for BA (Hons) Music Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Music Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_uk_eu_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per 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.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

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

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students on a four-year degree with a foundation year have received our Path to Success Scholarship.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per 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.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

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.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Sam Sutton

Sam Sutton

I am a Senior Lecturer in Music Technology, specialising in sound design and production for media. I compose for advertisements, computer games and film, and bring this experience into my teaching practice at the London College of Music.

I am a Senior Lecturer in Music Technology, specialising in sound design and production for media. I compose for advertisements, computer games and film, and bring this experience into my teaching practice at the London College of Music.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

An older man talking to three people in a sound studio

Once you graduate, you could find work as a:

  • Record producer
  • Audio post-production
  • Sound for games 
  • Audio/Live engineer
  • A&R manager.

You may also choose to advance your studies, please see our postgraduate courses.

Explore our postgraduate courses at the London College of Music
How to apply

How to apply

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.

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.

Slideshow

A male student performing with a microphone in front of a crowd of other students standing behind a metal barrier. The room is dark and most students have the flash on their phone turned on
A female student performing with a microphone. She has blonde hair and is wearing a crop top and jogging bottoms. The light is red and casts dark shadows
A male student with a track jacket on is performing with a microphone on a stage.
Male student DJing at an event. He has headphones on and looks concentrated
two males, one with microphone and the other playing the guitar
live music concert
A male student performing with a microphone in front of a crowd of other students standing behind a metal barrier. The room is dark and most students have the flash on their phone turned on
A female student performing with a microphone. She has blonde hair and is wearing a crop top and jogging bottoms. The light is red and casts dark shadows
A male student with a track jacket on is performing with a microphone on a stage.
Male student DJing at an event. He has headphones on and looks concentrated
two males, one with microphone and the other playing the guitar
live music concert

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 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. 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.