Course overview
From the outset, this programme prepares you to excel in the dynamic world of music production, sound design, and audio engineering. You’ll graduate with a substantial portfolio of music and audio work, created using cutting-edge technology, industry software and hardware, setting you apart as a well-prepared professional in the music industry.

The curriculum emphasises the development of your technical abilities, creative practices, artistic imagination, production skills, and academic understanding. You will cover everything from studio engineering, to sampling and sound synthesis, and becoming a cultural citizen. You’ll delve into critical and cultural theories, appreciate the societal context of sound, music, and technology, and gain first-hand industry experience through innovative placement modules and professional engagement activities with our external partners.

The programme also offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your degree through a selection of optional core modules. These modules enable you to broaden your understanding of various career pathways or to actively engage with the world beyond Keele - whether through a work placement, client-based projects, or collaborative efforts to deliver successful festivals or events.

This thoughtfully designed curriculum strikes a perfect balance between theoretical and practical learning. Music Production and Sound Design at Keele will ensure you are well-prepared for career paths in music production, sound recording, audio engineering, audio-visual production, and broadcasting.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

Work placements
Having the opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. Through this course you will become a creative individual with the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and produce content effectively.

You may choose to apply for a Work Placement Year that allows you to apply your knowledge and prepare for employment after university through a year long placement. This will enable you to build your confidence in the workplace and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme.

Study abroad
International year
Enhance your career prospects with an international year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.

This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society.

Your future career

As a Music Production and Sound Design graduate you will be ideally placed for employment, or further training within the creative industries, including sound recording, music production, game audio, audio streaming, and broadcasting.

You will develop the skills and experience for a future in the public arts, teaching, postgraduate studies, and academia or as an independent musician/artist.