Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Music Performance and Production
Develop the skills you’ll need to achieve your dream of being a professional musician.
Course Overview
-
W310 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Realise your potential in contemporary music production and develop your ability to perform live.
As part of your course you’ll:
- Concentrate on four themes: performance (group and individual), composition and arrangement, technology and production, and contextual studies
- Work alongside students and staff both in the studio and at live music venues, building a portfolio that will help you achieve your professional ambitions as a musician
- Work in conjunction with students from music production in the studios as well as working in live venues
- Have access to workshops and industry professionals through our links with JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) and the Music Producers Guild
Throughout your course you’ll be encouraged to perform externally in the many venues that Leeds has to offer. Previous students have performed at events including the Live at Leeds festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to venues across the city every year.
There will also be the chance to meet and learn from top-name artists and producers. One of our Senior Lecturers, Ken Scott, has more than 50 years of music production experience working with artists including The Beatles and David Bowie, and in 2016 our students worked at the Audio & Radio Industry Awards, rubbing shoulders with artists such as Kaiser Chiefs and Gregory Porter.
Artist in Residence Programme
The Artist in Residence programme gives our students an opportunity to work with professional artists and gives them a taste of what is it like to work on a professional music project. We have welcomed artists Chris T-T, Ian Prowse, I Monster, Tom Williams and Utah Saints.
Why study Music Performance and Production at Leeds Beckett University...
- Accredited by JAMES - we were the first university in England to become a JAMES Integrated Learning Centre
- Access to our guest lectures and workshops from industry experts
- Access to dedicated music studios, Foley studios, dubbing and music recording studios, acoustic labs and a host of post-production suites in the new Leeds School of Arts building
BA (Hons) Music Performance & Production Hear from students on the course about their experiences including performance opportunities and using specialist facilities.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.
ABRSM: ABRSM Grade 5 Theory or an equivalent qualification is required and should be included within your qualifications).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points in a relevant subject.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core, in a relevant subject.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above..Audition Required
Applicants who meet the academic entry requirements will be invited to submit an online video of a solo performance work of their own creation. Further details will be sent out through your UCAS Track account.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
Your personal statement should show: Evidence of aptitude for music performance. Evidence of ability to contribute to and develop music performances in a variety of contexts. Evidence of ability to contribute with others in a performance setting to a balanced musical ensemble. Evidence of willingness to extend musical and performing talent through technology. Evidence of a breadth of musical and performing experience. Evidence of commitment to self-motivated independent study.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above..Audition Required
Applicants who meet the academic entry requirements will be invited to submit an online video of a solo performance work of their own creation. Further details will be sent out through your UCAS Track account.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
Your personal statement should show: Evidence of aptitude for music performance. Evidence of ability to contribute to and develop music performances in a variety of contexts. Evidence of ability to contribute with others in a performance setting to a balanced musical ensemble. Evidence of willingness to extend musical and performing talent through technology. Evidence of a breadth of musical and performing experience. Evidence of commitment to self-motivated independent study.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study - the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Develop the high standard of technical, professional, solo and ensemble skills you will need to participate in public solo and/or ensemble performances, as well as function in a studio environment.
An introduction to a range of perspectives, approaches and techniques relevant to computer-based music performance, and associated music production and sound manipulation skills.
This module will enable you to develop the skills and experience you'll need for a career in the music industry. You'll understand how the industries are structured and how they operate. You'll discuss the three primary areas of recording, publishing and live, within the context of the importance of creative works (intellectual property). You'll explore how internet marketing, branding, piracy and new models of consumption and delivery of music bring opportunities and threats to the industry. This module will also enable you to understand how digital content and online environment can be created to give added value to musical works. You'll study contemporary practice in the creation and distribution of digital musical content and develop the creative and technical skills to produce and distribute content of your own.
The first in a series of studio recording modules, this module will introduce you to and develop your fundamental, practical audio production skills. You will also learn about the hardware and software systems used in audio recording and establish good working practices for audio projects.
Develop your composition skills and techniques. All your work will be placed in the context of the wider music industry and you will prepare a portfolio of compositions to demonstrate your ability to produce a range of compositional material to a high standard.
Study contemporary musical genres, histories and associated music subcultures to deepen your understanding of what political, economic, sociological, technological, ethical and legal factors impact upon the music being produced and the industries that support it.
What you'll learn
Live performance is central to most musical activities and this module explores the skills, techniques and practices which are required to perform in a public setting. You will develop expressive techniques both individually and as part of a team in order to produce performances which focus on the audience experience.
Build a performance set of 15-20 minutes to be performed at a public venue in Leeds.
Organise and manage a studio project through the stages of production, demonstrating your understanding of recording and production techniques. You will evaluate the project throughout all stages of production.
Engage directly with the way in which the music industries employ intellectual property and creative works to generate value and income for all its relevant stakeholders. Through looking at the way in which record labels and industry bodies exploit copyright, and the legal frameworks that surround them, you'll appraise music industry practices. You'll study a range of areas including recorded works and songwriting, and will understand how stakeholders assign and protect value.
Expand your musical experience and familiarity with diverse musical styles and genres. This module will equip you with a variety of analytical tools with which to analyse music performance and production.
Option modules may include
Gain skills and techniques in composing and arranging in the context of film composition. You'll be encouraged to work to professional protocols and develop strong presentation skills.
Investigate the ways in which sound can both influence and underpin the narrative in film and television. You will gain the skills needed to record, manipulate and mix post-production sound for film and television.
Covering a range of genres, you will explore compositional approaches and production techniques to help you build a portfolio of work and develop your skill set in the area of electronic music production.
Study fundamental radio techniques, and develop your skills in recording and broadcasting audio. You'll gain an understanding of writing and programme content creation for radio. This is a practical module and you'll develop your ability to record, manage, edit, and produce audio content for radio or podcast. You'll be introduced to recording, editing and production, as well as developing your own ideas and refining them into audio content. You'll learn about the industry, producing content in a classroom environment and using radio equipment in a dedicated radio room/studio.
What you'll learn
Research, develop and prepare a musical performance which reflects your individual abilities as a soloist or as a member of a collaborative ensemble.
Develop a performance showcase to demonstrate your performance abilities. You will be responsible for booking and organising venues, enhancing your entrepreneurial skills.
Undertake a major project of interest to you. You will conceive, plan and carry out your project throughout your final year and evaluate the outcomes.
Option modules may include
Study the key concepts of electro-acoustic composition and the application of these concepts both creatively and technically.
Designed to equip you with the skills to produce music for film and television, this module will introduce you to some key composers to examine the historical function of film music and look at the approaches to synchronisation and instrumentation required to produce contemporary film and TV scores.
Improve your songwriting abilities. This intensive, hands-on module will enhance your existing skills and by the end of the module you will have written and recorded a collaborative songwriting portfolio.
A combination of experimentation, critical listening and contextual discourse, this module will help you develop the essential skills and processes used in modern studio productions.
Explore the tools and techniques required in the production of audio within the creative industries. You'll develop the critical and analytical listening skills required by professional mixing engineers.
Examine socially engaged arts practices that operate within different social environments with the purpose of engaging communities of people. You will develop the skills needed to facilitate workshops and performance works that can be used as vehicles for social advocacy and gain an understanding of how to respond to the needs to various community groups.
Learn to identify the technical, social and cultural factors that influence the production and consumption of contemporary music. This module will explore a range of key theoretical frameworks and establish the context within which musical works, or genres, are situated.
Develop your ability to record high-quality location sound in rural and urban environments for potential use in radio, television, music, games, and installations or in other artefacts. You'll analyse a field recording brief, plan and execute field-recordings in locations and prepare recordings for the end-user. You'll then critically evaluate your work, identifying any ethical issues surrounding it.
This practical module will enable you to develop radio techniques including skills in recording and broadcasting audio. You'll gain understanding of writing and programme content creation for radio. This module will be assessed by a portfolio of radio work, plus a report on an aspect of radio production.
Build on your understanding of the functionality of the music industry and develop an ability to identify and analyse new business models, technological development and new revenue streams related to these.
Through experience in a real working environment, you'll develop transferable personal, intellectual and professional skills. This module will enable you to reflect on, and undertake a critical evaluation, of your placement or work-based learning opportunity.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Headphones (£60)
- Passport hard drive (£50)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Headphones (£60)
- Passport hard drive (£50)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
BA (Hons) Music Production and Performance Amanda Belle
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
With its strong vocational element, your course will help you nurture your industry contacts and kick-start your career in music. Both in the studio and on stage, you will gain plenty of practical experience to hone your production and performance skills. You could progress on to a postgraduate course in music production at the University, or you might decide to train to be a teacher.
- Professional musician
- Record producer
- Composer
- Music teacher
Alex Stevenson
Course Director / Leeds School Of Arts
Alex is Course Director for the BA (Hons) Music Performance and Production and BA (Hons) Music Industries Management courses in the Leeds School of the Arts.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Leeds School of Arts Show
The End of Year Show celebrates the work of students from across the arts. We invite you to experience their visionary projects online.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
