The FdA Music and Sound Production is for individuals who are serious about being multi-skilled and highly employable electronic music producers, live sound engineers and recording engineers. All students will gain core skills in audio analysis and production, synthesisers, samplers, an understanding of the music industry, events planning & promotions, and the impact of music within society. There are also two specialist pathways through the programme, Electronic Music Production and Live Sound and Studio Recording. In addition to the core skills, Electronic Music students will gain skills and knowledge of Electronic music production, remixing, DJ Technology, modular synthesis, and live electronic performance. Live Sound and Studio Recording students will gain additional skills in sound reinforcement, studio and venue maintenance, advanced audio production, rigging and advanced audio recording techniques. All students will develop academically over the duration of the programme, gaining skills in English for academic purposes, research, and inquiry. At Level 5, each student will conduct a creative project, designed to feed into professional development. Delivery of the programme is face-to-face, with taught sessions taking place in our purpose-built Performance Academy building using specialist resources such as recording studios, music venues, and specialist IT. As part of our work ready guarantee, you will learn in real working environments such as recording studios and a working theatre and music venue. There will be regular opportunities to attend workshops and meet industry guests. There is also a close bond with the other programmes in the Performance Academy, meaning there is opportunity for collaboration and the development of a broad social network of creative individuals. The FdA Music and Sound Production programme is for individuals who are serious about a career in Music Production, Live Sound, Events, DJing and those who wish to progress onto further undergraduate study Academic progression beyond the FdA could top-up to a full honours degree BA(Hons) Music and Sound Production (Top-up). Career paths for graduates include FOH Sound engineer, Monitor mix engineer, Stage crew, Studio Technician, Studio Manager, DJ, Tour Manager, Events Promoter, Music Producer, Remixer, Theatre Technician, Teacher/Lecturer
Modules
Year One: The Music Industry (Academic Skills), Industry Practitioners (Personal Development), Introduction to Synthesisers, Introduction to Samplers, Audio Production, Production Analysis (Work Related Learning). Pathway Specific Modules: DJ & Technology in Performance or Electronic Music Production or Sound Reinforcement or Studio and Venue Set-up and Maintenance. Year Two: Creative Project (Professional Development), Digital Media and Production, Events Promotion (Work-Based Learning), Music, Society and Culture. Pathway Specific Modules: Remixing or Modular Synth or Hardware and Live Performance or Advanced Live Sound or Advanced Audio Production or Rigging for the Entertainment Industry.
Assessment method
A variety of methods will be used to assess this programme, including practical demonstration, reports, essays, observed assessments, academic posters, presentations, portfolios, and audio/video recordings.
If the course start date is before 31 December 2025 and you have already submitted an application, this course can be added. If you have not submitted an application, contact the university or college direct.
If the course start date is between 01 January and 31 July 2026 click the 'Apply' button to make an application.
Apply by 29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
Course code:
W301
Institution code:
N23
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Newcastle College University Centre has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Course code:
W301
Institution code:
N23
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level - CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MM
Scottish Advanced Higher - CC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Maths & English Language
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - MPP
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
Once we have reviewed your application you will be be asked to submit a Digital Performance/Production portfolio compromising a minute video presentation introducing yourself; What are your performance/production ambitions and passions and what are your reasons for applying for the Foundation Degree in particular and a piece of audio (as a link to a web-based resource) that you have either composed, remixed, created, performed, adapted, programmed.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
Additional details
IELTS (Academic)
6
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
65%
65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
70%
70 Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Location
Fee
Year
Channel Islands
£9535*
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
£9535*
Year 1
England
£9535*
Year 1
Northern Ireland
£9535*
Year 1
Scotland
£9535*
Year 1
Wales
£9535*
Year 1
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Newcastle College University Centre
Rye Hill Campus Scotswood Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7SA