Course description
These postgraduate courses have been developed to be relevant to the needs of the evolving music industry and to creative graduates who have completed undergraduate study in Music Technology or similar and are keen to continue their education within one of two specialist fields: Audio Engineering or Audio Programming. Additionally, both courses may appeal to the mature applicant who can demonstrate a related employment track record of 5 years or longer and is seeking to further their professional development.
Both courses investigate core elements, including research methods, studio and live sound systems, surround sound and remixing. The Audio Engineering pathway further explores such topics as studio design, (re-)mastering and live sound reinforcement, while the Audio Programming pathway focuses upon DSP, software development and GUI Design. Additionally, each pathway includes dedicated ‘Enterprise’ topics where you will explore possible outlets for your work along with employment opportunities and strategies, particularly focused at the independent Engineer or Programmer.
The University of Hertfordshire has a long-standing track record in Music Technology and is the first European University to establish its own record label. There are many opportunities for you to work on live projects and you will benefit from working alongside experienced lecturers and visiting speakers, all of whom are practitioners, and from being part of the large community of students in the School of Film, Music and Media. These courses aim to provide an education that will enhance your prospects of professional employment within music, the arts and related technological industries.
Work placement
Placements are a valuable means of establishing industrial contacts and gaining an insight into the commercial reality of a chosen discipline. We have a long history of students working with industry supplementing the taught university curriculum with real life on the job experience.
This has seen students working right across the creative industries sector: in graphic, product and interior design consultancies, working as artist in residence in galleries, producing props and sets for the film & TV industry, shadowing teachers in education, working with commercial photographers through to students working right across the Music industry.
We expect students interested in obtaining a work placement; to be proactive, to self-initiate this interest and to communicate and work with programme staff in their identification of companies and organisations that are able to provide the appropriate range of experiences and opportunities.
We value the opportunity and benefits of the placement experience highly and as such, we encourage all students to consider obtaining a placement as part of their course. However, we recognise that this may not be a viable option for a number of reasons. In addition, we are not able to guarantee that all students will undertake a work placement as part of their studies.
Careers
By undertaking these studies you will acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills and will be well equipped for careers which engage with the fast developing technology face of the music industry. You will be ideally positioned to act as the interface between various music and sound technologies and the creative artist, as an independent Audio Engineer or Producer within a live sound, recording or production setting, or as a software developer, consultant, facilitator or audio-media specialist. Teaching methods
Expert and approachable staff cover theoretical ideas/concepts and practical exercises through lectures, seminars and tutorials. State-of-the-art studio and laboratory facilities, Learning Resource Centre and on-line learning environments are all used to deliver a high quality learning experience.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Audio Engineering M
-Audio Engineering Project M
-Audio Programming M
-Audio Programming Project M
-Music and Production M
-Studio Technology M
