Music Production

During this challenging course you'll develop the academic knowledge and practical skills you'll need to take advantage of current and future opportunities in the music and media production industry sectors.

Music and sound production are integral to the creative industries sector both in the UK and internationally and are at the forefront of a diverse range of commercial, educational and research developments. Representing a significant area of commercial innovation and creative practice, the growth of new media platforms provides exciting employment opportunities and requires up to date approaches to the development of appropriate professional expertise.

‌Professional judgement, technical and creative ability, and appropriate knowledge and understanding are key to success in the music and media sector. Increasingly characterised by sophisticated technical systems and close integration with a range of media, music production encompasses a number of distinct specialisms and provides a dynamic field of postgraduate research activity.

You will study both as an individual and as part of a group, to give you experience of working within multidimensional teams and managing leadership roles.

Take a look at highlights from the 2021 MA Degree Show.  

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Student learning is associated with a range of activities including the use of music workstations (DAWs), recording studios, as well as traditional lectures and seminars.

Assessment is 100% coursework, there are no exams. Assessment within each module would normally have a practical element with a written component.

An undergraduate degree (at least second class) in a relevant subject, or equivalent. After you have submitted your application we will ask you for a digital portfolio and a written statement describing your practice and ambitions. You may also meet with the programme leader to discuss your portfolio application.

If English is not your first language, you'll also need an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.