BSc (Hons) Music and Sound Technology - FAQs

What is Music and Sound Technology?
This course aims to provide a balance between traditional Music training and the requirements of the modern professional workplace. The programme provides a background in the key areas of music technology, music theory and performance, and digital media as well as introducing students to other relevant elements via a range of options. Within this broad scheme there will be a strong popular music technology theme that aims to develop technological skills aimed at producing musical artefacts for use in multimedia/digital media products. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on building the concomitant problem-solving skills required to work at the leading edge of these technologies.

Where will it take me?
BSc Music and Sound Technology is geared to producing graduates with experience in developing music within digital media products. The course has several themes based on the fact that most multimedia products will be some amalgam of sound, music and visual imagery. It is expected therefore that graduates will find employment within the creative industries.

Will it suit me?
The design and structure of the MST is such that students from a variety of musical backgrounds may undertake the programme. Students may enter from a conventional background of A levels such as music and/or music technology; from a music BTEC background; from a background of experience in performance, composition, studio recording, studio engineering, or software expertise.

Why should I study at Portsmouth?
The Music and Sound Technology course has established itself as an important aspect of the Creative Technologies Department. There have been many applications for the course and its popularity is growing. We are able to offer:

  • A 24 track recording studio with AMEK desk and radar hard drive for storage and mixing and a Studer A80 2 inch tape machine for retro - analogue experience
  • A Pro Tools recording studio
  • A Foley recording studio for soundtrack work
  • A 'Mac' suite containing 16 G5 computers running Logic, Reason and Reaktor software
  • 40 PC's running Cubase, Sonar and Sibelius software
  • Practice rooms for project work and minor recording activities
  • A curriculum with many individual subject choices at Level 2 and 3 allowing students to tailor their programme to individual strengths and interests.
  • Staff who are from a wide variety of musical backgrounds and offer a range of expertise

In addition Staff are very experienced in providing support to students. Help and guidance is readily available through a strong system of personal and subject tutors. Portsmouth has a reputation for providing a supportive and friendly atmosphere in which its students can quickly settle and enjoy their studies. The local music scene is lively and the social scene generally is exciting.

What will I learn?
This is a music course that understands the needs of musicians who wish to apply their skills in the modern workplace. Consequently you will learn about:

  • The relationship and application of music to film, video and multimedia
  • A wide variety of contemporary music software
  • Studio recording, location recording and studio design
  • Electroacoustic music and Installation work
  • The manipulation of Sound as a creative tool in its own right
  • Music in Society; issues, aesthetics and criticism
  • Composition and Performance

How will l be taught?
You will be taught and encouraged to learn using a mixture of

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • laboratories
  • workshops
  • project work.

Lecture classes are supported by smaller group seminars and tutorials and you will get individual help in the areas where you need support. Studies are designed to be progressive so that your knowledge, understanding and skills are built up over the course.

How will I be assessed?
A wide variety of subject matter is taught and the assessment strategies in each taught unit have been chosen to be appropriate to the material covered. The aim is to enhance the learning process by imparting knowledge, deepening understanding and developing specific skills. In general, the strategies will be a combination chosen from the many forms available including:

  • essays
  • recording projects
  • journals
  • work portfolios
  • log books
  • examinations
  • multi-choice tests
  • performances
  • presentations
  • case studies
  • extended review articles

Have I got what it takes?
If you are interested in any of the following then this course should interest you.

  • music technology
  • sound theory and practice
  • recording
  • performance
  • music for media applications
  • popular music studies

Future Careers
Music Technology and its products may be used in a variety of contexts including:

  • Film & Video production
  • Installations
  • Studio Work
  • Internet sites
  • Music Theatre
  • Virtual Performance
  • Home Entertainment industry
  • Composition
  • Performance
  • Teaching

To help you further This course is run by the Department of Creative Technologies. For further information on how to apply and the admissions process, please contact the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries Admissions Centre.