Music Production MA

Postgraduate

A student sat at the mixer desk in the recording studio control room.

Advance your creative music production and electronic music composition skills to help propel your career forward as an agile artist operating in a range of creative music industries.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST021

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Postgraduate events

Course overview

Gain the skills needed for a career in music production, games audio, screen composition, sound design, immersive audio and recording across the creative music industries.

This course focuses on building adaptable, confident, and self-aware professionals.

Tackle solo and team projects to develop transferable skills. These may include live scenarios where previous students collaborated with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, local schools and other university courses.²
Enhance your technical expertise in sound design and audio engineering for live settings. Simultaneously, develop your electronic music composition skills and critical insight to help you excel as an innovative music producer.
This course emphasises the diverse nature of music production and the industry's need for adaptable, ambitious and team-oriented professionals. You'll have opportunities to collaborate with other postgraduate students in subject areas such as popular music, film, VR, AR and game design.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Voted 1st in West Midlands for Postgraduate

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

Ranked 4th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

Why you should study this course

Develop the skills and knowledge that will help you establish and sustain a career as an independent artist in the contemporary music industries.
Build advanced skills in audio production, learn to solve complex challenges creatively, and apply inclusive principles so you can lead diverse teams.
Master theoretical frameworks to create high-quality work across various media and communities.
Access several modern recording studios (including SSL and Neve desks), an iMac music suite including a host of industry software, a Dolby Atmos/ambisonics studio and a VR/AR immersive studio.⁴
Learn from dedicated, experienced, and qualified teaching staff with a mixture of commercial, academic, and research-related expertise at an international level. (Staff may be subject to change.)

Collaborations

RSA logo

Endorsement by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Professional Practice and Innovation module, you will receive an RSA digital credential.

What you'll study

Modules

Sound in Music – 30 credits

Develop creative projects in advanced music production and composition, using contemporary studios with Neve, SSL and Audient desks. Refine your research skills and critically reflect on your practice while exploring music production and composition practice. Topics may include non-linear music for games, live electronics, sync music, ambient/EDM, signal processing and mastering, all within the context of DAWs and recording studios.

Compulsory

Sound in Space – 30 credits

Explore the creative and technological possibilities of spatial audio, with projects in areas like games audio, VR/AR, live performance and acousmatic composition. Develop advanced projects using Dolby Atmos/Ambisonics immersive studios while studying the theories and principles of spatial audio production. The module aims to enhance your research skills and encourages critical reflection on your practice.

Compulsory

Sound in Code – 30 credits

Explore the creative possibilities of programming music, sound and visuals, including generative and interactive music, as well as programming concepts like data flow. Develop skills in Max/MSP, Kyma and Arduino, while working as an 'artist-inventor' to create projects. The module also focuses on research skills and critical reflection on your practice, supporting your development in creative coding for your artistic work.

Compulsory

Creative Frontiers Project – 30 credits

This module offers personalised learning through independent research in a chosen area of the creative industries. Develop research skills and explore theoretical, conceptual and professional issues. The outcome may be an essay or a practical project (for example, production, composition or performance) with supporting commentary. Engage with research methods, industry-standard creative practice and a negotiated project.

Compulsory

Collaborative Technologies – 30 credits

This module provides practical experience with high-end production equipment in collaborative settings, aimed at enhancing your technical expertise and communication skills. Work with peers from other disciplines on projects such as motion capture, film, music and sound. Engage with industry practitioners, apply technical skills in specialist studios, explore sound and image collaboration (e.g., film, music, AR/VR), and create live or recorded events. Develop professional networking skills throughout the process.

Compulsory

Professional Practice and Innovation – 30 credits

This module examines the ecologies of the creative industries, exploring connections between independent, commercial, and public sectors. Developed in collaboration with the RSA, it covers topics such as the RSA Four Futures of Work, leadership mindsets, systems thinking, and participatory foresight. Focus areas include sustainability, regenerative thinking, professional skills, and future skills development. Successful completion awards an RSA digital credential.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

hands-on real-world projects and live briefs
workshops
peer to peer collaboration
networking with industry professionals
practical studio sessions
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

practical projects
portfolios
artefacts
essays
presentations
group projects.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a music-related discipline, or evidence of appropriate music production skills and experience with a portfolio of music recordings.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a music-related discipline, or evidence of appropriate music production skills and experience with a portfolio of music recordings.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,700	Not available
EU	£11,700 per year with EU Support Bursary £19,500 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£19,500	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the University's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee, such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Postgraduate Master's Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Media loan service

Borrow specialist equipment to support your projects and assignments. Whatever you need for your audio, video or photography requirements, we probably have it. We can also offer technical advice and help with using equipment.

Immersive sound studio

Our purpose-built 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos studio is designed for immersive and spatial audio production. Featuring Genelec monitoring, the Audient Oria interface, and both Mac and PC-based workflows, the space supports a wide range of creative and technical applications — from music production and sound design to post-production, games, VR and experimental audio.

Recording studio

Our recording space control room allows you to capture the sound of your collaborative creations, providing you with the perfect space to listen back to your work, identify areas for improvement, and take your music to the next level.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you may wish to seek a career in:

freelance music production
sound design
audio production
live sound
VR and immersive production
composing - film and game
education.

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

demonstrate a thorough understanding and critical awareness of recording and audio production techniques, applying them effectively to create high-quality audio artefacts
justify and critically reflect on their creative decisions, showing a deep understanding of the relevant theoretical frameworks and methodologies that inform their work
critically examine both new and existing approaches to global music production and apply the insights gained to their own work
tackle complex audio and music production challenges using both systematic approaches and creative solutions
demonstrate the ability to critically assess principles of equality and inclusivity required to lead and collaborate with diverse communities across various media platforms, social groups and contexts
work creatively, sustainably, and ethically in professional settings, both independently and as part of a team, using a variety of strategies and techniques
individually and collaboratively conceive, develop, and deliver innovative music and audio production projects tailored to diverse audiences and contexts.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, guest speakers, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually, but such increases will be no more than 5% above the inflation rate. If you defer your course start date or extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example, to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.