Study a BA (Hons) Music Production degree in Manchester and develop the creative, technical and business skills required for a successful career in the music industry. Learn production, recording, mixing, mastering and sound design while producing professional-quality work in industry-standard studios.
Futureworks boasts 10 professional-grade music, mastering and recording studios, all available for you to get the best out of your Music Production course. No matter what genre of music you prefer we have the right combination to meet your creative needs. Release music with our in-house label, 1043 Recordings, and gain experience of signing contracts and music licensing to take into your future career.
This module is designed to develop your skills as a producing artist and music creator. You’ll explore creative approaches and strategies employed by notable artists and producers alongside developing your own production techniques using professional music production software. Whatever your genre, style, or specialism this module will help you to develop your own recognisable and personal style as a producer.
This is a hands-on experience in real-world recording studio facilities. In this module you’ll learn the skills needed to take your productions out of the box and into the studio. You’ll learn creative and practical techniques for studio-based production in managing live sessions with individual or multiple artists and explore microphones and studio hardware to develop the expertise to produce music that showcases your unique creative voice.
This module focuses on the core principles of music mixing, equipping you with the technical and creative skills essential for a modern mix engineer. You’ll learn how to construct mixes and develop your technical and creative abilities while exploring the role mix engineers play in the music industry.
Study marketing and release strategies to build a professional online presence. This module will help you develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s music industry. You’ll explore proven methods for strategically marketing your artistic brand across digital channels and gain insights into effective release campaigns that can increase your music’s reach and impact. You’ll explore how the internet has changed the musical landscape through research and start building your own online brand and platform to showcase your music and achievements.
This module opens up more advanced studio facilities and exposes you to the recording studio as a creative space. Experimenting with studio hardware and software, exploring the acoustic properties of the live room to capture performances is all geared toward adding sophistication and complexity to your production work, developing a more individual sound palette to make your music stand out.
This module explores the relationship between sound, visuals, and technology. You’ll examine how notable artists and professionals combine music, sound, and visuals. You’ll learn practical skills and techniques to manipulate and shape sound content and sync it to visual media. Driven by a mix of samples, synthesis and software instrumentation you will create soundscapes and musical pieces for both traditional video content and interactive non-linear applications.
In this employability-focussed module, you’ll work on a real-world project for an actual client. Lectures will cover relevant creative practices to prepare you for the project. You’ll receive feedback through one-on-one tutoring and peer review sessions as you work independently on the project.
Expanding your toolkit of composition and production techniques, this module will help you build on the composition and music production skills developed your first-year production work, refining your ability to create original music compositions and polished productions. In addition, there is also a strong industry focus, examining and producing commercial arrangements working to TV and film briefs and delivery standards.
This module provides a platform for you to specialise; to showcase your best work focused on your chosen career path and in turn your readiness for employment or further study. You will engage in tutorial discussions to support you as an individual in developing content and in consolidating skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme.
This is the culmination of your studio and production work throughout the course. Learning and producing work in our most advanced studios to consolidate the level of detailed knowledge and experience required to prepare you for a successful career in the music industry.
This is the finishing touch. Delivered in our dedicated mastering studio, this module examines the role of a Mastering Engineer, developing advanced critical skills and detailed knowledge to take your music to a professional standard release ready level.
This module develops your skills and knowledge in presenting an analytical research proposal, initiating the development of a professional body of work, investigating methodologies for vocational aspirations through independent study, appraising the skills necessary for producing a contextual report following academic conventions, and exploring current business practices.
Full-time, in-person, on-campus
Typically between 12 and 14 hours a week
Typically between 35 and 40 hours a week
We have five floors of high specification audio studios, edit suites, dubbing theatres, creative workstations, and computer labs, all equipped with the latest industry standard hardware and software. You may wish to purchase a computer or laptop to use at home.
You may find it beneficial to invest in additional equipment and/or study resources to support your learning at home. Examples of these are:
• 1TB external hard drive or SSD
• Headphones (£50 – £300)
Additionally, there may be the option of attending events outside of Futureworks which would further enhance your studies. Example trips are:
• Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) Music Archive: no additional cost
• Sacred Trinity Church visit: no additional cost
• Recording around locations in Manchester: no additional cost
Music Production graduates have a broad range of industry opportunities available to them, such as:
Students graduate with the technological and creative skills to apply to a wide range of career opportunities, or take further in MSc or MA programmes.
To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.
This could be gained via a number of qualifications, for example:
You can apply for this course by applying directly to Futureworks. Alternatively, you can apply via the UCAS system. The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:-
UCAS Code: WJ39
Institution Code: F98
If you have any questions please call us on 0161 214 4602 or email admissions@futureworks.ac.uk
Successful applications will receive an offer directly from Futureworks (and via your UCAS application if you applied through UCAS).
More information on our admissions process can be found in the Student Recruitment and Admissions Policy in the Policy Hub
Our Music Production degree combines creative exploration with industry-led learning to help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional portfolio needed for a career in the Music industry. You’ll be taught by tutors currently working in the industry who bring professional practice and real-world insights into the classroom, you could even find opportunities to make industry connections as a student!
We have small class sizes, meaning you’ll get lots of individual support, regular feedback and direct access to tutors throughout your studies. At Futureworks, you’re a name, not just a number.
Whether you’re looking to build specialist expertise, develop an industry-ready portfolio or take the next step towards a creative career, a Music Production degree at Futureworks provides a supportive, industry-focused environment for you to grow.
Futureworks Music Production graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations across the creative industries. Alumni have secured roles with employers including Sony Music, Creamfields, and BBC. Graduate outcomes vary and depend on factors such as individual experience, portfolio quality, and available opportunities at the time of graduation.
Manchester has plenty of independent student accommodation providers to choose from!
See our student accommodation guidance and a list of providers here.
All of our courses are £9,790 per year for home students, and £17,000 per year for international students.
Read more about fees, funding and student finance options here.
Yes! We currently offer four financial support funds to eligible students:
Read more about these funds and eligibility here.
At Futureworks, we offer 1-1 pastoral care and a free in-house councelling service for all students. Speak to our Student Wellbeing team about mental health, financial worries, disability support, or anything else that worrying you.
Read more about our Student Wellbeing services here.
