English 
German 
Overview
Bachelor Music Production and Audio Design, B.A.
6 semester / 36 month
full-time version
Study 100 % online
complete modules at your own pace
Do you have a deep passion for music? This online Bachelor’s programme offers you a unique blend of theoretical and practical insights into the world of sound engineering and music production.
The course structure has been developed for today’s learners, incorporating flexibility to cater to individual learning rhythms and schedules.
The curriculum is structured around 17 core modules, equivalent to 180 ECTS credits, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. The modules have been systematically arranged from basic concepts to advanced understanding in audio design.
After graduation, you will have acquired a thorough understanding of audio design and technology. You will be proficient in the use of advanced software and musical instruments and have knowledge ranging from video streaming in various media forms to the details of sound engineering in films.. The curriculum integrates theoretical principles with practical applications, encouraging critical thinking. It also covers foundational elements of electrical engineering and room acoustics, equipping students with the skills to maintain excellence in sound production, distribution, and broadcasting.
The programme is designed to form a balance between academic knowledge and practical application, catering both to individuals entering the field of sound engineering and music production, and to professionals aiming to level up their skills.
Admission
Entry Requirements for the Bachelor Music Production and Audio Design, B.A.
The examination board decides on admission.
Previous education requirement:
To be eligible for admission, you must be at least 18 years old by the time your studies begin. In terms of education, you should have completed A-levels, hold a Matriculation Certificate from Malta, a Pre-tertiary certificate from Malta, German Abitur, or a Foundation Certificate from a UK higher educational institution. You can also present any other international equivalent that corresponds to level 4 of the MQF, specifically with a focus on music production or a related subject. If you are interested and have experience in the music industry but do not have a certified qualification, you are still welcome to apply. In this case, you should submit a portfolio in which you document your experience.
Language requirements:
For the programme in German:
- A certificate that proves your mastery of the German language at the level of B2 of CEFR OR
- A secondary school certificate for a German medium of instruction school.
For the programme in English:
- A certificate that proves your mastery of the English language at the level of B2 of CEFR OR
- A secondary school certificate for an English medium of instruction school.
Further requirement:
You should be equipped for online learning. This means having a stable internet connection which can be accessed via a personal computer. A mobile phone does not suffice.
In terms of tools required for practice and coursework, you must have access to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software (e.g. Avid ProTools, Steinberg Cubase, Apple Logic, Ableton Live, and Presonus Studio One). It is essential for you to have a personal computer that meets the minimum system requirements of the chosen DAW. You should have a backup medium such as a USB thumb drive with a capacity of at least 128GB. Other necessary equipment includes a two-channel USB Audio Interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, two microphones like the Shure SM58, headphones (AKG K-271 or comparable), and a USB keyboard with 49 keys (e.g. M-Audio Keystation 49).
For documentation and academic work, you should be equipped with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Open Office, and have a PDF reader and printer software installed. If there are specialized software needs to accommodate specific disabilities like visual or hearing impairments, you are responsible for having these tools available for your use.
Furthermore, you must demonstrate digital competency. This involves basic computer operation skills, such as installing software and managing data backup, searching for information, managing online accounts, and handling file transfers. Proficiency in word processing, using platforms such as Microsoft Word or Open Office, and the capability to print documents to PDF is also required.
Application through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In addition, admission is also possible via additional qualifications or extensive professional experience that comply with the guidelines and procedures for the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Recognition
How could I apply for credits?
If you have already completed comparable coursework in a Bachelor’s programme or a comparable programme at another university or institution, recognition is possible in principle. For the credit check, please send us an overview of the grades of the achievements as well as a module handbook, if available, or other information about the scope and content of your prior learning by e-mail. Please note the guidelines and the procedure for the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Content
What will be the content of your study?
Semester 1
The module provides a comprehensive exploration of electronic music production, covering key areas such as sound design, mixing, harmony, arranging techniques, and genre studies. Throughout the course, you will gain foundational knowledge in electronic music creation, including understanding digital audio workstations, MIDI, sampling, synthesizers, music composition, and the essentials of signal routing and sequencing.
The module dives into the fundamental principles of physics with an emphasis on sound behaviour and its modulation across various spaces. Additionally, it imparts basic electrotechnical understanding, enabling you to not only use sound equipment but also grasp the underlying functionalities. Key topics include sound fundamentals, sound behaviour in different spaces, wavelength calculations, superposition, room modes, electrical engineering basics, and microphone technology fundamentals.
The module equips you with essential knowledge in music composition, encompassing harmony, rhythm, notation, chord formations, and songwriting. Beginning with rhythm, it introduces note values based on binary division. Throughout the course, you delve into topics like ternary division principles, dotted note values, primary time signatures, rhythmic notation, complementary intervals, tonality principles in major and minor keys, and the basics of cadence formation.
Semester 2
This module empowers you to transform your musical ideas into a polished piece ready for release. It offers instruction on independent composition, realization, and mixing, applicable across any digital audio workstation (DAW). Key areas of instruction include the essentials of electronic music creation, an overview of various DAWs, MIDI basics, sampling, synthesizers, music composition fundamentals, and the basics of signal routing and sequencing.
This module delves into microphone utilization and functionality, guiding you on professional instrument miking and associated recording techniques. Beyond mastering microphone dynamics, you gain insights into recording studio operations, signal flows involving patch bays, and safe power protocols. Key subjects encompassed include the foundational aspects of microphone technology, microphone construction, directional characteristics, diaphragm size variations, microphone usage, studio construction, and patch bay comprehension.
This module explores standard musical forms and diverse notation types, with an emphasis on the lead sheet notation essential for project work. It also addresses the various repeat signs used in music notation. Key subjects include crafting chord progressions, accurate notation, designing a typical pop song, independent creation of bass lines and drum grooves, utilizing harmony and melody instruments, and understanding the primary instruments of the rhythm section.
Semester 3
This module immerses you in professional electronic music production, offering in[1]depth knowledge on topics ranging from frequency modulation (FM) and various synthesis methods to advanced sampling techniques and composition of original tracks. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of sound design, utilizing timbre as a compositional instrument, and mastering advanced synthesis forms. Key learning areas encompass FM synthesis, additive and modular synthesis, genre exploration, remixing techniques, the use of sound in composition, software synthesizers, and more.
In this module, you actively engage in experiments, applying techniques learned from online lectures and production workshops, resulting in electronic audio artifacts that showcase their findings. Alongside a written essay, you will produce a brief video that elucidates an element of their learnings and its practical application. The curriculum provides a foundational grasp of electronic music creation, highlighting exploration in music making, mastering various digital audio workstations, MIDI operations, sound creation via samplers and synthesizers, composition techniques, and an understanding of signal routing and sequencing.
This module delves into the advanced utilization of sound equipment, emphasizing the intricacies of the mixing process and the digital equipment involved, while also touching on analog examples. Key devices like equalizers, compressors, and noise gates are dissected to understand their technical functioning. Throughout the course, you acquire essential knowledge about equipment vital for a mixdown, focusing on areas such as advanced microphone technology, setting up and using equalizers and reverberation devices, design and application of compressors, gates, limiters, and expanders, specialized compressors, understanding dynamics, and level calculation.
Semester 4
This module centers on the hands-on execution of the mixing process, incorporating specialized tips, tricks, and workflow recommendations for professional production. As you progress through the course, you gain foundational expertise in mixdown procedures, honing skills in practical areas such as the utilization of equalizers, reverberators, compressors, expanders, gates, limiters, special control amplifiers, understanding signal flow during mixing, and adeptly using auxiliaries and busses in the mixing process.
This module delves into the realm of audio engineering across music, film, and television industries. It emphasizes theoretical aspects, covering topics like collecting societies, TV and radio standards, tape machines, synchronization, and mastering techniques. Throughout the course, you gain a foundational understanding of essential equipment and processes across several critical areas: music management, analogue multitrack recording and synchronization, sound production for TV and radio, radio program production, communication circuits, mastering basics, and pre-mastering essentials.
This module delves deep into mastering, providing you with a foundational understanding of its history, principles, and associated technologies. Over the course’s span, you acquire essential knowledge about equipment pivotal for mastering, focusing on areas like the evolution of mastering, mastering basics, understanding mastering devices, sequencing technical devices in a signal chain, adhering to loudness standards, the creation of DDP, and the final verification of files.
Semester 5
This module is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the swiftly evolving technologies employed in the production, broadcast, and distribution of “new digital media”. Predominantly theoretical, it aims to nurture your awareness and grasp of emerging digital technologies, allowing you to delve into specific areas of interest. While it doesn’t aim to transform you into scientists, it fosters the development of a specialized vocabulary to facilitate effective communication within the industry and a competent evaluation of burgeoning technologies. The curriculum emphasizes foundational aspects of digital audio and video technology, concept creation for applications, and essential computer science terminologies, exploring topics like historical background, the integration of various media formats and systems, broadcast and streaming technologies, digital media, marketing, and organisation.
This module offers a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, focusing on the realms of sound design and film sound. Designed to foster creativity, it encourages you to apply and develop techniques essential for post-production sound requirements, leveraging suitable software for sound design and postproduction. The course serves as a broad introduction, enabling you to utilize your existing skills in new areas, enhancing fundamental abilities, and developing industry-standard presentation packages through project assessments. Within this module, you will cultivate a foundational understanding of working within video production in the field of audio engineering, covering essential production terminologies and exploring core areas such as historical background, production techniques, emerging data standards, new distribution platforms, digital media, marketing, and organisation.
This module offers a profound insight into the editing tools and techniques pivotal in the mastering process, focusing on their influence on audio material. It employs a blend of listening, measurement, and design analysis to equip you with the essential knowledge to optimize various editing tools available to contemporary audio engineers. Beyond technical mastering insights, the module delves into the underlying rationale behind mastering, exploring its nuanced application across diverse media such as music, films, and TV broadcasts. It emphasizes sound enhancements and customization according to genre-specific client needs, incorporating practical exercises and listening sessions to enrich the learning process. Throughout the course, you will engage with advanced mastering fundamentals and essential technique concepts, navigating core aspects like media system demands, customer expectations, product broadcasting, distribution, and production, organizational aspects, emerging data standards, new loudness regulations, and quality management.
Semester 6
This module delves deeply into diverse musical approaches employed by sound engineers across various genres, concentrating particularly on the production, recording, and mixing of songs. It examines how sound engineers amplify the impact of performances, enhancing the emotional resonance and gestures within the music. Primarily theoretical, the module aims to cultivate your awareness and comprehension of a multitude of music production techniques. Throughout the course, you will critically analyze fundamental aspects of music production, engaging with essential terms across differing styles and genres. Key focus areas include the historical evolution of music, contemporary production techniques, the political significance and social influence of music, as well as aspects related to marketing, organisation, and quality management.
The Production Project module allows you to demonstrate your audio engineering skills through a self-directed project related to your professional interests. The course includes lectures focusing on project development, organisation, resource management, and advanced audio production techniques. You will submit a project proposal and regularly update your lecturers online about your progress. The module covers fundamental concepts such as historical backgrounds, production techniques, new data standards, digital media, marketing, and organization in digital audio and video production.
Duration
How many semesters is the duration of the programme?
The programme is offered as a full-time version (six semesters, 36 months) and 100 % online. After you have successfully completed all examinations, UIS will award you the academic degree „Bachelor of Arts in Music Production and Audio Design“, which also entitles you to enrol for a master’s programme in the same field.
