The BSc Music Technology provides students with the knowledge and practical experience to work in a range of areas within the creative music, audio and media sectors.
Guest speakers from industry also form part of the course to further deepen your understanding of the subject.
The Paisley Campus facilities include 3 professional industry-standard recording studios, 2 specialist iMac audio labs and students also have access to a live music venue
We offer areas of study that focus on developing high-calibre graduates ready for a successful career in the music and media industry.
This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) and is an Avid Learning Partner (offering the opportunity to gain ProTools certification).
Throughout this course you will provide you the knowledge and practical experience needed to work in the creative music, audio and media sectors. You’ll develop a wide range of industry-relevant technical skills related to music and audio production.
Teaching is delivered between two dedicated computer labs complete with two recording studios and a surround post-production suite which runs ProTools and Logic with a selection of outboard processing hardware catering for up to 24-channels of recording.
You’ll also have access to industry standard software and hardware. Our Macs are equipped with the latest versions of Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro X, Final Cut X and Max for Live.
Recent industry guest speakers include Derek Richards FSRA; Andrew Britton of BBC Scotland; Alan McEwan, Studio Manager Brick Lane Studios; and Ross Cooney of Street Jazz Music Group.
Our Programme Leaders have recorded Zoom sessions to help you discover all there is to know about our courses. From professional accreditation to programme modules and career opportunities, our Programme Leaders will help answer all your questions. You can find them on our YouTube Channel or by clicking the link below.
Music Technology Programme LeaderThis course features a placement in year 3 which may be with a UK music industry company or abroad in a partner institution, such as the Harris Institute in Canada.
Broaden your horizons, learn a new language and prepare for the best international opportunities available with study abroad at UWS.
Music Technology graduates have the technical skills, business awareness and networking abilities to secure roles in industries including: Audio post-production / Broadcast / Education / Acoustics and Live Sound / Studio Recording / Mixing & Mastering / Technical Theatre Production
Graduates from this degree wil be able to apply for masters's degrees in music technology, audio technology and sound procduction.
HESA Performance Indicator 2016-17
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience.
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
Although no interviews will be required for Year 3 entry, applicants must submit a portfolio of work and a report in order to be considered.
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, applicants are required to have an IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET)*.
For such courses, the IELTS score is as follows:
* Note that the Occupational English Test (OET) will now be accepted in addition to IELTS as proof of a Nurse's English Language Competence (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2019).
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than:
* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.
West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) including acceptance of WAEC Scratchcard*
*UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years. After 5 years applicants would be required to provide the WAEC Certificate.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
The BSc Music Technology will teach you to produce and process music and audio ready for distribution for applications including web and multimedia, film, animation, and computer games.
You will have access to current industry standard equipment and software for live sound reinforcement and acoustics analysis. You will also be involved in studio recording and production, location recording and audio post-production, electronic music composition and sound design.
UWS has been delivering career-focused computing degree courses for nearly 50 years. Computing courses at UWS are designed in collaboration with leading companies to produce work-ready graduates with the skills that industry needs.
We work with major industry leaders to give our students work-based learning opportunities to put their knowledge into practice. Our students graduate ready for career success in this fast-changing, dynamic industry.
You will be introduced to modern audio/music recording and production techniques through creating podcasts, studio recording projects with Apple Logic and Avid Pro Tools systems and creating computer based music. Within live sound and acoustics you will work with analogue consoles and small PA systems. You will also investigate basic audio circuits and develop your appreciation of the scope of the music and media industry.
Studio recording and production techniques are further developed with a deeper focus on industry technical standards. You will study electronic music and understand MIDI control through composition and sound design in Ableton. Audio post production work enhances your skills in synchronisation, editing and processing techniques for deliverable media. Practical impulse response capture and room acoustics theory provides you with contextualised learning in reverberation, room design and acoustic analysis. Continuing studies in sound reinforcement theory and systems will culminate with group work and the technical production of a live music event.
You will work in small production teams with musicians and artists producing professional multi-song recordings (EP's), video and web content for promotional purposes for the artist. This will be used to showcase your employable skills within a portfolio context. Music and media industry business and legal aspects are studied in terms of employment and entrepreneurship. Audio processing is introduced through the creation of a suite of effects developed in Max For Live for Ableton Live. You will have an opportunity to participate in a music industry placement in the UK or abroad in a partner institution, such as the Harris Institute in Canada.
The honours year features an extensive individual project culminating in the production of a dissertation and portfolio assets. You can customise your topic to enable you to develop specialised knowledge and skills towards your area of interest for future employment.
You will be required to raise the quality of your work to implement professional and European standards for the delivery of audio in stereo and surround formats.
Using current industry relevant mastering plug-in software and applying your professional listening skills, you will finalise selected tracks and format them for distribution. You will produce and synchronise all the audio assets required to complete a sound track for an animated short film.
You will apply the principles of signal processing in the development of software synthesisers and generative MIDI sequencing devices using Max For Live in Ableton Live.
You will further develop your sound design and audio post-production skills within a non-linear audio environment for the specific requirements of computer games.
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and production workshops.
£1,820 cost per year of study (paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost per year of study for four years but not more than £27,750
£9,250 Cost per year of study for four years but not more than £27,750
£16,000 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credit)
£1,550 per module (20 credit)
£1,550 per module (20 credit)
£1,820 Cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS)
£9,250 Cost per year of study (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£9,250 Cost per year of study (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£16,400 Cost per year of study
£305 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,550 Cost per 20-credit module of study
£1,550 Cost per 20-credit module of study
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs like study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms.
Fortunately, there is a great deal of financial support available to help students meet the cost of their study. This ranges from:
The sections below provide details of additional costs that your course may involve along with any financial support that may be available.
You can also find additional information in our Undergraduate Money, Fees & Funding section.
Students on certain degrees will incur some additional costs not covered by their tuition fees. These could be for things like specialist equipment, study materials and textbooks, work placements, graduation, membership of relevant organisations or costs related to carrying out fieldwork.
For students on course with an element of fieldwork, there may also be extra costs for travel and accommodation.
Note: The library will hold some copies of the textbooks but not enough for every student. Students can purchase second hand copies when possible or use older versions if advised by the module coordinator. Students can also sell their copies after the course. This helps manage the cost.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library and online resources for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks yourself. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but are not expected to exceed £40.
Technology & equipment (Mandatory)
It is essential that you purchase a pair of high-quality headphones. Costs vary depending on brand and specification but typically range from £100-120.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library and online resources for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks yourself. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but are not expected to exceed £100.
Technology & equipment (Optional & Mandatory)
If you have not already purchased one, it is recommended that you have access to your own computer powerful enough for handling audio and video processing. In general, a PC/Laptop/Mac will be suitable if it has a dedicated graphics card. Costs vary but will typically range from £500 - £1000.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Placement (Optional)
Students undertaking the Work-based Learning module are responsible for any travel and accommodation costs related to the place of work. This is an option module and does not have to be undertaken to complete the degree.
Travel costs (Optional)
Travel costs for optional placement element are variable. Placements themselves may occur anywhere in Scotland or the UK. It's likely that you'll be travelling at peak times which can cost more. As a guide, you may need to allow for £100-150 to cover travel and sustenance costs when on placement.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library and online resources for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks yourself. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but are not expected to exceed £100.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Institute Membership (Optional)
You are encouraged to join Audio Engineering Society during your studies. This is c.$50 per annum for students.
Graduation fees (Optional for those exiting with BSc award)
These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library and online resources for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). However, you may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks yourself. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable but are not expected to exceed £100.
Photocopying (Optional)
All modules are available on our VLE (Moodle) and therefore notes are available digitally. Some assessments require hardcopy submission and may incur small printing costs. It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£20 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Stationary costs (Optional)
Small costs associated with stationary requirements may be incurred throughout the year but these depend on personal needs and preferences. As a guide, it is estimated that you may spend c.£20 per session on stationary.
Graduation fees (Mandatory)
These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.
Tuition fees are calculated based on where you are from and what you are studying. Some courses also involve additional costs, such as mandatory field trips, equipment or studying abroad.
Find out how much it will cost you to study at UWS as an undergraduate student.
Scottish students studying at undergraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish students studying at undergraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
EU students studying at undergraduate level of UWS may be eligible for SAAS funding, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
There are several scholarship and incentive schemes available to international students studying at undergraduate level at UWS, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
UWS administer a range of discretionary and childcare funds. These are designed to support students who are experiencing financial difficulty or struggling to meet the costs of childcare.
Becoming a student can have an impact on your entitlement to certain benefits. It may mean you are no longer eligible to claim a benefit you have been receiving, or your new income from student funding may affect the amount you are able to receive.
If there isn’t a statutory source of funding for you or your course, or you are in need of additional financial support, you may wish to consider more alternative sources of funding such as trust funds and scholarships.
Choosing to become a student can have a big impact on your budget and you may need to reassess your spending to account for a reduced income. We’ve put together some guidance to help you manage your money and make the right financial choices for you and your family.
All UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The on-time application deadline for 2021/22 entry is 29 January 2021, 18:00 (UK time). For some courses it may still be possible to apply beyond this period, subject to suitable vacancies remaining. The final deadline for late applications via UCAS is 30 June 2021, 18:00 (UK time). Beyond this deadline, you may be able to apply via ‘UCAS Clearing’ if the course you are interested in has remaining places.
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification, it’s also the chance to enjoy an exciting social life, gain some independence and make the most of the new opportunities available.
DiscoverWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.