
Creative Music Technology (Full-time) (BA Hons)
Our Creative Music Technology degree is designed to equip you with the artistic, technical, creative, and professional skills needed for a career in the music industries. This degree is highly practical and industry-focused, offering a multi-skilled approach that includes composition, analysis, recording, and production.
Throughout the course, you will develop your music production skills, learning how to convey personal expression and imagination in practical music-production. You will also gain expertise in recorded music and applied sound production. The project-based nature of the programme means you can tailor assignments to your own interests within the broad field of music technology and production.
The course covers a wide range of music technology techniques and resources, helping you to build an in-depth understanding of the field. You will enhance your enquiring, analytical, innovative, and creative approaches to the production and performance of music.
You will gain insight into the business and legal issues related to the successful application of music technology in the commercial environment. This includes learning how to generate and communicate original concepts that build on the knowledge gained in the taught sections of the programme.
Our degree provides state-of-the-art facilities and access to the latest music technology. You will work on projects that include sound design, electronic music, and experimental music, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the audio sector. The course also covers live performances, composing and performing, and sonic arts.
The practice-led course is designed to keep you engaged and excited about your studies. Our strong connections with the local music scene will provide you with plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world settings.
By the end of the course, you will have developed a comprehensive portfolio of work that showcases your skills and creativity. This will prepare you for employment in the music industry, further research, and continuing professional development. You will be well-equipped to contribute to the future sounds of the music world and excel in contemporary music technology practice.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our philosophy centres on nurturing your creative and technical skills through practical experience and industry engagement. We aim to develop well-rounded professionals ready to make a significant impact in the music industry.
In your first year, you will explore the fundamentals of digital learning and contemporary challenges. You’ll enhance your creative and analytical skills through various projects, developing a solid foundation in sound manipulation, studio composition, and engineering. This year is designed to introduce you to the essential concepts and tools of music technology.
Compulsory
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Your second year focuses on advancing your technical skills and creative abilities. You will work on building your personal brand, understanding creativity and value creation, and applying these concepts in practical settings. You’ll engage in studio projects, sound design for screen, and location recording, preparing you for real-world audio production scenarios. Research skills will also be developed to support your creative endeavours.
Compulsory
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the final year, you will consolidate your knowledge through major projects and specialised modules. You will work on an independent project, music video production, and mastering and production techniques. The focus will be on creating a professional portfolio and showreel, showcasing your skills and preparing you for a successful career in the music industry.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Meet our Students
Facilities
View our Creative Music Technology Facilities

Meet our Students
Meet our Students
Further information
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120 UCAS tariff points 
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e.g. A-levels: ABB, BTEC: DDM, IB: 33 and Portfolio
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are interested in creative people who demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and, therefore, we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
We arrange interviews for all applicants to assess suitability for the chosen course. Your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered, as well as your portfolio of work.
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes text
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: 
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Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE).
This is a one-year course offering a comprehensive introduction to art and design, establishing a strong basis for your creative future. During the course, you will engage with a broad range of artistic disciplines and design areas, helping you to discover your passions and refine your skills.
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 
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Interview
All applicants to Swansea College of Art are required to have an interview.
We really enjoy the interview process, getting to know you and your work, and we feel that this is the best way to find the right students for our programmes. This also ensures that our applicants have all the information they need to make the right choice for them too.
If you have any queries before your interview, please contact us at artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Portfolio
We ask that you bring a portfolio of some past and current work. Your portfolio is a collection of your most exciting and representative work, showcasing your creative abilities, technical skills, and artistic vision. It tells the story of your creative journey, highlighting your unique style, interests, and ideas as they develop. We interpret the term ‘portfolio’ broadly and are happy for you to do the same - this can include finished pieces, work in progress, sketchbooks, drawings, and projects that are still unfolding, as these give us insight into your thinking and creative process. Whether in physical or digital format, your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your creative journey in a way that feels authentic to you, with each piece highlighting your creative potential and enthusiasm for the programme you are applying for.
We understand that many applicants are still mid-qualification (e.g. A-Level, BTEC, L3, Foundation) and are developing an emerging body of work, so there’s no pressure for everything to be polished or complete.
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Students on the programme are assessed predominantly by portfolio and creative output assignments, compositions, recordings, productions, creative projects, etc. Written analysis and critique are also integral to the assessment, as well as presentations and vivas.
Through all the projects undertaken, students develop both practical skills and an understanding of theoretical principles.
The course assesses the students’ command of the many roles of technology in the creation of music, taking a multi-skilled approach, whilst allowing students to specialise in areas in which they would like to take their careers later on in the course.
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Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, art and design students will likely incur additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining optional study trips, and printing.
Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.
A basic art and design kit will cost approximately £100, but you may well already have much of the equipment required, so check with us first. Although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework, you may wish to bring your own digital devices; again, check with us first before making a purchase.
Depending on distance and duration, optional study visits can vary in cost from approximately £10 to visit local galleries and exhibitions to £200+ for overseas visits. These costs cover things like transport, entry to venues and accommodation and are normally at reduced rates for our students.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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Students can also take up the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Europe, the USA or Canada.
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Graduates from the programme are well prepared for all aspects of this massive subject, and as a result, are highly employable across the Digital Media and Creative Industries sector. The department is lucky to have the Swansea Laptop Orchestra in residence at the studios.
The entertainment industry and, in particular, recorded and broadcast media has grown dramatically in recent years. The industry employs a large number of people distributed across a range of different activities.
Currently, there are approximately three hundred recording companies active in the UK, ranging from small, specialist labels to large multi-national companies. Several thousand recording studios exist, along with thousands more live performance venues, sound equipment hire companies and musical equipment manufacturers. Added to this are television and radio production companies, computer games designers, internet content providers, to name but a few, all of whom require music technology skills.
In the last few years, the explosion in the sales of multimedia home computers and surround sound cinema systems has also resulted in opportunities in the areas involving surround sound systems and related audio technology.