A2. Technical Demonstrate knowledge of the key technologies and processes through which sound and music are generated, recorded and distributed.

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1 Awarding Body University of the Arts London Teaching Institution Ravensbourne Final award BA (Hons) Music Production for Media UCAS Code WP33 Relevant QAA Benchmark Statement Communication, media, film and cultural studies Date of production/revision September 2013 Programme Aims To prepare you for employment creating music as both a self-contained commercial product and in combination with other art forms across a range of recorded and live media To develop entrepreneurial, business and management skills allowing you to manage and market yourself and your work effectively To equip you with technology skills allowing you to produce sophisticated musical productions on laptops and within studio environments and to promote and sell such productions online To give you experience of both analysing and composing a wide range of different types of music to specific commercially focused briefs To encourage independent and critical thinking, and the development of transferable skills and competencies as preparation for work in a freelance market and enabling life-long learning Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. Knowledge and Understanding A1. Context Industrial Demonstrate knowledge of the professional and entrepreneurial frameworks, business, economic and marketing methodologies used within the creative industries. A2. Technical Demonstrate knowledge of the key technologies and processes through which sound and music are generated, recorded and distributed. Learning and teaching methods You will develop knowledge and understanding through varied learning and teaching methods which include as appropriate: project briefings, lectures, (staff and student led) group seminars, technical or practical workshops, demonstrations, critiques, individual or group tutorials and self-directed study. Learning and teaching on the course, in common with the institution as a whole, tends to be project based. Whilst teaching introduces basic concepts and methodologies, knowledge tends to be gained through doing projects with realworld scenarios. Undergraduate 1 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

2 A3. Context Creative Recognise and demonstrate knowledge of different musicals styles, genres or traditions with particular reference to their application in the context of history, society, contemporary global culture, business and with an appreciation of the significance of the work of other practitioners Values and Attitudes B1. Independence Demonstrate an aptitude for autonomous learning and intellectual curiosity, while responding to change and new ideas as required by a rapidly changing and volatile working environment. B2. Professionalism Be entrepreneurial, imaginative, have divergent thinking skills and think creatively whilst still satisfying the needs of the project/client B3. Sustainability Recognise the significance of Sustainable professional practices, and demonstrate the ability to reflect on, and emulate current and emerging, leading edge professional skills. Traditional modes of delivery will be supported where appropriate by e-learning and/or resource-based learning. Assessment Knowledge and understanding is assessed through short essays, tests, reports, critical analysis, and individual and group presentations and through its application in practical projects in a manner appropriate to each unit of delivery Learning and teaching methods Ravensbourne s simulated professional environment model requires extensive inter-disciplinary collaboration on projects which are the primary site for B2 learning. These are consolidated by lectures and workshops, which present methodologies and processes. You will be encouraged to develop methods for independent learning (B1) through independent study and project work supported by teaching tutorials with academic staff Lectures, seminars and online resources will teach you how to academically reference and lectures will place music making and the notion of intellectual property into context for B3 Assessment The nature of values and attitudes outcomes requires assessment in the context of projects throughout the course rather than as separate entities. You will submit essays, compositions, critical analysis, project logs and reports and take part in peer assessment and viva voce examinations. Undergraduate 2 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

3 Skills (Cognitive and Intellectual) C1. Context Engage critically with their own work with reference to academic and contemporary practice related frameworks C2. Analysis Demonstrate an applied understanding of the relationship between theory and practice C3. Application Gather, retrieve and synthesise information from a number of different sources Learning and teaching methods Intellectual skills are gained primarily through lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials and self-directed study but the delivery of some elements will be integrated with practical and professional skills in project based learning. In particular, project based learning stimulates analysis, contextual, problem solving, creative thinking, and personal reflection. You are introduced through the contextual elements of the course to theoretical and critical frameworks in which you can locate your practice. Assessment You are assessed primarily through a variety of means including essays, reports and presentations. Some elements are assessed through their application in submitted project materials. This may include rationales, background research, development materials and/or evidence of reflection on the process of development in addition to practical material. Skills ( Specific/Professional) D1. Communication Use visual languages to investigate, analyse, interpret, develop and articulate ideas and information D2. Production and Composition Compose and produce music appropriate to the intended audience, medium, site of consumption and specified genre of a production brief. D3. Operation Operate technologies for creating and recording music and sound in a range of environments: on computers, in recording studios and in live performance Learning and teaching methods Professional and practical skills are gained primarily through project based learning. This often involves the simulation of activities which take place in industry. Supported by staff, you will work on project briefs designed to foster creative, technical and academic skills while progressively introducing professional contexts and real world constraints. This approach is student centred, encourages deep learning, builds problem solving ability, and integrates academic with professional learning. You will learn progressively to take responsibility for your own learning. Some projects are intentionally collaborative encouraging team working and peer learning and may involve students from other programmes. Undergraduate 3 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

4 Projects are supported by briefings, studio lectures, workshops, critiques, group seminars and student self directed study. Learning is facilitated by permanent teaching staff and by sessional staff and visiting speakers who are practising professionals and bring an important industry perspective to the course. These methods may be supported where appropriate by e- learning and/or resource based learning. The project based approach culminates in independent negotiated project work in the final level of the course. Assessment You are assessed primarily through the submission of practical materials. Students undertake a variety of skills and technology tests. You are also required to submit reflective logs explaining key points in both the technical and creative process and justifying decisions made with respect to the brief. Skills (Transferable) E1. Communication Present complex information and ideas to different audiences both orally and in writing E2. Teamwork Collaborate effectively within a team and work with practitioners from a variety of disciplines E3. Project Management Balance the creative, technical, time and budgetary demands of a brief Learning and teaching methods You develop transferable skills primarily through self-directed project activity which progressively introduces professional contexts and increased responsibility for their own learning. Though most learning takes place during the projects and through your critical and reflective response to these, this aspect of learning is supported by a Personal and Professional Development unit at each of the course levels. The first level concentrates on ensuring that you learn how to learn. Level 2 introduces business and employment practice and prepares you for work experience (or equivalent) and encourages them to start to explore professional and career development. Level 3 focuses on the development of professional transferable skills to enable the transition to employment and/or further study. Undergraduate 4 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

5 Assessment Transferable skills are assessed within appropriate units throughout the course, and in particular through the submission of Personal and Professional Development Files. These files (containing a learning plan, reflective commentary and evidence-base) are developed within the Personal and Professional Development unit and provide evidence of work and learning carried out across the course. For instance, evidence of personal development achieved through research, design development and realisation; responses to briefs; and evidence of project management. You are also assessed through peer, group and self-assessment. Reference Points - The following reference points were used in designing the programme; FHEQ Level 6 FHEQ Level 5 Dip HE FHEQ Level 4 Cert HE Programme Summary Code Unit Credit Value MPM13101/C101 Theory and Context 15 MPM13102/C102 Planning for Enterprise 15 MPM13103/C103 Mapping Your Profession 15 MPM13104/C104 Communication and Visualisation 15 MPM13105 Musical Language 15 MPM13106 Production and Composition Skills: Popular Music 15 MPM13107/SM107 Laptop Musicianship 15 MPM13108/SM108 Mastering the Recording Studio 15 MPM13201/C201 Debate and Polemic 15 MPM13202/C202 Making it happen 15 MPM13203/C203 Dissertation Preparation 15 MPM13204/C204 Promotions and Advertising 15 MPM13205/SM205 Sound and Music for Moving Image 15 MPM13206/SM206 Modes of Production 15 MPM13207 Production and Composition Skills: Electronic Arrangement 15 MPM13208/SM208 Cinematic Audio 15 MPM13301/C301 Dissertation 15 MPM13302/C302 Taking it forward 15 MPM13303/C303 Major Project Report 15 Undergraduate 5 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

6 MPM13304/SM304 Sound and Music for Interactive Media 15 MPM13305 Production and Composition Skills: The Hollywood Sound 15 MPM13306/SM306 Major Project 30 MPM13307/SM307 Negotiated Individual Project 15 Total 360 Modes In order to maximise access to the course it may be available in a 3 year full-time mode and in a 2 year fast-track mode. Students who apply to complete the course in full-time mode will normally complete the three levels over three academic years (each composed of three terms). Able students who can demonstrate the maturity of outlook and commitment necessary may apply to complete the programme in an intensive fast-track mode. Students accepted to this mode will normally complete the three levels of the course in two academic years by the accumulation of additional credit and the completion of a fourth term of study in the first calendar year. Ravensbourne reserves the right not to offer, and to withdraw, a mode where a student cohort is of insufficient number to sustain a viable experience and when other modes are available for completion. Transfer of Mode of Attendance Students accepted to a particular mode of attendance are normally expected to complete their studies in that mode. Exceptionally, a student enrolled on Level 1 of the programme may apply to transfer from the 3 year full-time mode to the 2 year fast-track mode or vice versa by completing a Transfer of Programme/Mode form. Applications for Transfer of Mode from the 3 year full-time mode to the 2 year fasttrack mode must be submitted to Registry by the end of Term 1 of Level 1. No applications for transfer of mode will be considered after that point. Applications will be considered initially by the Leader who will normally meet with the student concerned to ensure that she or he is aware of the demands of the 2 year fast-track mode and the consequences of the transfer. The transfer of mode will commence from the beginning of Term 2 of Level 1. Leaders will assess whether the student is able and has demonstrated the commitment and maturity of outlook necessary to complete their programme in the 2 year fast-track mode, and in doing so will take the following into account: Whether a acceptable academic performance has been demonstrated (for example: through the achievement of Grade C or above on units completed during Term 1) Whether project work has evidenced higher than average practical and technical skills Evidence of higher than average collaborative, organisational or interpersonal skills necessary to undertake the 2 year fast-track mode. Applications for Transfer of Mode from the 2 year fast-track mode to the 3 year fulltime mode must be submitted to Registry by the end of Term 2 of Level 1. No applications for transfer of mode will be considered after that point. For all applications for Transfer of Mode, the Leader will make a recommendation to an Interim Assessment Panel or Final Assessment Board. No transfer shall be confirmed without the approval of the Interim Assessment Panel or Final Assessment Board. Undergraduate 6 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

7 Distinctive features Opportunities for composers and sound designers have never been so diverse, with original music and sound design required for film, television, radio, advertising and websites, as well as for live performance. However, achieving success amidst fierce competition requires a unique combination of skills; musical talent alone is no longer enough. Those that find success combine raw musical talent with business acumen: an understanding of economic models, both current and future, made possible through the use of digital distribution technologies. Modern composers must, of course, be comfortable operating the full range of digital music production technologies, both hardware and software based, whether in the studio or in live environments. In an industry where the majority of workers are self-employed, modern composers must also be able to manage themselves, their intellectual property and their finances. Through a combination of entrepreneurial business and marketing skills, an in depth knowledge of and proficiency using modern music production and distribution technologies and the ability to adapt to an ever changing industry, graduates from this programme will be well placed to exploit their musical talents across the creative industries. This course aims to integrate non-subject specific skills with focused practical learning. You will learn business and administration skills, be taught how to manage projects and work independently, learning to innovate in search for solutions to problems you encounter. Ravensbourne s unique simulated professional environment will allow you to work alongside students from the institution s other disciplines, and particularly with those from the cluster related BA (Hons) Sound Design. You will share a variety of teaching and projects, often collaborating on the creation of soundtracks for a range of media products. The difference between the two courses is defined by subject specific teaching embedded within shared units (for instance the master classes in soundtrack composition that are a feature of Cinematic Audio or the sessions on programming musical trackers in Sound and Music for Interactive Media) as well as through a sequence of specialist units that run throughout the courses. These units serve to further differentiate between the programmes and fundamentally clarify the issue that the Music Production for Media degree is for those who wish to write and produce music for a variety of media, while the Sound Design degree is for those who wish to work with and design sound. You will share several pieces of assessed project work with other students, learning vital collaborative skills as you produce either the musical score or the sound design for a finished piece. Many of these projects will be derived from the work of students on other courses, whether it be films from the digital film course, animation pieces from animation degree, scripts produced for radio dramas from the scriptwriting course or a variety of projects from content creation and production pathways. You will also have the opportunity throughout the course to contribute to Ravensbourne s annual degree show. You will always compose with intent considering the business context, marketing and revenue potential of all work. Alongside this, you will engage in contextual studies that develop your critical and analytical skills and allow you to place your developing professional practice and the work of others into a musicological and historical context. Career Destinations include: Film and TV music composition Music production for Videogames and Interactive Media Undergraduate 7 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

8 Recording studio engineers Music arrangers Performing musicians Music composition and production for live performance and theatre Musical rights and events manager. Students may also wish to progress onto postgraduate study. Ravensbourne has also built up an ongoing partnership with the London based arts radio station Resonance 104.4FM. The station, which has an audience reach of 100,000+, regularly broadcasts student work and several course projects, from Level 1 upwards, entail the final artefact being broadcast on this station to a sizeable audience. During BA (Hons) Sound Design and BA (Hons) Music Production for Media students will have broadcast 2 hours of as-live programming as part of the Radio Production unit, 8 unique band recordings and mixes as part of Mastering the Recording Studio and a live 3 hour programme during the summer term as part of the RaveLive event. In Level 1 the programme aims to develop your compositional ability and introduces them to the basics of composing, recording, mixing and mastering music alongside business and contextual studies. Level 2 allows you to apply your compositional abilities to both linear media (drama, film and documentary), introduces electroacoustic scoring and production techniques and also provides the opportunity to study the practice techniques of a particular creative industry in particular depth. units will also develop your entrepreneurial acumen and also their analytical skills. Level 3 introduces you to orchestral scoring techniques and introduces them to the production of non-linear media, you are also provided will the opportunity to apply their compositional skills in a professional context through the production of a portfolio of collaborative work and a self-initiated individual project. The final business and enterprise unit effectively prepares you to emerge into a highly competitive marketplace On completion of the first level of the programme and the achievement of the learning outcomes of the units within that level you will be eligible for the award of a Certificate in Higher Education if you exit the programme. Successful completion of Level 1 and Level 2 of the programme, having achieved all the learning outcomes within the units within these levels are eligible for award of Diploma in Higher Education. Working as a self-employed composer and sound designer means entering an intensely competitive industry. This programme will recruit highly motivated, determined and talented students who have already gained proficiency in either a traditional instrument or can demonstrate compositional aptitude through the use of music software. Instrumentalists will be expected to be able to perform at the equivalent of at least grade 5 and possess basic keyboard skills. The programme will enable you to fully utilise your music skills, though it is important to emphasise that these skills must be sufficiently advanced before undertaking the programme. Graduates will leave Ravensbourne equipped with knowledge and skills in music production and media but also with experience of team working, inter disciplinary collaboration, and the entrepreneurial skills and broader business awareness necessary to survive, succeed and innovate in the creative professions. The course structure draws on the creative synergies and frictions of the different disciplines at Ravensbourne and provides physical and intellectual opportunities for you to meet, learn and work together with students from different disciplines. Undergraduate 8 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

9 You will study subject specialist units, shared units and core units. specialist units focus on subject specialist methodologies, technologies and processes and offer project-based learning that simulates contemporary professional practice. Knowledge and understanding of contextual and theoretical issues are delivered as an integral part of the practice based units. and core units additionally ensure the ability to articulate an intellectual, theoretical and critical awareness of the subject, both located within their practice and in a broader context. This prevents a theory/practice dichotomy while ensuring that this aspect of learning is sufficiently weighted in the curriculum. units are units which bring together courses in analogous specialist subject areas and allow you to gain skills common across these specialist subject areas, or to develop skills complimentary to those of the other specialisms and to work on collaborative projects in the kinds of interdisciplinary teams common in industry. They therefore begin to introduce you to the real world context of specialism, a world where inevitably specialists work in inter-disciplinary teams. Knowledge and understanding of contextual and theoretical issues are delivered as an integral part of the practice based units. and core units additionally ensure the ability to articulate an intellectual, theoretical and critical awareness of the subject, both located within their practice and in a broader context. This prevents a theory/practice dichotomy while ensuring that this aspect of learning is sufficiently weighted in the curriculum. units provide fundamental knowledge, skills and contexts which we believe are necessary for all the creative professionals who graduate from Ravensbourne and provide a model of the types of knowledge you will need continuously to update throughout their careers. units equip you with the ideation, visualisation and communication skills required in the creative process characteristic of design and media industries and common across our disciplines. They also provide the conceptual skills, theoretical frameworks and professional contexts necessary for you to position their work and develop their professional identity. Additionally, they ensure that you gain the promotional, marketing and enterprise skills necessary to make success happen in the real world. In Level 1, whereas specialist units encourage cohort identity-building, core and shared units ensure that you get to know others on different courses, quickly develop networks and learn to access the breadth of resources within the building and the various specialisms at Ravensbourne. They also ensure that you experience a broad range of teaching and are exposed to specialist expertise outside of their own areas. and shared units function as a structured and supported introduction to the real world in which people work in mixed professional workplaces rather than single subject communities. Across Level 2 and Level 3, this approach develops what some commentators call T-shapedness. Industry values highly graduates who are strong subject specialists but are also adaptable, empathetic to other professional perspectives and open to learning from these approaches. This balanced blend of core units, shared units and subject specific units provides a unique, bold and enhanced experience, preparing you for the business environment you will be entering as a graduate and professional. It also ensures that their currency as industry ready professionals does not expire after their first job but instead grows and matures, leaving them open to new challenges and career progression. Undergraduate 9 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

10 Recruitment and Admissions Admission Ravensbourne will use a number of methods to assess an Policy/Selection Criteria applicant s suitability for their course of choice. Primarily applicants are selected on the basis of: an applicant s prior academic achievement / qualifications and/or previous employment / life experience; assessment of the applicant s ability and aptitude to succeed on the course for which s/he has applied. Students are selected according to the generic criteria set out below: Personal attributes shows commitment, enthusiasm and interest in the subject area initiative and problem solving ability to communicate Creative process can generate ideas and use external sources to develop them ability to research an idea and follow it through to a finished product Study skills can understand and organise information clearly can investigate and analyse information shows reasoning and intellectual curiosity Professional skills has shown they can initiate and deliver projects can work in a team and with people with different skills has shown confidence with IT Career aspirations understands the relevance of the course to her/his career ambitions understands current debates within industry Accreditation of Prior Learning Applications are welcomed from those who may not possess formal entry qualifications, mature students, those with work experience or with qualifications other than those listed above. Such applicants should demonstrate sufficient aptitude and potential to complete the course successfully. Applicants will be assessed at interview in accordance with Ravensbourne s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure. Where an applicant s first language is not English, proof of competence in English will be required. This will normally take the form of an approved English language test at B2 Undergraduate 10 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

11 Entry Requirements level, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference. This should have been achieved within the last 18 months prior to commencement of the course. You will normally be expected to possess five GCSEs (grade C or above) or equivalent (including English and Mathematics) and also to hold at least one of the following or equivalent UK or international qualification: 2 A Levels (grades A-C) or 4 AS Levels (grades A- C) 2 vocational A Level (grades A-C) Level 3 Foundation Diploma or National Diploma Advanced Diploma (grades A-C) International Baccalaureate (28 points or above) Course Diagram 3 Year Full Time Level 1 Term 1 Term 2 Term Mapping Your Profession 104 Communication and Visualisation 105 Musical Language 106 Production and Composition Skills: Popular Music 107 Laptop Musicianship 108 Mastering the Recording Studio 101 Theory and Context 102 Planning for Enterprise Undergraduate 11 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

12 Level 2 Term 1 Term 2 Term Sound and Music for Moving Image 207 Production and Composition Skills: Electronic Arrangement 202 Making it happen 204 Promotions and Advertising 206 Modes of Production 201 Debate and Polemic 208 Cinematic Audio 203 Dissertation Preparation Level 3 Term 1 Term 2 Term Dissertation 302 Taking it forward 307 Negotiated Individual Project 305 Production and Composition Skills: The Hollywood Sound 303 Major Project Report 304 Sound and Music for Interactive Media 30 Credits 306 Major Project Undergraduate 12 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

13 2 Year Fast-track year 1 Level 1 Term 1 Term Mapping Your Profession 104 Communication and Visualisation 106 Production and Composition Skills: Popular Music 107 Laptop Musicianship 105 Musical Language 108 Mastering the Recording Studio 101 Theory and Context 102 Planning for Enterprise Level 2 Term 3 Term Dissertation Preparation 202 Making it happen 205 Sound and Music for Moving Image 206 Modes of Production 201 Debate and Polemic 204 Promotions and Advertising 207 Production and Composition Skills: Electronic Arrangement 208 Cinematic Audio Undergraduate 13 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013

14 2 Year Fast-track year 2 Level 3 Term 1 Term 2 Term Dissertation 305 Production and Composition Skills: The Hollywood Sound 302 Taking it forward 30 Credits 303 Major Project Report 307 Negotiated Individual Project 304 Sound and Music for Interactive Media 306 Major Project Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each unit can be found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by Ravensbourne and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Undergraduate 14 Definitive Document - UAL Validation 2013