Introduction
Prepare for a career as a commercial music producer, equipped with the latest techniques and experience in a range of music production equipment, with our Music Production degree course in Cambridge.
As a student at ARU you'll create a diverse portfolio of work that will prepare you for the modern collaborative creative industries, whether you want to perform as a DJ, produce and release your own music, or create soundtracks for films and games.
Our BA (Hons) Music Production degree will allow you access to industry-standard equipment for recording, mixing, editing and production, giving you valuable practice in working as a professional producer at the same time as developing your skills in critical listening, and your historical knowledge of music production.
Course options
Key facts
Student experience
Which ARU music course is right for you?
Find out which ARU music course best suits your interests and ambitions with this handy video guide from Dr Chanan Hanspal, Senior Lecturer in Music.
Develop
Build your skill set and portfolio using the latest studio equipment.
Experiment
Try out different styles and techniques using industry-standard hardware and software.
Expertise
Our expert lecturers and technicians are here to help you get the most from your course.
Mark Pickering
Technical Officer and Lecturer Mark talks about his work in the music industry and changing trends and attitudes in the music scene.
ARU Spotlight Podcast: Mark PickeringEntry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Professional facilities
All our music students have access to:
- Five climate-controlled recording studios featuring analogue-digital hybrid studio set ups and two mixing suites, all equipped with Pro Tools, Logic and outboard hardware recording equipment (Neve, Universal Audio, Audient, SSL); and an audio-visual studio
- A spacious recital hall, band rooms and practice rooms
- Electronic and orchestral instruments; five grand pianos, including a Steinway Model D; synthesisers; traditional instruments from India, China and Africa; a Balinese Gamelan
- An impressive inventory of professionally rated microphones and recording equipment
- Training in all of our creative facilities.
Futures Lab and workshop equipment
Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:
- 3D printers and scanners - FDM printers; material-specific extruders; SLA Formlabs printers; SLS Formlabs Fuse1; structured light 3D scanners
- 2D printing and cutting machines - laser cutters; Roland BN20 vinyl printer & cutter; Gerber substrate cutter; Mimaki TX300P sublimation printer.
Develop your talent
Study at ARU and benefit from:
- regular feedback on your performance skills and assessment on live performances
- facilities to develop your music and experiment with different styles and techniques
- our links with local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live
- a diverse music scene in Cambridge ranging from classical to UK rap.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Lecturers
Richard Edwards
Course Leader, BA Electronic Music Production; Senior Lecturer, Music and Music Production
Paul Rhys
Course Leader, BA Music Production/BA Music and Sound Production; Senior Lecturer, Music
Mark Pickering
Technical Officer/Associate Lecturer
Tim Webster
Lecturer
Chanan Hanspal
Course Leader, BA Music Performance; Senior Lecturer, Music
William Campbell
Deputy Head, Music and Music Technology
Will Crosby
Associate Lecturer
James Fletcher
Associate Lecturer, Music
Nikki Sheth
Associate Lecturer, Music
Tom Macpherson
Associate Lecturer, Music Business
Careers
Throughout our BA (Hons) Music Production degree, you’ll not only develop the latest skills and knowledge for a career in music production, but also get the support you need to grow into a confident and creative graduate with a willingness for lifelong learning, and the desire to seek continuing personal and professional development in all aspects of your career.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have built up a professional portfolio of music production projects that will act as an enhanced CV for you to present to future employers and clients. This might consist of video showreels, commercial music releases, or other demonstrations of your technical expertise, as well as a fully-developed online profile.
You’ll also seek and complete a work placement in an area of your interest in year two, gaining experience of the industry as well as learning to self-evaluate and develop your employability skills.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MA Music Therapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgePlacement year available
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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