1. Employ routine level skills on a variety of industry leading Digital Audio Workstations and apply basic effects, processing and equalisation to audio. Knowledge and Understanding, Application and Problem Solving.

2. Describe and apply workflows that support the basic placement of microphones in a studio setting for recording a limited number of instruments, making informed decisions when recording and processing digital audio using appropriate hardware and software, and working effectively with others in line with professional studio practices. Critical Reasoning and Collaboration, Personal Development and Entrepreneurship.

3. Describe basic digital audio and acoustic theory, linking this to approaches in music and sound recording, and communicate your understanding using appropriate terminology. Knowledge and Understanding, Digital Literacy, Communication

Assessment 1:
The Controlled Lab Based Assessment will be a simulated “day in the life of” someone working in either music or sound design post production where they will have a specific defined set of relevant technical, organisational and creative tasks to complete within their simulated working day. The work will be governed in a similar way to a working day and will not require students to be under strict “exam conditions”.
Assessment 2:
In the Studio Project Students will undertake a recording project utilising the university studio complex to make a multitrack recording of a number of performers for a music and sound related artifact. It should be at least 2 minutes and no longer than 4 minutes, include at least 4 audio tracks and 4 midi tracks and all audio content should be original recordings. Composition or scripts do not need to be original.

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

This module builds on foundational studio and DAW skills to develop students’ ability to operate effectively within professional music and sound post-production environments. Teaching focuses on integrating technical knowledge, creative decision-making, and workflows in response to realistic production scenarios. Students develop proficiency across a range of industry-leading Digital Audio Workstations, applying editing, arrangement, and session-management techniques. Emphasis is placed on the purposeful use of effects processing, dynamics, and equalisation, informed by both technical theory and creative intent. Students learn to work efficiently under time constraints, reflecting real-world post-production and studio practices.
Studio-based learning develops an understanding of microphone placement, workflows for recording a limited number of instruments and performers. Students apply appropriate microphone selection and positioning strategies, manage signal routing, and capture high-quality multitrack recordings using both hardware and software processing. Practical sessions reinforce the relationship between acoustic conditions, sound propagation, and recording outcomes.
Theoretical content consolidates and extends students’ understanding of digital audio and acoustic theory, including how these principles influence recording, processing, and post-production decisions. This knowledge supports students in justifying technical and creative choices within professional contexts. Indicative learning activities are closely aligned with assessment.
By the end of the module, students will demonstrate the ability to work independently within a professional studio and DAW environment, applying appropriate theory, workflows, and creative judgement to produce coherent, industry-aligned audio outcomes.

Refine your workflow. Elevate your sound. Produce like a pro.
Take your production skills to the next level with advanced DAW techniques, professional recording practices, creative sound design, and industry-standard mixing and effects. Learn how top records are made while developing polished, professional projects ready for the real world.

Sessions will include a mixture of time in the labs undertaking both taught sessions and independent working as well as sessions based in the University recording studios. Teaching will be through a variety of methods including practical exploration of music and sound related tools, academic instruction into the underlying science of the topic area, and creative explorations into the required skills and tools.

Ballou, G. & Jones, D., 2025. Handbook for sound engineers. 6th Edition, Focal Press. Huber, D.M., Caballero, E. and Runstein, R., 2023. Modern recording techniques: a practical guide to modern music production. 9th Edition. Focal Press. Izhaki, R., 2023. Mixing audio: concepts, practices, and tools. 4th Edition. Focal Press.

University recording studios
University Music & Sound Apple Mac labs
Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Pro Tools Ultimate software
NI Komplete & McDSP software
University Media stores and SISO
PSE SoundQ