Music and Sound Recording BA
AAB at A level, A in Music Technology or Music; graduates earn a median £23,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
A in Music Technology or Music · 85% of entrants came with A levels · 85% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; if you are not taking a level music or music technology we will accept aab in three a levels plus abrsm or trinity grade 5 theory and grade 7 performance. other equivalent qualifications and exam boar
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A in Music Technology or Music
Who actually got in: 85% with A levels, 5% with the IB. 5% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 25 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 36 credits from units awarded Distinction and 9 awarded Merit or higher. An addi36 credits from units awarded Distinction and 9 awarded Merit or higher. An additional A Level or equivalent qualification in Music or Music Technology will be required. | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD in Music or Music Technology. If you are taking a BTEC in a different subject, an additional A Level or equivalent qualification in Music or Music Technology will be required. | — |
| IB | 35 points35 points including 6 in Music at Higher Level | 6 in Music at Higher Level |
| Scottish Highers | BBBB | — |
| Advanced Highers | B in Music plus | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
5compulsory modules in year 1, 14 optional
Compulsory modules this year: arts & humanities 52% · engineering & manufacturing 18% · transversal skills 11% · digital & ict skills 9%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 5 core, 14 optional · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Introduction to Sound Recording
What you learn (9)
- explain acoustic, psychoacoustic and electroacoustic foundations of microphone techniques
- record an acoustic ensemble within a reverberant performance space
- evaluate the quality of an audio recording
- adjust recording setup to improve sound quality
- annotate a musical score with edit points for recording production
- apply an annotated edit map during audio editing
- apply editing techniques to conceal splice points in a recording
- describe and justify chosen recording processes in written form
- reflect on recording outcomes through written analysis
- Core Skills for Sound Production and Recording
What you learn (7)
- operate a digital audio workstation for basic recording tasks
- apply academic skills such as critical thinking and academic writing
- read musical scores and explain basic music theory concepts
- identify the staff, peers and facilities supporting the degree programme
- evaluate studio practice within the context of music-making communities
- use notation software to produce musical scores for performance and recording
- use digital tools to support musical research and reference management
- Analogue Studio Techniques
What you learn (6)
- describe key analogue audio technologies
- outline the historical development of analogue audio equipment
- explain how analogue equipment functions within a recording studio
- set up analogue studio equipment safely
- calibrate analogue studio equipment correctly
- apply analogue audio technologies to produce a recording
- Sequencing Synthesis and Sampling
What you learn (11)
- explain how sequencing hardware and software generate musical output
- explain how synthesis methods generate and shape sound
- explain how sampling techniques capture and manipulate audio
- apply sequencing techniques to produce a musical recording
- apply synthesis techniques to create original sounds
- apply sampling techniques within a recorded sonic artefact
- describe the historical development of sequencing, synthesis and sampling technologies
- explain the social and technological context surrounding these technologies' emergence
- evaluate the impact of these technologies on music making and society
- identify contemporary uses of these technologies in western art music
- review the relevance of current technological practices across musical genres
- Listen to This! (Music Production and Sound Recording)
What you learn (7)
- identify a range of recorded music styles and approaches
- describe technical aspects of recordings through listening
- discuss technical considerations of recordings with peers
- evaluate historical context surrounding recorded music
- analyse contextual issues relating to recorded music
- identify different approaches to studying music and sound recording
- produce a written analysis of a chosen recording
14 optional modules
- Composition 1
What you learn (9)
- identify compositional techniques used in key 20th/21st-century works
- apply studied compositional techniques creatively in own composition
- explain key issues of contemporary composition such as clarity and coherence
- design a self-defined structure balancing unity and diversity in a piece
- create original compositions reflecting a personal creative voice
- apply compositional principles and techniques to develop new works
- work independently to complete compositional tasks
- contribute effectively to group workshop activities as performer or listener
- give constructive critical feedback to peers in workshop settings
- Conducting
What you learn (9)
- apply varied conducting techniques across performance levels
- direct high-level musical performances with confidence
- plan and lead a rehearsal session
- critique own rehearsal leadership constructively
- identify a broad range of musical repertoire
- analyse repertoire using appropriate analytical methods
- explain how conductors' interpretations shape performance practice
- communicate musical intentions clearly to performers
- collaborate effectively within an ensemble team
- Sonic Fictions
What you learn (3)
- identify a wide variety of electronic and computer music styles
- evaluate electronic and computer music within its cultural context
- explain key techniques and technologies used in electronic and computer music
- Writing and Producing Songs
What you learn (11)
- identify varied songwriting and production styles across eras
- describe analytical frameworks used to study popular songs
- evaluate personal biases influencing responses to songs
- record songs using studio equipment
- mix recorded songs to achieve desired sound
- write original song lyrics
- analyse lyrical content of songs
- explain how melody and harmony combine to create emotional effect
- explain music production as a form of compositional practice
- demonstrate confident use of studio equipment and processes
- reflect critically on personal creative practice in songwriting and production
- Creative Sound and Image Production
What you learn (4)
- describe the stages involved in planning audio or visual effects for screen production
- apply techniques to implement creative sound or visual effects for film and television
- produce detailed technical documentation to support creative and technical outputs
- evaluate production and post-production work using critical reasoning
- Introduction to Digital Culture
What you learn (7)
- identify a wide range of contemporary digital cultural forms and practices
- evaluate the social and cultural impact of virtual and interactive technologies
- analyse digital culture from social, technological, cultural and political perspectives
- identify key debates and authors within digital culture studies
- apply critical thinking skills to analyse digital culture topics
- produce a structured academic essay on a digital culture topic
- construct reasoned arguments to communicate ideas effectively
- Advanced Audio
What you learn (10)
- explain the requirements for quality production and post-production sound recording
- describe the role and responsibilities of a sound designer
- explain the working relationship between sound designer, dubbing mixer and sound editor
- apply critical listening skills to evaluate dialogue, music, foley and effects
- mix dialogue, music, foley and sound effects for multimedia productions
- translate a script into a soundtrack design
- create sound effects using processing and layering techniques
- explain industry-standard file exchange workflows between video and audio post-production
- produce pre-dub mixes, a final mix and layback tracks
- record and mix audio in surround sound formats
- Gaming: Industry and Culture
What you learn (11)
- explain core theoretical concepts in video game studies
- analyse aspects of game culture and the games industry
- construct arguments about representation issues in games
- compare competing theoretical approaches to analysing video games
- examine how game production and consumption processes operate
- assess how game culture influences society and individuals
- relate theoretical concepts to practical game development processes
- evaluate codes and conventions used in digital representations
- analyse theoretical texts relevant to media studies
- apply theoretical frameworks to other media texts
- critique how theory informs digital media production
Year 2 · 4 core, 10 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Western Art Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics
What you learn (10)
- describe key milestones in sound recording technology over the past 150 years
- explain how consumer stereo adoption influenced recording techniques
- explain how changes in recording aesthetics shaped western art music
- plan and carry out an independent acoustic music recording project
- apply post-production techniques to an acoustic music recording
- evaluate the outcomes of a self-led recording project
- evaluate technical qualities of acoustic recordings
- evaluate aesthetic qualities of acoustic recordings
- contribute relevant insights during peer listening seminars
- justify opinions on recordings using informed reasoning in group discussion
- Digital Signal Techniques
What you learn (8)
- describe how digital audio signals are captured and created
- explain how digital audio data is stored and organised
- explain methods used to access and process digital audio
- describe the system-level design of delay-based audio effects
- describe the system-level design of dynamic audio processors
- describe the system-level design of frequency-domain audio processors
- design a digital audio processor using visual programming software
- apply digital audio technologies to produce a music recording
- Popular Music Recording Techniques and Aesthetics
What you learn (12)
- explain sound recording technologies used in popular music
- describe cultural practices surrounding popular music recording
- apply recording techniques in practical studio contexts
- devise best-practice strategies for studio work
- implement professional studio practitioner strategies
- collaborate effectively within group recording projects
- contribute constructively during group studio workshops
- critically evaluate existing recorded music material
- critically evaluate academic literature on recording practice
- apply critical insights from recordings and literature to own work
- identify personal professional development goals in production
- develop a plan to achieve sound production career goals
- Electronic Music Production Techniques and Aesthetics
What you learn (8)
- apply synthesis, sampling and sequencing techniques to produce electronic music
- explain key technologies and cultural contexts underpinning popular electronic music
- devise a personal workflow reflecting professional music-production values
- apply studio etiquette appropriate to shared creative environments
- collaborate effectively with peers during group production workshops
- contribute to a collective recording project as part of a team
- evaluate recorded music and academic literature using critical criteria
- apply insights from critical evaluation to inform personal music production
10 optional modules
- Music in the Community
What you learn (7)
- define key terminology used in community music practice
- explain the underlying principles of community music
- reflect on practice by combining theory, experience and critical analysis
- describe the knowledge needed by community music practitioners in a given setting
- identify the skills and behaviours expected of practitioners in a given setting
- analyse own skills, knowledge and behaviours against context-specific requirements
- create a personal professional development plan for a chosen work context
- Composition 1
What you learn (9)
- identify compositional techniques used in key 20th/21st-century works
- apply studied compositional techniques creatively in own composition
- explain key issues of contemporary composition such as clarity and coherence
- design a self-defined structure balancing unity and diversity in a piece
- create original compositions reflecting a personal creative voice
- apply compositional principles and techniques to develop new works
- work independently to complete compositional tasks
- contribute effectively to group workshop activities as performer or listener
- give constructive critical feedback to peers in workshop settings
- Conducting
What you learn (9)
- apply varied conducting techniques across performance levels
- direct high-level musical performances with confidence
- plan and lead a rehearsal session
- critique own rehearsal leadership constructively
- identify a broad range of musical repertoire
- analyse repertoire using appropriate analytical methods
- explain how conductors' interpretations shape performance practice
- communicate musical intentions clearly to performers
- collaborate effectively within an ensemble team
- Sonic Fictions
What you learn (3)
- identify a wide variety of electronic and computer music styles
- evaluate electronic and computer music within its cultural context
- explain key techniques and technologies used in electronic and computer music
Year 3 · 3 core, 10 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Sound Entrepreneurship
What you learn (10)
- explain intellectual, technical and creative skills in contemporary music/audio practice
- develop personal creative practice within current professional contexts
- explain how creativity and entrepreneurship have shaped the music industry over time
- evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of entrepreneurial creativity
- critically analyse the work of music and audio practitioners
- create a professional portfolio to support employment prospects
- produce a professional profile for career advancement
- design dissemination strategies for professional creative outputs using contemporary media
- present professional work using appropriate verbal, visual and written styles
- present an individual portfolio of professional materials
- Independent Project for Music and Sound Recording
What you learn (12)
- identify current research and practice trends in the chosen field
- position own creative output within existing field context
- describe the original contribution made by the chosen approach
- evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen approach
- apply specialist music or audio production skills to the project
- apply project-management or software skills relevant to the project
- design an original research project
- monitor progress of a research project
- complete a research project to a successful conclusion
- apply time-management strategies across an extended project timeframe
- recognise professional standards of achievement in own work
- evaluate the effectiveness of own project outcomes
- Musicology of Record Production
What you learn (6)
- use technological terminology to assess music production techniques
- use musicological terminology to evaluate production outcomes
- analyse recordings to identify production techniques used
- evaluate the social and cultural impact of a recording beyond its technical features
- relate production technique and technology to methodological approaches
- identify characteristic production styles of artists, movements and cultures
10 optional modules
- Composition 1
What you learn (9)
- identify compositional techniques used in key 20th/21st-century works
- apply studied compositional techniques creatively in own composition
- explain key issues of contemporary composition such as clarity and coherence
- design a self-defined structure balancing unity and diversity in a piece
- create original compositions reflecting a personal creative voice
- apply compositional principles and techniques to develop new works
- work independently to complete compositional tasks
- contribute effectively to group workshop activities as performer or listener
- give constructive critical feedback to peers in workshop settings
- Music in the Community
What you learn (7)
- explain core terminology used in community music practice
- describe the underlying principles that shape community music practice
- apply praxis-based reflection combining theory and practice
- identify the knowledge required by community music practitioners in a chosen setting
- describe the skills and behaviours expected of practitioners in a specific context
- analyse personal skills, knowledge and behaviours against context-specific requirements
- create a personal professional development plan for a chosen work context
- Conducting
What you learn (10)
- apply varied conducting techniques across performance levels
- lead high-level musical activity through conducting
- plan a rehearsal schedule for an ensemble
- lead a rehearsal session effectively
- evaluate rehearsal outcomes constructively
- identify a broad range of musical repertoire
- analyse repertoire using appropriate analytical methods
- describe how conductors' interpretations shape performance practice
- communicate musical intentions clearly to performers
- collaborate effectively within a musical team
- Sonic Fictions
What you learn (3)
- identify a wide variety of electronic and computer music styles
- evaluate electronic and computer music within its cultural context
- explain key techniques and technologies used in electronic and computer music
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£23,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£17k
Median£24k
Upper quarter£26k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 60 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 14, 23
Half of graduates earned between £17,000 and £25,500. Five years on, the median is £26,000. 75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 45% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 110% left | 85% | 20 |
| In work or study, 15 months on5% studying | 75% | 25 |
| Professional or managerial job | 45% | 20 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £27,000 | 15 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £23,500 | 60 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £26,000 | 55 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £27,800 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
100%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 80% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 10 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 1; lowest: 75% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 100% |
| Question 2 | 100% |
| Question 3 | 83% |
| Question 4 | 100% |
| Question 5 | 100% |
| Question 6 | 100% |
| Question 7 | 92% |
| Question 8 | 100% |
| Question 9 | 100% |
| Question 10 | 83% |
| Question 11 | 92% |
| Question 12 | 92% |
| Question 13 | 75% |
| Question 14 | 92% |
| Question 15 | 92% |
| Question 16 | 100% |
| Question 17 | 75% |
| Question 18 | 100% |
| Question 19 | 83% |
| Question 20 | 100% |
| Question 21 | 92% |
| Question 22 | 100% |
| Question 23 | 100% |
| Question 24 | 75% |
| Question 25 | 80% |
| Question 26 | 100% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.