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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Production

Amplify your passion for music and audio
DK865
323 Points

CAO Code

DK865

Start Date

September 2024

Course Capacity

30

Duration

4 Years

Work Placement

Yes

NFQ Level

8

Discipline Area

Music, Drama & Performance

Course Type

Undergraduate

Study Mode

Full-Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Overview

This course is aimed at producing professionals for the recording industry capable of assuming key creative roles in the process of analysing and developing the creative intentions of the client to a commercial conclusion. The course involves the utilisation of advanced technology, sophisticated equipment, and a deep understanding of musicality and acoustics, to capture, enhance, and manipulate audio elements, ensuring high-quality recordings and seamless mixing.

What makes this course different

Work Placement

In 3rd year students undertake a 6 week industry work placement where they gain important contacts within the industry to help them in their future careers. 

DkIT

Excellent Career Opportunities

80% of graduates are in employment after 6 months of graduating. (DkIT/HEA Graduate Survey)

Understanding the Industry

The audio and music production industry is a dynamic and creative field that encompasses the entire process of crafting sound recordings and musical compositions. Audio production is a term that covers all tasks related to sound production, from recording to mastering and typically involves working with dialogue, field recordings, foley, sound effects, music and sound design for platforms such as film, TV, video games, podcasts etc. Music production is the process by which music is created, captured, manipulated, and preserved so that it can be distributed and enjoyed. Whether it is creating charttopping hits, designing immersive soundscapes for films and games, or mastering tracks for commercial release, the audio and music production industry is an essential cornerstone of the creative industries, enriching our lives through the power of sound.

Career Opportunities

This course develops individuals who are creative, considered, independent and disciplined. As such they are capable of entering a wide range of graduate careers. Graduates will be comprehensively equipped to progress directly into jobs in the industry such as record producers, recording studio engineers, sound designers, radio broadcast assistants and studio managers. 

With additional appropriate experience, career opportunities exist in other related areas. Positions include radio producers, promotional and advertising managers, education, publishing, retail, music-related journalism. 

Future Careers:

  • Record/Music Producer
  • Recording Engineer
  • Mixing Engineer
  • Mastering
  • Radio Producers
  • Educators
  • Live Sound Engineer
  • Sound Designer
  • Composer
  • Studio Manager - Promotional and Advertising Manager
  • Programmer
  • Events Industry
  • Computer Game Production
  • Television & Film
  • Audiology
  • Music Journalism

Course Delivery and Modules

This course is highly applied with a focus on ‘hands-on’ skills delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals and online learning. Basic music theory and keyboard skills tuition is built into the programme.

  • Year 1

    • Microphone Applications and the Recording/Playback Chain
    • Properties of Sound
    • The Digital Audio Workstation
    • Introduction to Musicianship
    • Academic Writing and Research Skills
    • Recording Electric and Acoustic Instruments
    • Studio Environment
    • Music Production Content Analysis
    • Popular Music Genre Studies
    • Musicianship for the Music Producer
  • Year 2

    • Sound Synthesis
    • Audio Signal Processing
    • Mixing Fundamentals
    • Elements of Popular Music: Piano & Strings
    • Production Project 1
    • Vocal Production
    • Live Sound
    • Elements of Popular Music: Songwriting
    • Production Project 2
    • Electronic Music Production

    Electives:

    • Semester Abroad
  • Year 3

    • Audio Industries
    • Electroacoustic Composition
    • Work Placement (6 Weeks)
    • Advanced DAW Techniques
    • Studio Acoustics
    • Advanced Live Sound
    • Sound Design & Implementation
    • Production Project 3
  • Year 4

    • Advanced Mixing
    • Culture, Society & Popular Music
    • Major Project (year-long)
    • Production Sound for Media
    • Research Project
    • Mastering
    • Preparation for Industry
    • Post-Production Sound for Media

Work Placement

In 3rd year students undertake a 6 week industry work placement where they gain important contacts within the industry to help them in their future careers. 

Education Progression

Postgraduate 18 Months On Campus

MA/MSc in Music Technology

View Course Details

Fees and Funding

Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements apply. There are no special entry requirements for this course. There is no audition process or need to play an instrument for this programme. 

Recent CAO Points

2023 CAO Round 1 Points

323

How To Apply

Apply on CAO

All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:

CAO Code: DK865
Apply on CAO

Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications

Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry into year  2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.

Closing Date: 6th June
Apply Now

International Application (non-EU)

International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Production please ask it below and we will get back to you.


Jonathan Duggan

Programme Director

Email: Jonathan.Duggan@dkit.ie

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).