The Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering is delivered over 48 teaching weeks, organised into three terms. Each term strengthens what you learned in the previous one and introduces new subjects at the right level of depth.
Through our progressive continuous learning method, modules combine listening, theory and studio work so that concepts are always tied to what you are doing with real music. You will not only learn which tools, microphones and techniques to use, but also why a particular choice works in a given musical or technical context.
As you move through the curriculum you will notice your work sounding more deliberate and consistent, and you will be able to explain your choices to artists, collaborators and clients.
Across the diploma you will work the following core subject areas:
• Production and Music Theory
• Audio Engineering & Acoustic Principles
• Audio Engineering Tools
• Digital Audio Workstations
• Large Format Studio Operation
• Introduction to Live Sound
• Music Business and Management
Below, you can browse through a more detailed breakdown for each of the three term. By connecting these strands rather than treating them in isolation, the course helps you think like a modern producer or engineer who can move confidently between creative and technical decisions.
To understand where these skills can take you, and the career paths our graduates pursue, move to the Careers tab.
These are the learning outcomes for this subject area.
You will be able to:
• Understand the principles of DAW controller operation
• Understand the working principles of microphones
• Understand stereo microphone recording theory
• Understand the working principles of loudspeakers
• Understand the working principles of amplifiers
• Select different efficient automation modes using DAW controllers
• Mix a multitrack project using a DAW controller
• Argue the importance of microphone directionality in music production
• Interpret microphone measurements and specification sheets
• Appraise the suitability of microphone preamplifiers
• Select microphones for specific applications based on practical criteria, e.g. sound source radiation pattern, SPL and placement
• Make informed microphone placement decisions when recording simple acoustic sources
• Select and use standard stereo microphone techniques with varying transducer types, spacing and angles
• Select stereo microphone techniques based on the principles supporting Mike Williams’ stereophonic Zoom concept
• Discuss the principles of transduction of different loudspeaker drivers
• Appraise the key features and placement of loudspeakers
• Interpret loudspeaker specifications
• Interpret amplifier operation-related measurements
• Categorise different types of audio amplifiers
• Interpret amplifier specification sheets