This document provides information on the HND Music Production program offered by Bridgwater College. The 2-year program awards a Higher National Certificate after the first year and a Higher National Diploma upon completion. The program aims to develop skills in music production and prepare students for careers in the music industry. Students have access to music production software, recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and industry-standard equipment.

1. Template last updated: July 2012
Version: 1
Approved by: HE Review Group
Programme Specification
HND Music Production
1. Key Programme Facts
Awarding Body Pearson
Teaching Institution Bridgwater College
Curriculum Area Music & Performing Arts
Accreditation by Professional Body Not applicable
UCAS Code 1G3R
College Course Code RK141
Mode(s) of Study available and
programme duration
Full Time – specify duration (2 years)
Level and Total Credits Awarded Level 4, 120 Credits ‐ Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 5, 240 Credits – Higher National Diploma (HND)
Credit Structure 120 Credits at Level 4
120 Credits at Level 5
Delivery location Bridgwater Centre
Language of Study English
Relevant Subject Benchmark
Statement(s)
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
Final Award for Certification HNC Music (Production)
HND Music (Production)
External Reference Points UK Quality Code for Higher Education
Subject Benchmark Statements
Employer expectations
Student consultation
Date of approval of this
specification
July 2012
Date review due 2015/16
2. Purpose of this Programme Specification
This document is relevant for prospective students, enrolled students, employers, teaching teams,
internal college reviewers and external reviewers.
The programme specification is an overview to the programme as a whole. It explains how the
programme will be taught, assessed and the skills and competencies the student will be able to
demonstrate if they take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided.

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Role of the Awarding Body
Pearson is the awarding body and as such have overall responsibility for the quality and standards of the
programme. Bridgwater College is approved to manage and deliver the programme within Pearson’s
quality framework and Pearson accredits the successful student with their final award.
3. Aims of the Programme
Bridgwater College has developed this programme to equip graduates with the skills to meet the needs
and expectations of the local/regional/national industry.
The programme aims to:
 provide a vocationally relevant programme that enables students to obtain a nationally
recognised qualification in Music Production
 support graduates to develop a range of transferable skills, together with underpinning
knowledge, to prepare them for employment for further academic progression
 to develop competent technologists with the ability to apply the appropriate tools and
techniques to support the creation, recording, and post processing of music to finish a
professional product
 to provide a broad range of studies directly relevant to a wide range of related careers in music
& creative industries
 to equip students with the necessary knowledge of music and media technology to support the
creation, development and delivery of digital music products and interactive audio software
systems
 to develop independence and autonomy through work based learning and assessment in order
to maximise potential as creative practitioners
4. Distinctive Features of the Programme
This programme has the following:
 This programme has been designed to prepare skilled and experienced technologists for a range
of career options in the modern music & audio industries with primary focus on the creative
application of audio technology used in the production, distribution and promotion of music and
audio products.
 There are two main iMac based computer music suites. Each workstation is equipped with
Digidesign or Focusrite audio interfaces, MIDI controllers and the latest versions of industry
standard music production software packages including: Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Max
MSP, Native Instrument’s Komplete, Reason and the Adobe Creative Suite.

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 There are also five, fully equipped recording studios featuring 48 channel Tascam digital
consoles and one with a 48 channel Soundtracs large format analogue console, with additional
software plug‐ins by Native Instruments, Universal Audio, SSL, Waves and Izotope alongside
various outboard signal processors and a comprehensive microphone stock.
There are also seven independent rehearsal rooms and four independent DJ mixing suites
complete with the Technics, Pioneer, Allen & Heath and Vestax vinyl and CD mixing equipment.
 The programme team have subject teaching experience across a wide range of learning levels
and all hold relevant teaching and subject specific qualifications. In addition the team also
have extensive industrial experience
 Previous graduates form our HE programmes in this subject area have found employment with
a broad range of local employers including: Cygnus Music, Focusrite, APR Audio, Films@59, Igoe
Ltd, Glucose Recordings and Up & Coming Studios.
 This programme includes Apple Certified Training in Logic Pro ‐ this training will be embedded
to the delivery of Unit 36 ‐ Music Technology in accordance with our agreement with Apple as
an Authorised Training Centre for Education
5. Entry Requirements
Minimum Requirement: HNC or Level 4 in related subject area. Entry is also subject to a successful
interview and we would encourage experienced industry practitioners without the necessary UCAS
points to apply.
6. Intended Programme Learning Outcome
Typically holders of the qualification will have demonstrated these characteristics or be able to do the
following:
Level 5
A) Knowledge
1. Apply the principles & practices for music and audio production to meet final product
specification
2. Employ the tools and techniques used for the creation, arrangement, recording and performance
of music and audio.
3. Evaluate Legal, contractual and working practices of music distribution
4. Illustrate the musical and production characteristics in a musical performance or recording
5. Appraise the design and operation of various sound reinforcement systems
6. Demonstrate the tools and techniques for the design and creation of interactive music
applications for mobile devices
B) Understanding and skills

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1. Manage music production projects throughout the planning, development and delivery
processes
2. Effectively use a range of digital and other information sources to synthesize and support
arguments to a professional standard.
3. Critically evaluate tools and techniques used in computer based music production.
4. Reflect on the principles, practices and legal issues affecting the production & consumption of
music & audio products
5. Use and critically evaluate appropriate tools to operate and manage sound reinforcement
systems
6. Integrate and synchronise MIDI and audio equipment for a music performance environment.
7. Evaluate and use media and audio authoring tools for the design of interactive audio software
C) Other attributes
1. Utilise problem solving strategies and show initiative in challenging and unpredictable scenario
2. Analyse personal strengths and critically reflect on project outcomes to evaluate personal
performance
3. Exemplify the skills required to work professionally and responsibly in an industry environment.

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7. Programme Structure
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical
classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Total
Hours
%
Hours % Hours % % Written Exam
One to one sessions (not
tutorial)
Personal tutor meetings
Group Tutorials
Guest lectures gp
sessions
Library/research skills
Careers fairs/sessions
External Visits
Total
43 Principles of Musical Sound D/601/1763 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0 30 2 0 10 0 4 0 8 54
49 Sound Creation & Manipulaiton R/601/1596 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
30 Music in Context L/601/1323 4 15 C 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
36 Music Technology K/601/1359 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
15 Creative Arts Research Skills J/601/1532 5 20 C 30 30 15% 170 85% 0 0% 200 100 0 0
52 Studio Recording & Engineering K/601/1538 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
5 Audio Mastering & Manufacture A/601/1527 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
38 New Media Technology L/601/1659 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
125 Total 240 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 240 23% 1010 77% 0 0% 1250 800 0 0
100% 0% 0%
Non‐timetabled activities which take
place as part of the overall year of study
but not at unit level (give total hours for
% Practical skills/
Oral assessment
Assessment Methods Summary
% Coursework
Scheduled Activities
(hours per unit)
Core/Optional
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary
Placement (incl WBL)
Independent
Guided Study
Total
Hours
Year One
Unit
Number Unit Name Level
Credit
Value
Pearson Unit
Code
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Total
Hours
%
Hours % Hours % % Written Exam
One to one sessions (not
tutorial)
Personal tutor meetings
Group Tutorials
Guest lectures gp
sessions
Library/research skills
Careers fairs/sessions
External Visits
Total
35 Music Studio Production D/601/1309 5 15 O 30 30 20% 100 67% 20 13% 150 100 0 0 30 2 0 10 0 4 0 8 54
42
Preparation, Process and Production in the
Creative Arts T/601/1719 5 20 C 30
30 15%
170 85% 0 0% 200 100 0 0
27 Music Business in the 21st Century M/601/1332 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
12 Computer Music Composition and Production F/601/1545 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
24 Live Sound Systems Specification and Operation R/601/1761 5 15 O 30 30 20% 108 72% 12 8% 150 100 0 0
15 Critical Music Listening K/601/1328 5 15 C 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
45 Public Performance Technology Y/601/1311 5 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
63 (Imported) Interactive Media Design & Prototyping K/601/6528 4 15 O 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
125 Total 240 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 240 23% 978 75% 32 2% 1250 800 0 0
100% 0% 0%
Non‐timetabled activities which take
place as part of the overall year of study
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary Assessment Methods Summary
Scheduled Activities Independent
Total
Hours % Coursework
% Practical skills/
Oral assessment
Placement (incl. WBL)
Year Two
Unit
Number Unit Name
Pearson Unit
Code
Level
Credit
Value
Core/
Optional

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8. Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching methods vary from module to module. Usually they include a series of lectures, laboratory‐based
practical activities, problem‐solving classes and tutorial support, often supplemented by on‐line resources and
hand‐outs.
Module Credit – A single unit in your HND is worth 15 or in some cases 20 credits and is standardised at 150
hours of study or 200 hours respectively, including taught time and independent study. This will often be broken
down into lectures, seminars, practical sessions and self/directed study.
This breakdown links with the learning outcomes of the course to provide you with a good range of study and
learning skills.
9. Assessment Methods
The rationale for the different methods and pattern of assessment are based on the aims, learning outcomes
and rationale of the course. A variety of methods of assessment will be used within the course and will
including coursework assignments, time‐constrained assessments and work‐based projects.
Coursework assignments are an important element in the assessment of this course and is highly valued by
students for the feedback it gives them on their work. This feedback provided by the tutor in the relevant section
of the ‘Assignment Brief’ which will assessed and returned to students electronically. For coursework, a large
variety of assignments are used, depending upon the subject and may include tasks such as:
 oral presentations & vivas;
 creative production tasks;
 set practical workshop tasks ;
 short tests completed in class;
 written technical reports;
Many of the Coursework Assignments will be based on modern industry practice. These will include:
 Studio based recording projects;
 Certified software training
 Development of audio software products for web audio delivery and mobile technologies;
 Client liaison and responding to a client brief (as part of the New Media Technology unit);
 Work based projects based in a professional recording studio and established performance venue,
allowing students to gain experience of industry practice and working in unfamiliar environments.
Assessment calendars are issued at the start of the year to each year group for all assessments. The submitted
assessments (through an online system) will be assessed by the module leader within 3 weeks and feedback will
be given to each student through the assignment front sheet comments box along with other feedback written
on the assessed piece. Verbal feedback is also offered if required.
Assessment Regulations – regulations are available via Blackboard or in the Programme Handbook

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10. Learning Support
Support is available as needed at every level of study. Every student will receive time for structured tutorial
support to assist with their academic progress at programme level. There is a dedicated HE specialist in the
Learning Resource Centre who can assist with any HE related enquiries. Other types of support are accessible
via the Student Services team as needed on an individual basis.
11. Academic progression
Graduates from this programme could apply to progress onto the following courses at university:
 BSc (Hons) Creative Industries (Popular Music Technology) (Top Up) ‐ University of Sound Wales
 BA (Hons) Music Production Progression Course ‐ dBs ‐ Bristol
12. Employability
This qualification will equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding as detailed in Section 6. You can
apply this skillset and experiences gained through the study of this qualification to confidently apply for
employment in the following sectors:
 Sound & Studio Recording
 Audio Mastering
 Sound and System Design (including theatre design)
 Audio Software Programming
 Live Audio Engineering
 Music & Audio Distribution
 Music & Audio Production
 Music & Audio Post Production
 Music Promotion & Radio
 §Web Design
 Music & Audio Product Development
 Sound Design for Distributed Media
Graduates from this programme have gained successful employment in the following areas:
 Live Sound Engineer
 Freelance Music Producer
 Copyright Protection Manager for a Digital Music Distribution Company
 Associate Lecturer ‐ Music Technology
 Studio Owner / Manager
 Assistant Studio Engineer
 Dubbing Engineer
 Customer Support ‐ Audio Manufacturing Company
13. Indicators of Quality and Standards
QAA Higher Education Review, May 2014 College Inspection and Review
Student feedback External Examining and reports
Self Evaluation Self Assessment Monitoring