If you are interested in sound engineering and production or music technology, then now is a great time to study one of our degrees! Located in the heart of Birmingham, we have excellent relationships with industry and have a range of state-of-the-art, including STEAMhouse, that you can use throughout your time on the course, to prepare you for an exciting career.
Here are eight reasons why you should study Music and Sound with us in Birmingham.
Industry on your doorstep
Being in the heart of Birmingham City Centre is not only great for local amenities, but also being close to potential employers too. We have a great partnership with the BBC, as well as companies such as Focusrite, Universal and The Music Group.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our City Centre Campus is home to the prestigious Millennium Point, where we have recently invested £6.5 million into new labs and equipment, our £62 million Parkside Building and £57 million Royal Brmingham Conservatoire. Your learning will span across all of these campuses to make the most of our outstanding facilities – including seven industry standard recording studios, SSL mixing desks (more than anywhere else in Europe!) and complete AV digital interconnection.
Access to these industry-standard facilities means that you will graduate with employable skills and be equipped to go into the work place.
Music and Sound Courses
Find out more about our courses.
STEAMhouse
STEAMhouse is the home of Computing and Digital Technology. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and equipment, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects.
Collaborate with musicians
Our unique facilities and offering, that is the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, not only gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities, but it also provides a great opportunity to collaborate with aspiring professional musicians. You will get to work on lots of different projects with different musicians and performers – one week you could be working with a symphony orchestra, and a string quartet the next! For example, some of our final year Music Technology students worked together with the Jazz Club to make a record.
Industrial Mentors Forums
Developed to prepare you for careers in the music industry, this initiative was developed to enhance your employability and confidence by connecting you with people working in the music industry and graduates. You can connect with industry 'mentors' through our online virtual learning platform to discuss assessments, projects or work experience. We also have a partnership with the University of Rochester in the USA, and this initiative provides an easy way to connect with staff and students there too.
Learn from experts
Course Leader, Dr Islah Ali-MacLachlan (Izzy) leads on acoustics and has a PhD in Music Research. He is an active musician and live engineer as well as the education director of a major UK folk festival. Izzy brings a wealth of expertise and passion to enable you to explore your interests and secure exciting placements during your time with us.
Associate Professor, Dr Roy Priest has been involved in various aspects of the music industry as a professional musician and working in artist management. You will benefit from his excellent links and connections with the music industry and his interesting personal musical experiences.
Optional placement year
Our courses offer a one-year optional placement year within the course, so that you can make your CV stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Our Careers+ Team is dedicated to supporting you find placements, graduate jobs, and offer support with your CV and making applications.
Special Interest Groups
Our passionate staff run interest groups for you to explore your areas of interest. When you join the course you might have a lot, or a little knowledge and experience of music and sound technology. However, on the course you will learn it all, so the special interest groups are there for you to delve deeper into the subjects you love and enjoy the most.