BA (Honours) in Music Production with Composition
Course Overview
Learn the skills required to succeed as a modern day Music Producer and Composer with this unique, industry-focused programme.
Our BA (Hons) in Music Production with Composition course is run in partnership with Pulse College and has been uniquely designed by the industry for the industry.
Why Study Music Production with Composition at Griffith College?
Our partnered BA (Hons) in Music Production with Composition is available full-time over three years and taught on campus at Pulse College. The aim of the course is to equip you with a high level of competence in specific skills for the areas of composition, studio recording, live sound, music technology and much more.
- Delivered by academic leaders and industry professionals to international industry standards.
- Develop specialist skills and knowledge that will enable you to find employment within a range of areas within the industry, including music recording, post-production and sound design for the web.
- Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Use of industry-relevant software applications, including Apple Logic Pro Certified Centre and Avid Pro Tools Centre.
- 24-hour studio access
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
Course Details
Module Information - Year One
You will develop your competence and confidence in programming Samplers, Sequencers and Synthesisers You will learn advanced automation and synchronisation techniques in Post-production and to technically manage the interchange of projects between recording studios. You will develop your competence and confidence in programming Samplers, Sequencers and Synthesisers You will learn advanced automation and synchronisation techniques in Post-production and to technically manage the interchange of projects between recording studios.
You will learn how to use industry standard Digital Audio Workstation software (Pro-Tools and Logic Pro X) to record and edit audio and MIDI. You will learn how to produce music from conception to final mix-down, including the use of effects and automation, in a professional workflow.
You will be introduced to the operating principles of modern recording studios. You will gain insights into audio processing and the operation and signal flow of analogue mixing consoles. You will complete a number of recordings to understand the principles of capturing sound.
You will develop your understanding of musical theory, analyse musical structure and form (from Rock and Pop music to Classical and Jazz) and Aural Training skills. You will develop your notational skills using Sibelius notation software to convey musical ideas to musicians with musical vocabulary.
You will get a broad understanding of the music industry, its various roles and structures within the industry; the commercial, the regulatory environment, and the wider music culture.
You will be introduced to the theory, techniques and practices involved in implementing appropriate sound reinforcement for a live performance event.
You will be introduced to the principles of sound, estimating changes in sound frequency, sound level, band limitations and irregularities, distortion, noise, etc.
Year Two
You will develop your competence and confidence in programming Samplers, Sequencers and Synthesisers You will learn advanced automation and synchronisation techniques in Post-production and to technically manage the interchange of projects between recording studios.
You will work in the role of a modern music producer utilising technical and interpersonal skills to facilitate a project from pre-production to completion. You will learn the processes involved in composing music for TV and Film; It also aims to expand your musical vocabulary and analytical skills through studying the craft of composing to image. Emphasis is placed on developing your own compositional techniques.
You will gain an understanding of the theory, the technologies, and practical skills central to the production and postproduction of sound for virtual environments, and the role of sound design effects in other media.
You will learn the processes involved in composing music for TV and Film; It also aims to expand your musical vocabulary and analytical skills through studying the craft of composing to image. Emphasis is placed on developing your own compositional techniques.
You will gain further knowledge on how live performance systems can be programmed and performed and the skills needed to plan and realise a live performance.
Year Three
You may select to present an academic dissertation or a dissertation by practice. You will explore new ideas through research; develop independent research and learning skills; develop the skills necessary to plan and produce an extended, formally written document; and develop creativity through independent practical work and expand knowledge in areas of personal interest.This module will be the culmination of your study. You will explore, through research and writing, subjects deemed worthy of academic investigation, or the development of new ideas through practice based project work.
You will develop your recording skills to a professional industry standard including pre and post-production elements, recording large acoustic ensembles, You will manage the studio environment with an orchestra or large ensemble, and develop your communication skills required to liaise with clients.
You will learn the practical and theoretical knowledge in the main areas of studio design and related industries. You will become familiar with various systems and operations using industry software currently used in acoustic analysis.
You will be equipped with a working knowledge of the ethical and fiscal standards of the professional bodies and the practical understanding of the complex legal implications of intellectual property in the music industry. You will develop skills in presenting, creating an industry cv and applying for industry jobs aswell as developing your digital presence online.
You will develop imagination in composing to picture, enabling you to critically consider the various roles that music can have when used with visual media.
You will develop compositional ideas and techniques to bring innovation to original work. You will learn compositional work in a wider context, and enable the you to formulate a cohesive body of compositional work.
This module will enable you to contextualise the social environment in which music functions, focusing on its prominent role in popular and contemporary culture and society.
Timetables
Timetables TBC
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Irish citizens under 23 Years of Age
Entry onto our Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:
2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
and
Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English
Or:
FETAC Level 6 / HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media or similar
Or:
a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels and 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar.
Additionally, we expect applicants to conform to a number of the following criteria:
- Basic knowledge of computers (Mac/PC, and audio software): helpful but not essential
- The ability to devise original work across a variety of media
- FETAC Level 6 / HETAC Level 7 in Music/Media or similar
- 3 GCE A Level, NVQ Level 3 in Music/Media or similar
- Extra-curricular activities, such as band performance, DJ-ing, community arts, visual or performing arts
Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications and relevant work or life experience will also be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility. All applicants will have to complete an interview with Pulse College.
Applicants under 23 years of age:
- Photo ID (passport/driving license)
- GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit if applicable
- Leaving Certificate/High School diploma results
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
- Photo ID (passport/driving license)
- GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit, if applicable
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
If you have any questions about fees, please contact Pulse College directly.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 8,950.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin:
Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: [email protected]
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Music Production with Composition programme are eligible to be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree. We offer an MA in Scoring for Film, TV & Interactive Media which might interest degree recipients.
Career Progression
Previous graduates of our Music programme have found employment in a variety of sectors within music industry. Some of the many great artists or facilities past pupils have worked with are: Prince, Kings of Leon, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, U2, REM, Kylie Minogue, Windmill Pictures, Brown Bag, Ardmore Studios, RTE, FM104, TV3, RTE Radio, The Apprentice, Masterchef, Little Brittan, River cottage, Harry Potter, Casino Royale, MTV X-Factor, The Voice, Slane, Oxygen, O2, Electric Picnic, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.