Unit code: 11601

Unit description: The unit focuses on the analytical study and practical implementation of historically significant, popular music genres, key artists and their songs. It promotes an impartial approach to musical style, focusing instead on the analysis of the musical elements that define them, in particular, structure, harmony and melody. It aims to develop an understanding of the contextual nature of contemporary songwriting and composition by identifying and analysing key historical, cultural and technological reference points that have defined popular music. Finally, the unit incorporates rudimentary and some intermediate level applications in music production and the use of specialist music technologies.

Unit code: 11591

Unit description: This unit introduces students to the diverse opportunities in the world of creative and digital design industries. Aspects that will be considered include: contemporary demands of the industry including social responsibility, ethical and sustainability issues. Through engagement with industry and community, students will gain an understanding of global discipline knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as responsible, capable creative industry and digital design professionals. Students will start their career awareness and planning through approaches such as five year plans and ePortfolios.

Unit code: 9741

Unit description: In order to sustain viable incomes, musicians typically maintain portfolio careers combining income streams from music performance, teaching, music and sound production, composition, etc. In this unit, students explore the teacher/student nexus as they reflect upon their own developmental journey as music performers and technicians, while also working as private music teachers, developing and delivering lessons in their craft to their peers. The study and development of musicianship and technical skills is also a key component of the unit, with students also honing stagecraft, the use of music technology, rehearsing and reflecting upon musical development.

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Unit code: 11595

Unit description: This project-based unit provides students with a unique opportunity, working in small cross-disciplinary teams, to explore courageous or experimental projects, without the pressure of having to produce something that is objectively 'successful'. Assessment in this unit will focus not upon the quality or otherwise of the group-driven creative outputs, but rather upon the reflective, individual exegetical and reflective components that accompany them.

Unit code: 9742

Unit description: This unit prepares the student for work as a unique, yet commercially successful performer. It focuses on the analytical study of mass appeal and experimentation within established musical stylistic conventions, collaborating on original song performance to create an original audience experience. It expands the student's understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication, image and imagery, group expression, stagecraft and the use of space and choreography. The unit focuses on the practical implementation of musical and non-musical elements designed to influence an audience and develop contemporary stagecraft, musicianship and stage technology skills and knowledge.

Unit code: 11602

Unit description: This unit focuses on the analytical study and practical implementation of contemporary songwriting and music production techniques, with students analysing and then emulating the songwriting and production techniques of significant contemporary artists. The unit especially aims to develop an understanding of the contextual nature of contemporary music production identifying key historical, cultural and technological reference points that define contemporary music and production. The unit incorporates intermediate to advanced level music production techniques and the use of specialist music technologies, favouring an independent approach to recording and releasing music.

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Unit code: 11596

Unit description: This unit challenges the notions of truth and knowledge. It will explore the idea of cultural relativity and challenge our own way of thinking. Knowledge generation will be examined by exploring fictional and historical worlds that establish their own truths and ideations.

Unit code: 11593

Unit code: 10344

Unit description: This unit introduces students to the potentially lucrative world of composing music for media. Working to client briefs, students collaborate across disciplines to compose music for film, television and video game projects. The unit focuses on the analytical study of key exponents and significant developments in screen media across differing screen genres and the challenges and rewards of composing music within artistic constraints. The unit includes important aspects of the music business, like finding and pitching for work, quoting and invoicing, music licensing and contracts, screen music royalties and performing rights societies. Prior knowledge of basic music theory and composition software is required for this unit.

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Unit code: 11017

Unit code: 10316

Unit description: This unit introduces students to the creative potential of audio synthesis and sampling – the core sound generation methods of contemporary music composition. It promotes a more experimental approach than previous composition units, with special focus on EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and its associated forms and production techniques. Students are allowed a greater degree of freedom to break away from musical conventions and explore new approaches to composing, again with a focus on using technology. Students gain invaluable insight into the acoustic properties of sound and fundamental processes of sound design. Through this original, experimental and innovative approach to composition, legal and ethical aspects of sampling are also explored.

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Unit code: 11018

Unit description: In this unit students will further develop their abilities as agile professionals with the transferable employability skills and critical and creative abilities to work across industries and sectors and craft diverse employment paths. They will integrate disciplinary knowledge with the professional skills required in their industry through authentic simulated or real workplace experiences, international exchanges or industry collaborations or projects.

Unit code: 10318

Unit description: The integration of music technology into performance dominates the live music industry. From street-corner buskers with loop pedals accompanying their solo performances, to stadium-filling tours requiring networks of complex equipment, understanding music technology is essential for all modern performing musicians. This unit introduces students to the integration of digital technologies into live performance, while developing creative approaches to performance practice, stylistic presentation and visual impact. It further expands stagecraft skills by introducing the use of live backing tracks, samplers, software, MIDI, digital video and lighting to enhance music and image.

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Unit code: 11592

Unit description: This unit prepares students for professional work in the cultural sector and finalises and reviews your ePortfolio. Through practical activities, such as preparing a grant application, developing a team-based project proposal, and researching a cultural organisation, students learn to relate their discipline specific knowledge to a range of professional contexts. The unit will emphasise the significance of multiculturalism, cultural consumption and globalisation as key influences shaping cultural work in the twenty first century.

Unit code: 10347

Unit description: This unit introduces students to the cinematic composition techniques of blockbuster films and AAA video games. Working to client briefs, students compose and score cinematic orchestral music using orchestral sample libraries and notation software. The unit focuses on the compositional conventions of Hollywood-style music soundtracks and contextualizes the orchestra and orchestration techniques. Prior knowledge of music theory and composition/notation software is recommended for this unit.

Unit code: 11594

Unit description: This unit focuses on the independent conceptualisation, planning and realisation of a student-generated major work in their creative field. The unit emphasises consultation/collaboration as part of the creative process, skill refinement and the consideration of publication. This unit is based on a model of academic supervision and is intended to pave the way towards independent modes of learning crucial in the industry and at postgraduate levels of study.

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