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BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: W392
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112-120	BBC-BBB	DMM-DDM	Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit	112-120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

Previous experience: Formal or informal qualification or experience in music

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112-120	BBC-BBB	DMM-DDM	Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit	112-120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

Previous experience: Formal or informal qualification or experience in music

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

Member of the UK Music Academic Partnership (MAP)
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Why choose this course?

Compose, produce and implement music for games, animation and film
Graduate success at Ubisoft, Frontier Developments, Konami & Universal
2nd in the East of England (after Cambridge) for Music (2023 Complete University Guide)

You are fascinated by the potential of technology in the creative process and wish to explore the likes of Unreal Engine, Unity, WWise, FMOD, Logic, and Pro Tools.
Involvement from our alumni, providing their experiences of how the course has helped them into employment.
You wish to understand and explore current trends in film music and game audio.
Gain a BSc – because we genuinely explore the art and science of music composition/ audio design.
You wish to be taught by current practitioners and exponents in the art of writing film and games.
You wish to be part of a department within a school that includes filmmaking, animation and game design.
The Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games degree is a unique and distinctive degree award in the UK.
We have some of the best resources in the UK, including state-of-the art music studios and specialist film, animation and game design facilities.

What's the course about?

This specialist degree focuses on game audio and film music, covering creative, technical and business. You’ll compose, produce, and implement music and sound for a huge variety of film, animation and game audio titles, and be part of networking and collaboration within the school of creative arts. With the support of industry professionals, you’ll analyse the styles of different composers and genres, understand film/ game workflows, explore middleware, and develop a critical understanding of how musical parameters affect visuals. You’ll also study the business aspects of this sector, pursue work experience and build the skills to become a creative, technical and entrepreneurial musician/ audio professional.

This course is part of the music department in the School of Creative Arts, and a wide range of undergraduate music degrees are on offer.

Check out our facilities

Music students at the University of Hertfordshire have access to a stunning array of well-maintained resources and facilities aligned to industry standards, including recording studios, performance spaces, critical listening spaces, high-spec computing labs and a loan store offering a range of free-to-use equipment.

Find out more about our music facilities here.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

You will receive a mixture of interactive lectures, seminars and tutorials, with much practical based teaching. Module content is reviewed each academic year to remain current and industry relevant, and you will have opportunities to independently collaborate with student filmmakers/ game designers additional to the timetabled sessions. You can also benefit from the input of additional music industry experts visiting our University.

Course Content

The BSc (Hons) in Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games brings an enhanced emphasis on music for video games and media. The course focuses on two specialist areas of equal importance. From a game audio perspective, you will create and implement music and sound designs for a variety of projects across both leading Unreal and Unity engines, exploring industry relevant skills. From a media composer standpoint, you will be developing your composition talent across areas such as film, TV production music, animation and live performance. Subject currency is a key strength of the course, with content reviewed by industry professionals, and enhanced on a regular basis to meet industry needs.

You will analyse the styles of different game/ film composers and genres of soundtracks, study the script writing, reading process and understand different stages of the practical production across Pro Tools and Logic. You will develop a critical understanding of how different musical and technical parameters affect visuals, and study business aspects associated to specialist creative roles in the industry.

Importantly, you will pursue professional work experience and build working relationships with other students developing collaborations in the Faculty.

Most of all, you will be an entrepreneurial musician - someone who has talent as a composer and has the ability to get their music out there…

Our location is at the heart of the UK film and media industries and we utilise this unique benefit in combination with well-designed and practical courses.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Techniques and Technology 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be introduced to the Department computer workstation and basic skills such as sample recording, sequencing, mixing and processing will be covered. Students will also be guided through the basic techniques of instrumental writing and the presentation of an instrumental score using computer notation software.
Learning Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students will be guided to develop important study skills, such as word processing, using books, journals and the internet as a study aid, essay presentation, use of appropriate academic English in written work and relevant performance/ conducting skills. Other skills essential to the practising musician, such as aural discrimination of intervals, chords, rhythm and timbre, will also be fostered.
Perspectives of Music 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to characteristic streams of music from the 20th century to the present day and will examine models which demonstrate differing stylistic parameters and techniques of construction. The issue of recorded sound and image and how this has changed the creation and perception of music in recent decades, will also be explored. Students will explore entrepreneurial approaches related to the music industry; identity and branding relevant to film/games and songwriting. Finally, the fundamental principles which govern the relationship between music and other media will be examined through the presentation and discussion of relevant examples.
Composition for Film and Games 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module encourages students to explore their creative, musical ideas, through the subjects of composition and other media.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Techniques and Technology 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will explore the features of the computer workstation at an intermediate level, covering relevant DAWs and notation techniques. Students will also further develop their knowledge of scoring and orchestration skills to create arrangements relevant to their pathway, using Sibelius or similar notation software.
Studies and Investigations 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
Studies and Investigations 2 is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and independent thought. Students are offered a range of options, each examining a particular aspect of musicology or music history in detail. Two options should be chosen, which make up two thirds of the credit points for the module. The remaining third of the module is taken up by an independent study, which can take the form of a 3-4000 word essay, formal presentation or experimental project. The topic for this is decided in conjunction with a tutor, who will guide the student to relevant resources. Compulsory tutorials and seminars ensure that the student maintains an appropriate timetable for the completion of the study. In addition, a short-term work placement is permissible, replacing the self-directed independent study.
Perspectives of Music 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines the styles, idioms, developments and innovations that occurred in popular Western music during the early to mid 20th century and will look at models which demonstrate differing stylistic parameters and techniques of construction. The relationship between sound and image will be analysed and students will be led towards describing the relationship in appropriate and detailed terms. Finally, the changing face of business within the cultural industries will be examined during the period from mid 20th century to the current day, focusing on the commercial sector.
Composition for Film and Games 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
Building on the foundation of Composition for Film and Games 1, this module examines compositional models and their attendant techniques from a variety of schools and traditions. Students are encouraged to explore the application of these ideas within their own creative work, producing compositions which demonstrate a practical working knowledge of the methods examined. The relationship between linear and non-linear composition for media will be emphasised. A greater degree of fluency in interpretation, integration, sensitivity and understanding is expected at this level, building on work from level 4; together with integrated technical knowledge relevant to the field. There will also be the opportunity to work with students from other disciplines (for example, Fashion or Animation).
Professional Work Experience 30: Music	30 Credits	Optional
Students may identify a work experience opportunity or have a work experience suggested to them. Before starting students meet with the Programme Leader or their nominated tutor, to discuss the impending placement. All aspects of the intended experience are addressed from health and safety to client confidentiality and students are given guidance on behaviour and how to manage expectations. Proposals need to identify an outline work programme, the number of days in placement and the main learning outcomes; and are subject to agreement of the Programme Leader.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Compulsory
The Year Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Compulsory
The optional 'Sandwich' placement year may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries. A placement could take a variety of forms, including: * working in an external organisation; * working with a University company or professional team within the University; * self-employment within defined context and externally refereed. The placement duration would typically be sustained for at least 36 weeks (from a maximum of two separate placements, neither of which should normally be less than 12 weeks in duration), though may be sustained for a full year. While the School actively supports the placement process, ultimately it is the placement provider that will agree to manage and select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Techniques and Technology 3	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students will explore the features of the computer workstation at an advanced level, covering interactive techniques and hard disk sound editing and transformation. In addition, this will include multi-speaker sound projection and mastering.
Studies and Investigations 3	30 Credits	Compulsory
Studies and Investigations 3 is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and independent thought. Students are offered a range of options, each examining a particular aspect of musicology or music history in detail. Two options should be chosen, which make up two thirds of the available points for the module. (Typical options are: Film/TV Composer Analysis 3; Sound Cognition and Perception; Game Audio; Singing and Performance Skills 3 and Western and World Music Fusion.) The other third of the module is taken up by an independent study, which can take the form of a 4000 word essay, formal presentation or experimental project. The topic for this is decided in conjunction with a tutor, who will guide the student to relevant resources. Compulsory tutorials and seminars ensure that the student maintains an appropriate timetable for the completion of the study. Qualifying work experience can be undertaken either during the previous summer vacation (between L5 and L6) with appropriate evidence, including a reflective report, submitted to be accredited within the module; or during term time in place of one assessed component within the module, or alternatively included as part of a larger portfolio of work. Normally the outcomes from work experience would form part of or replace the Independent Study submission although it may replace one of the optional topics given the approval of the Programme Leader and Studies and Investigations tutor. It is the responsibility of the student to negotiate the detail of their work placement; further information is available in the programme specification and School's Accredited Work Experience Handbook.
Perspectives of Music 3	30 Credits	Compulsory
The changing face of business within the cultural industries will continue to be examined focusing on the current issues in the commercial sector, effective career application techniques and key roles/job opportunities within the music industry. Students will gain further experience of collaborative working with professional creative artists as well as creating a project for performance with local school children. Students will gain an advanced understanding of the aesthetics of contemporary audio-visual practice.
Project (Film and Games)	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module allows students to undertake a substantial piece of independent work, which demonstrates an area of interest or specialism focusing on audio-visual material. Students will be assigned a tutor and regular tutorials and guidance will be given throughout the academic year in order to help the student maintain sufficient progress to complete the project successfully.
Employment Experience (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Optional
Optional Employment Experience may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries. A placement could take a variety of forms, including: * working in an external organisation; * working with a University company or professional team within the University; * self-employment within defined context and externally refereed. The placement duration would typically be sustained for at least 12 weeks (from a maximum of two separate placements, neither of which should normally be less than 4 weeks in duration), full-time or equivalent. While the School actively supports the placement process, ultimately it is the placement provider that will agree to manage and select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Study Abroad (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Optional
Study Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first taught year of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Study Abroad period and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Listen to student Marcus Warner’s ‘Twice Above The Atlantic’ uplifting theme, which was inspired by his time studying abroad in America.

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

We have a long history of students working with industry supplementing the taught university curriculum with real life on the job experience. This includes Matthew Mainprize, and his year long audio intern at RARE on ‘Sea of Thieves’.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Jamal Green

Meet Jamal Green, a music composer and part of the team that won Best Debut Game at the BAFTA Games Awards 2022.

Current job	Music composers for TOEM
Year of graduation	2020
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology in Film and Games
Course of study

Winning a BAFTA Games Award

Music composer Jamal is part of the team that won Best Debut Game at the BAFTA Games Awards 2022. The winning video game TOEM is entirely hand drawn, with players embarking on an expedition to uncover mysteries. Jamal said, ‘I've been waiting for that feeling we got backstage after we won to wear off, but I guess it won't! You only get one shot at winning Debut Game and that makes it so much more exciting!’

A supportive learning environment

‘I didn't have any equipment of my own whatsoever when I started at Herts so I woke up early every morning to get to the Mac Suites to work before people would flood in for their classes. I was often allowed to stay in those rooms and work quietly at the back and so I'd really stay for as long as possible, stopping for lunch or going to classes when I had some of my own to go to (or sometimes not). I would stay in one of the mac suites until one of the proctors closed up at night. Herts has great facilities and state of the art equipment and I'm grateful I was able to use it to its fullest. Herts definitely nurtures students who want to push themselves by just allowing them the freedom to use equipment they otherwise wouldn't have access to.’

Advice for other students and graduates

‘My biggest bit of advice for undergrads is "find your people". I'm always telling people most of what I learned at uni came from the friends I made. We're a tight knit group of people who are still sharing ideas and guiding each other now and those friendships formed at university! Allow yourself to be surrounded by people you admire and people you feel comfortable sharing your worst ideas and vulnerabilities with. Discover, learn, fail and succeed together and you might find people you can still rely on years after university.’

Aspirations for the future

‘After winning a BAFTA Games Award, now is the best time to remain level-headed and pragmatic about the future, but I also want to remain ambitious, and I'd like to return to the BAFTAs to take home the award for Best Original Score - and why not throw in a Grammy and an Oscar for good measure.’

‘I recently went back through my social media and website bio's and took out "Composer for films, game and TV" and instead replaced it with just "Composer" I will always love writing music for films and games and I'm immensely proud of my work so far, but I also want to explore myself as an artist, musician and composer in my own right. I want to be able to look back and feel like I've explored my own ideas to their fullest.’

Alumni Stories

Robin McGovern

Meet Robin McGovern who has worked as an audio tester on some amazing projects since graduating, like Jurassic World for Frontier Developments. Robin is currently working as an Audio Designer for Ubisoft.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Junior Audio Designer
Year of graduation	2016
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology for Films and Games

University experience and opportunities

Robin ascribes a lot of his career success to the skills he learnt throughout his studies. He says, 'My studies provided me with the skills and ability to be able to recognise and create high quality audio. Straight after finishing my studies I got a job at Frontier Developments as an Audio Tester, working on Jurassic world and Elite dangerous. I was then promoted to Audio Test Engineer, at which point Ubisoft contacted me asking if I was interested in a job audio testing with them.'

Robin speaks fondly of the University of Hertfordshire and how his studies helped him develop professionally. He says, 'The University had a great reputation for it’s facilities, particularly audio and animation. My course helped me to develop my work ethic and creative voice. I really learnt how to work hard, to make my own work, that I loved.'

However, Robin does stress that hard work is important and that students should take advantage of the opportunities given to them during their studies. He says 'Work doesn’t get done by not doing it. Though this is blatantly obvious, if I had really known what this meant when I started everything would have been far easier.'

Aspirations for the future

Still wanting to develop himself further, Robin is looking to progress within Audio Design for games. He notes, 'One day I would love to work on the audio of a feature-length film.'

What's next for my career?

The games industry is a continually growing area, with our graduates in a range of audio-based roles. 2019-20 student stories include Robin McGovern (Junior Audio Designer) at Ubisoft Düsseldorf, Matthew Mainprize (Audio Designer), Gavin Chuong (Graduate Audio Rigger) at Frontier Developments for games such as 'Jurassic World Evolution', and Jamal Green (Composer) for SKELATTACK, published by Konami - out on PS4 / XboxOne / Nintendo Switch & PC. Our students are also progressing into successful production music careers, 2020 has seen both Oscar Aldred and Toby Ellis join Universal Production Music as composers.

“I feel very confident in saying that I would not have the privilege on working on these fantastic games had I not graduated from the University of Hertfordshire where I studied my Bachelor of Science Degree in Music composition and Technology for Film and Games. My time studying this degree was crucial in my development as an audio professional. This high standard of creating and creativity when paired with the more technical modules of going in depth with middleware and Unity helped teach the missing knowledge which would become the essential foundations to make me perfect for my current role. I am very proud to be an alumni of the University of Hertfordshire” - Robin McGovern, Ubisoft

“The BSc in Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games course gave me a great platform to learn, improve and open my mind to new audio possibilities. Additionally, as part of my degree, I undertook a placement year where I had an internship at Rare, working on audio for ‘Sea of Thieves’. This experience certainly opened my eyes (or ears) to the world of sound design/music and video games, and was something I took forward into my third year when I came back to University. Couple my time at Rare with modules on the course that were specially focused on creating sound and music for games, I gained knowledge of creating assets for projects. And the relevant engines/ tools commonly used for development” - Matthew Mainprize, Frontier Developments

Our graduates have also gone on to be professional Film composers and songwriters (including exclusive contracts with EMI and Sony Music for example), working for major companies such as the BBC, PRS, as well as sound engineering and teaching. Several have continued their studies for Master's and PhD degrees.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers as film and TV composers and songwriters (including some with exclusive songwriting contracts with EMI and Sony Music). They work for organisations such as the BBC and PRS, create sound design for computer games, and work in sound engineering and teaching. Others continue their studies with a Master’s and PhD.
View our Alumni profiles

Jamal Green Robin McGovern
Key staff

Amanda Paley-Menzies
Programme Leader for Composition
Find out more about Amanda Paley-Menzies
Rob Wright
Head of Music, School of Creative Arts

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games	Download
BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Music Composition Technology	Download
BSc (Hons) Music Composition Technology	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2023	20/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
28/09/2024	20/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1845 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Part time
- £1845 per 15 credits for the 2023/2024 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BSc (Hons) Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: W392

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Exclusive content to help you through Clearing

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Check out our facilities

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Course Content

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Jamal Green, a music composer and part of the team that won Best Debut Game at the BAFTA Games Awards 2022.

Winning a BAFTA Games Award

A supportive learning environment

Advice for other students and graduates

Aspirations for the future

Alumni Stories

Meet Robin McGovern who has worked as an audio tester on some amazing projects since graduating, like Jurassic World for Frontier Developments. Robin is currently working as an Audio Designer for Ubisoft.

University experience and opportunities

Aspirations for the future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  