Music Production and Psychology

Music Production and Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Blend your creative expertise and critical thinking to pursue a career in the sciences and arts with our Music Production and Psychology BSc. You will develop advanced skills and technical knowledge required for a career in specialist industries such as TV, radio and film. You will benefit from research informed teaching and explore why humans behave the way they do as well as gain experience in live, studio environments. You will develop an array of skills throughout this programme, in research, communication and problem-solving; applicable to a variety of careers.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Humanities School of Psychology

UCAS code

CWV4

Duration of study

3 years/ 4 years with International Year

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Why study Music Production and Psychology at Keele University?

Benefit from our Apple MacBook Loan Scheme

Graduate with a substantial music and audio portfolio using industry standard software and hardware

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, subject to passing your final year project and achieving a minimum 2:2 degree award

Benefit from studying within Keele's £34m state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

Broad range of career options and highly transferable graduate employability skills

Course overview

Studying a combined honours degree in Music Production and Psychology at Keele gives you the opportunity to explore the theoretical and practical elements of two exciting subjects. Music Production at Keele offers an exciting mix of modules that focus on contemporary, broad-ranging music studies, whilst Psychology explores the study of mind and behaviour, with a variety of optional modules, from distress and mental health to forensic psychology.

Psychology will equip you with a well-rounded education and in addition to studying the principal areas specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS) curriculum, you will have the opportunity to tailor your degree to reflect your career aspirations and interests.

Principle areas of psychology include: biological, cognitive, social and developmental psychology as well as individual differences and historical issues. You will develop scientific skills in research design, statistics, qualitative and survey methods which will enable you to conduct your own research and critically analyse that of others.

Music Production is taught by staff in the School of Humanities with international experience and research in a range of specialisms, helping you to gain experience in practical skills through sound recording, audio design and digital sampling as well as programming, mixing and mastering. You will soon become equipped with a wide variety of transferable skills through the combination of these two subjects.

Music Production also allows you to explore the cultural contexts in which sound is produced for and consumed in across various media forms. You will develop a portfolio of skills, working both independently and collaboratively, including technical skills, creative practice, and academic knowledge. This experience will be developed by working with audio software, hardware, and digital audio in studio and production set ups. The skills you will attain will not only provide you with subject-specific knowledge but will also equip you with scientific and humanities based skills that can be used in a wide range of sectors.

Work Placements

The opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which enables you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. Through this course you will become a creative and forward-thinking individual with the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and produce content effectively through various methods.

There may be an option to do a work placement module. This could provide you with a platform to work within an organisation, and further develop your professional skills. You will identify an organisation based on your interests, with the guidance of the module tutors, and will spend a semester engaging with projects and tasks set out by the employer, as well as taught sessions at university.

Many of our students in the School of Humanities have completed placements in different areas within the creative industries. Our placement partners include the education and skills support service business ENTRUST, the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle under Lyme, the music charity Make Some Noise, the independent local radio station Signal Radio, and others.

Alternatively, you have the opportunity to spend a year in industry with a relevant placement provider between 2nd and 3rd year. This will help prepare you for the workplace by becoming familiar with the professional working environment and having the opportunity to draw upon psychological principles, skills, theories, or methods. This is a valuable, character-building experience where your will develop both personally and professionally, enhancing your career prospects.

Please note: If you wish to undertake a work placement year, you will be required to choose a placement aligned to either Music Production or Psychology.

Apple MacBook Loan Scheme

Our Apple MacBook Loan Scheme ensures that all Music Production students have equal access to high quality resources to support learning. As a Music Production student, you will be provided with an Apple MacBook for the full duration of your degree, at no cost to yourself*. Pre-installed with the necessary software required for your studies, the loan scheme allows you to optimise your learning experience and engage with industry-standard hardware.

*a charge will be made in the event of loss or damage to the MacBook.

Engage with real-world projects

During your degree programme, you may have the opportunity to work on research, led by staff, PhD and master's students in the School of Psychology. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about research methods and gain insight into the diversity of research carried out within the school.

Final year project in Psychology

In your final year you will have the opportunity to work with one of our expert academics to carry out and report an investigation of a research topic that aligns with your career aspirations or personal interests.

Final year project topics from previous Psychology students include:

Cognitive control and depression
Experiences of disabled students in Higher Education
Sleep and mental health
Detecting deception in others
Victims and forgiveness

Summer research assistantship scheme

The School of Psychology offers a summer research assistantship scheme that is a paid opportunity during your second or third year of study. This scheme involves working alongside a member of staff on a research project and gaining valuable skills and experience in data analysis, that can help you to stand out from the crowd when applying for employment or postgraduate study.

Please note there is an application process for this scheme and the number of projects available will vary each year.

Research-active community in psychology

Teaching in psychology is driven by research and you will learn about some of the latest topics in the field.

Research within the School of Psychology is supported by four research groups: the Cognition, Brain, & Behaviour Research Group, the Developmental Psychology Research Group, the Social Psychological Research Group, and the Health and Well-being Research Group.

In addition, there is a Children and Young People Research Network, and various members of the school are engaged in interdisciplinary research, including the Keele Policing Collaboration (KPAC), the Keele Centre for Aging Research (KCAR), and projects with colleagues in Health, Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines.

Find out more about our academic experts and their research in the field of psychology.

Psychology study

Student Support

To help you meet your academic and personal needs, we offer a multi layered support structure. You will have access to an academic mentor and member of staff from the Student Experience and Support team if you need any additional support, or someone to talk to, whether about your degree programme or life outside of your studies.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies and can be beneficial when applying for graduate roles. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends and share interests with fellow students.

Study Abroad

International Year

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.

On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with a degree title ‘Music Production and Psychology with International Year’. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

Next Steps

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Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, subject to passing your final year project and achieving a minimum 2:2 degree award.

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

A Level requirements

ABC / BBB - preferably to include Music or Music Technology related subject

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

H5, H5, H5 or 30 points overall

Access to HE Diploma

Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

T-Levels

Merit overall in the following T Levels:

Health
Healthcare Science
Science
Accounting
Legal Services
Finance
Management and Administration
Digital Business Services
Digital Production, Design and Development
Digital Support Services
Media, Broadcast and Production
Education and Childcare
Animal Care and Management

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

ABC / BBB - preferably to include Music or Music Technology related subject

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

H5, H5, H5 or 30 points overall

Access to HE Diploma

Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

T-Levels

Merit overall in the following T Levels:

Health
Healthcare Science
Science
Accounting
Legal Services
Finance
Management and Administration
Digital Business Services
Digital Production, Design and Development
Digital Support Services
Media, Broadcast and Production
Education and Childcare
Animal Care and Management

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from .

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Modules

Modules for Music Production and Psychology

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Introduction to Developmental and Social Psychology

This module will allow you to explore a range of topics in developmental, individual differences and social psychology.You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought from expert staff with experience of working in these areas.

Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology

You will learn about how psychologists have carried out research to better understand human behaviour and thought. Typical topics could include the structure and function of the brain, neuronal impulses, how we make sense of sensory stimuli, memory, higher level cognitive processes such as problem solving, and the ways in which genes and hormones influence our behaviour.

Answering Questions with Qualitative Data

In this introductory module to qualitative research design and data collection you will learn how you can research human experiences and behaviour using a variety of qualitative data such as interviews and social media. Stepping into the world of qualitative research you will also explore the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of methods as well as reflect on the ethics of various qualitative research designs.

Answering Questions with Quantitative Data

In this introductory module to qualitative research design and data collection you will learn how you can research human experiences and behaviour using a variety of qualitative data such as interviews and social media. Stepping into the world of qualitative research you will also explore the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of methods as well as reflect on the ethics of various qualitative research designs.

OPTIONAL MODULES

COMPULSORY MODULES

Digital Sampling

Live Sound and Studio Skills

Learn how to plan a music production project and will gain an insight on the role of the music producer.

Sound Design

Explore facts and techniques about digital audio and have the opportunity to do what most sound designers do: create beautiful sounds never heard before and use them creatively.

Developmental and Social Psychology

Classes in developmental psychology will cover topics such as parenting, emotional development, peer relationships, language development. Classes in social psychology will cover core topics, such as attitudes, social identity, group and intergroup behaviour.

Biological and Cognitive Psychology

This module builds upon and extends your knowledge and understanding of key issues in the study of cognitive processes and the biological basis of behaviour. Cognitive topics include processes such as perception, attention, human learning, and memory. Biological topics are related to the central nervous system in normal and pathological conditions.

Qualitative Research Methods

This module aims to advance your understanding of qualitative research methods and analyses used in Psychology and builds on the content of the first-year research methods modules. You will gain an understanding of a variety of methods, such as interviewing, focus groups, world cafes, etc. as well as a variety of analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis, discourse analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, etc.

Statistics for Psychology

This module will cover commonly used advanced research methods in psychology, ranging from classical tests through to statistics at the forefront of Psychology. These include factorial ANOVA, regression, and an introduction to Bayesian analysis. Additionally, you will be provided with hands-on experience working on your own research projects.

OPTIONAL MODULES

Creative Synergies: Designing Collaborative Projects

You will plan, prepare, conduct, present and write up an original collaborative project, putting methods, research techniques and approaches into practice reflecting on and evaluating own research/creation carried out.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Final Year Project (Double) - ISP

During your Final Year Project, you will conduct an independent and substantive piece of empirical psychological research under supervision. You will also have the opportunity to develop a research question and hypotheses, design a research project, and submit an application to gain ethical approval.

Grand Challenges in Psychology

The Grand Challenges in Psychology module will enable you to extend your appreciation of the ways in which psychology and psychological science have developed culturally and historically to get us to where we are now. The topics covered invite you to think critically about current debates and future challenges in a wide range of areas of Psychology such as consciousness and cognition in human and non-human animals, the use of psychology for manipulation and control and community action and change.

OPTIONAL MODULES

MUSIC PRODUCTION

Commercial Sound Applications
Work Placement for Humanities Final-Year Students
Podcast and Radio Production
Advanced Mixing and Mastering
Say it loud! Music, sound and social change
Music Production and Sound Design Portfolio - ISP
Dissertation - Research Project ISP

OPTIONAL MODULES

PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology in Education

Psychology in Education is designed to develop your understanding of psychological theory, research and practice in education. The sessions will introduce theories and research and then ask you to put this into practice in a variety of ways for a variety of audiences. Indicative topics may include Bullying, Social skills training and Diversity in the classroom.

Health and Disease

In this module indicative topics include prevention of illness, health promotion, behaviour change and community approaches to health. In the second half of the module, indicative content includes patient and health care professional perspectives regarding becoming ill and diagnosis with diseases such as cancer.

Vulnerabilities in the Criminal Justice System

This module will discuss vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system, covering a range of individual factors such as age, gender, ethnic and cultural background, and mental health issues which can render certain populations more vulnerable in the criminal justice system.

Psychology of Climate Change

Taking a historical and contemporary perspective through a psychological lens, this module will provide an in-depth understanding of human areas impacting the climate negatively, as well as discussing short- and long-term human impacts fighting the climate change.

Investigative Forensic Psychology

Explores some of the psychological processes relevant to eyewitness testimony. How effectively are people able to describe or recognise a suspect? How accurate is our memory for details of a crime and how can psychological research help us improve the testimony witnesses provide? These questions and more will be considered during the module.

SPECIALISE IN MUSIC PRODUCTION

If you specialise in Music Production, you will study the Music Production modules listed within this section.

SPECIALISE IN PSYCHOLOGY

If you specialise in Psychology you will study the third-year compulsory Psychology modules. You will also choose from the third-year Psychology optional modules in addition to those listed below:

Models of Cognition

This module will develop not only your understanding of key issues in cognitive psychological models but also your capacity to reason and evaluate as a scientist. Indicative topic areas include models of attention, memory, task switching and judgment and decision making.

Psychosocial Engineering

Psychosocial engineering is the application of social-psychological techniques to solve problems related to human behaviour. The sessions will teach you up-to-date social psychological theories of behaviour and attitude change, along with case studies of their application to tackle real-world problems.

Cognitive Development

When do new-born infants recognise their mother? Can chimpanzees take others' perspectives? Are human infants moral creatures? This module will advance your understanding of key areas of cognitive development. You will discuss studies focusing on developmental populations in human and non-human primates.

Illness and Coping

This module will give you knowledge and skills in health psychology, focusing on illness and how people cope with a range of health conditions. You will explore the psychological effects of these conditions on all those living with them, including patients, family and carers.

Next Steps

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Your future career

95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Enhance your employability

As a Music Production and Psychology graduate, you will be ideally placed for various career opportunities, or further training within a wide range of industries. Your unique combination of skills will be transferable across disciplines.

You will develop skills in oral and written communication, numeracy and data analysis, project management, team working, problem-solving, and skills in research methodology. You will also have experience in sound recording, music production, game audio, audio streaming, and broadcasting, preparing you for a creative career.

Popular graduate destinations include:

Human health and social work
Research
Education
Legal, social, and welfare professions
Media and film
TV and radio
Business, HR, and finance
Marketing, PR, and advertising
Police forces, the National Probation Service and prisons

Keele graduates have gone on to successful careers in a range of industries and organisations including:

Senior Audio Director at the UK Studio of video game publisher Electronic Arts, London
Sound designer for SMA Animation Studios
Creative Labs European Developer Relations Group
Developer for Electronic Arts
Radio Producer at BBC Radio 3
Editor at Cambridge University Press.
Founder and Manager of Amadeus Music Academy, Stoke-On-Trent
Pro-Dean of Learning and Teaching in the School of Music at the University of Leeds

To become a chartered psychologist, you will need to receive further training in the specific field of psychology that you want to work in. It is important to consider it will take at least six years to become a fully qualified psychologist, which includes a full three year degree, such as this one and three years of postgraduate training.

Specialist professional psychology careers include:

Clinical psychologist
Counselling psychologist
Educational psychologist
Forensic psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Health psychologist
Sport and exercise psychologist
Psychological wellbeing practitioner
Further education teacher
High intensity therapist
Occupational therapist
Primary care graduate mental health worker

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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The Clockhouse at Keele University

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Music Production and Psychology degree. For example, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines - from media to history which enables us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and 'mainstream' society. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00247	Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing	15 credits
FYO-00249	Foundations of Business - 1	15 credits
FYO-00257	Foundations of Humanities - 1	15 credits
FYO-00259	Foundations of Humanities - 2	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00271	University Research Portfolio	30 credits
FYO-00261	Advancing Humanities	30 credits

Entry requirements

Between 40-48 UCAS tariff points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification, or relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at Grade 4 (C) or
A Level 2 numeracy qualification such as Key Skills Application of Number Level 2 or Functional Skills Numeracy Level 2

How to apply

Students will need to apply for Psychology with Foundation Year (UCAS code C802) through UCAS at www.ucas.com

Direct entry

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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