MO4D03 - Production Portfolio 01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MO4D03
Module Title: Production Portfolio
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: Stuart Jones
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2025 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100223 - music production
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

The module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding and practical experience in advanced music production techniques, while encouraging critical engagement with musicological, historical, and analytical perspectives to contextualise creative work. Students will develop artistic judgement through ongoing critical reflection, informed by a deeper understanding of repertoire, genre, and the evolution of recorded sound.

Content Summary

The module offers an in-depth exploration of sophisticated production techniques, audio engineering, and sound design, alongside theoretical engagement with the historical, cultural, and aesthetic contexts of music production. Key areas will include repertoire analysis, music theory for producers, and critical listening techniques derived from contemporary musicology and studio practice.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 6
Project Supervision 4
Demonstration 12
Practical Classes and Workshops 24
Independent Study 208
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 104
Formative assessment - independent 18
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate a profound and comprehensive understanding of industry-standard production techniques by expertly recording, mixing, and mastering complex multi-track music productions.
LO2 Assess and employ leading-edge software and hardware tools for the comprehensive recording, editing, mixing, and mastering of audio through critical evaluation.
LO3 Critically analyse music production practices through historical, cultural, and theoretical frameworks relevant to diverse genres and recording contexts.
LO4 Apply analytical listening and musicological concepts to inform and evaluate creative and technical decisions in music production.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Practical Assessment Production (Online) 1 A portfolio of original, professionally produced music/audio works 0 N/A 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 Asynchronous Written or Multimedia Assessment. A critical, research-informed case study exploring a relevant aspect of music production history, genre, technology, or practice. May include media integration (e.g., voiceover, podcast, screencast). 10 N/A 30 No 40
Synchronous Online Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Online) 1 A 10-minute screen-recorded presentation with voice-over, outlining the creative and technical decisions behind the production portfolio. 10 N/A 10 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Production (Online) 1 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Case study 1 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Presentation (Synchronous Online) 1 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Reading List

https://rl.talis.com/3/southwales/lists/28601DD5-90D3-AF59-A77D-80CA7440FD5F.html?lang=en&login=1

Core Texts on Music Production Techniques & Technology

·         Foster, T. (2025) Artificial Intelligence in Music and Audio Production. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Huber, D.M. and Runstein, R.E. (2024) Modern Recording Techniques. 10th edn. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Izhaki, R. (2023) Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices and Tools. 4th edn. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Lee, H. and Paterson, J. (2022) 3D Audio. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Nahmani, D. (2024) Logic Pro – Apple Pro Training Series: Professional Music Production. 2nd edn. San Francisco: Peachpit Press.

·         Owsinski, B. (2023) The Musician’s AI Handbook: Mastering AI Tools for Composition, Mixing, and Marketing. Burbank: Bobby Owsinski Media Group.

·         Senior, M. (2025) Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio. 3rd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Taylor, S. (2023) Audio Mastering in a Project Studio: A Practical Approach for a Professional Sound. London: Independent Press.

Musicology, History, Theory, and Cultural Context

·         Bromham, G. and Moore, A. (2023) Distortion in Music Production: The Soul of Sonics. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Exarchos, M. (2024) Reimagining Sample-based Hip Hop: Making Records within Records. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Gullo, J.-O., Hepworth-Sawyer, R., Sawyer, M., Paterson, J., Toulson, E. and Marrington, M. (2024) Innovation in Music: Cultures and Contexts. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Gullo, J.-O., Hepworth-Sawyer, R., Sawyer, M., Paterson, J., Toulson, E. and Marrington, M. (2024) Innovation in Music: Technology and Creativity. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Moylan, W. (2020) Recording Analysis: How the Record Shapes the Song. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Moylan, W., Burns, L. and Alleyne, M. (2022) Analyzing Recorded Music: Collected Perspectives on Popular Music Tracks. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Wilsmore, R. and Johnson, C. (2022) Coproduction: Collaboration in Music Production. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Gaston-Bird, L. (2020) Women in Audio. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Marie, K. (2022) Conversations with Women in Music Production: The Interviews. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

Industry and Identity

·         Bruel, S. (2024) Remastering Music and Cultural Heritage: Case Studies from Iconic Recordings to Modern Remasters. Abingdon: Routledge.

·         Gross, S.A. and Musgrave, G. (2020) Can Music Make You Sick? Measuring the Price of Musical Ambition. London: University of Westminster Press.

·         Hepworth-Sawyer, R. and Marrington, M. (2024) Making It Happen: How to Create a Sustainable Career in the Music Industry. Abingdon: Routledge.

Sarkisian, A. (2024) Platformed! How Streaming, Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence are Shaping Music Cultures. Cham: Springer.