BSc (Hons) Music Systems Engineering Degree (MuSE)
Create your own audio plugins and music software
Create your own audio plugins and music software
Learn to code, design and create your own music software platforms, audio plugins and VSTs (Virtual Instruments) from scratch to an advanced level on Point Blank's one-of-a-kind BSc Music Systems Engineering degree (MuSE). These are transferable skills which give you access to both technical and artistic careers in a cross-section of industries: software and hardware development, professional audio, music and media plus any field of coding and computer science.
This degree course suits someone who wants to either be a producer/musician/performer with a keen interest in tech and computers or a coder/computer scientist who loves music and wants to develop their production skills. You'll gain professional skills and learn how they apply to real-world industry contexts. This degree will enhance your creativity in both music and coding and is suitable for creative professionals as well as aspiring software designers and developers.
Throughout the programme, you will have multiple opportunities to collaborate technically and creatively with your peers as you work towards building an exciting portfolio to propel you into one of the most exciting and innovative areas of the music industry: the design and development of audio software. The course has been designed in consultation with Ableton, Focusrite and Roland amongst others, meaning our graduates' abilities will match the needs of major industry players and employers.
Point Blank classes are small to ensure you receive ample 1-2-1 time with your lecturers. Our studios are located in Shoreditch—a global hub of London music venues and bars—and include professional-standard, state-of-the-art technology, from synthesisers and high-spec computers to mixing desks and outboard equipment.
Please note that this degree programme is currently subject to validation by Middlesex University.
| Duration | 3 Years | |
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| Available start dates | 2024 | 2025 |
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| Weekly timetable | 2 lecture days per week. Please check the FAQs below for more details. | |
| Download Undergraduate Prospectus | ||
| Have questions? Check the FAQ's for quick answers. | ||
On our higher education programmes, students take part in a variety of intimate lectures (up to 16 students) and workshops. When not attending these sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently. Independent learning is about taking control of your work, finding out what you need to know and deciding how you are going to study.
During this time, you can take advantage of:
A degree course consists of academic levels 4, 5 and 6. Each level consists of 120 credits. Each module is worth 20 credits and students are expected to study 10 hours per week per module (4 hours of lectures and 6 hours of independent learning).
Assessment is how we gauge your success on a course. You will be expected to take part in the following types of assessment during this course:
1. Exercises – these are designed to give you feedback on your performance and to help you improve as you study at Point Blank.
2. Assignments - these are designed to measure what you have achieved during a module and therefore the grade you will be awarded.
To make it possible for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to the best of their abilities, students will be asked to produce work in varying formats depending on your course including compositions, creative projects, written work, reports, performances, presentations, 1-2-1 discussions, recordings and timed music industry-based briefs.
Lead vocalist with Rudimental, played Glastonbury and Jools Holland. Replaced KT Tunstall in Oi Va Voi, also worked with The Nextmen, Basement Jaxx & The Earlies.
Musician, singer and trained audio engineer, specialising in object-based 3D sound for motion picture and commercial music production. Anna is an Ableton Certified Trainer and NI Product Specialist.
David Stone is one half of Drum n Bass act Gerra & Stone & his work has received regular plays across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra & Kiss FM. His tracks regularly chart in Beatport top 10 . He's also a successful DJ & PB graduate.
It was the opportunities PB gave me to look into different departments within the industry, not only music production, it was actually music business, it was sound design, it was understanding synchronisation with music, film, TV, games, and also building my network and the friends that I have now who are doing incredible things. It’s just an honour to be part of that community. I grew a lot in terms of my mentality and tenacity to want to make things work and happen to me. - Tendayi Mutongerwa, BA Hons graduate
First and foremost, we are looking for people who can demonstrate a) their passion for music technology and b) an ability to successfully complete a Higher Education programme. Where conditional offers are made, typical offers will be set from:
We will require at least two A-Levels or equivalent, and for one of those A-Levels to be a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths). An additional requirement is that you achieve GCSE maths grade 4 or equivalent qualification.
If you don't have formal qualifications, don't worry, you may still be considered on the strength of relevant prior learning and experience.
We will initially assess your personal statement which should detail any previous study or relevant experience in music. Then the Admissions Team will look at the merits of each application by taking the following evidence into consideration: predicted or previously attained grades, examples of work and relevant work experience. Applicants who do not meet the typical entry requirements may also be asked to attend an interview.
Click here for more information on our entry requirements, international qualifications and how to apply.
Aluna Francis is half of AlunaGeorge. She studied production at PB before taking off to chart success with 'You Know You Like It' & No.1 hit 'White Noise' with Disclosure. Check out her awesome video.
Everyone knows Leona from X Factor. Before she won it, Leona wowed her fellow students on our Singing Course. "Her talent was obvious" said her instructor, "and her success thoroughly deserved."
With 1,500,000 Facebook followers, Sri-Lankan born Arjun is a South Asian pop superstar. His single ‘I’ll Be Waiting” charted at #1 on iTunes India and spent 30 weeks on the BBC Asian Download Chart.
Spoony is a legend in UK dance music having brought garage to the masses in 2000 as part of the Dreem Team. He's since gone on to become a staple on Five Live but proved he's always learning by enrolling at PB!
| Fees (UK) | Fees (non-UK) |
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| £9,250 per year | £12,250 per year |
| £3,083 per term | £4,083 per term |
| Please note that from the 30th June 2023, our 3-year degree International course fees are due to rise to £14,750. To be eligible for the current fees, you will need to have applied, been accepted onto the programme, and accepted your offer before this date. See details during the enrolment process. |
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Being an undergraduate student involves two main expenses: tuition fees and living costs. Students can either choose to pay for their course privately, or alternatively, all of our higher education programmes are eligible for Student Finance loans. Eligible students may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the full course fees. This will be up to £9,250 per year for courses with standard delivery, or up to £11,100 per year for courses with accelerated delivery.
In addition, eligible students may be entitled to a maintenance loan of up to £12,382 per year. The amount of maintenance you can apply for will depend on your circumstances. EU students are not eligible for the maintenance loan. For students wishing to pay privately, we have a number of payment plans available, including annual and termly instalments. Click here for more information on fees and funding options available.
Point Blank students enjoy a range of exclusive discounts including but not limited to: