2-Term Pathway - International Foundation Programme - Creative Industries Pathway - continue to Bachelor of Arts - Popular Music Production (Honours)

The International Foundation Programme at Solent University has been designed for students who have already completed their High School education overseas meet the demands of undergraduate study in the UK. As such, substantial support is given for language development as well as building students' confidence and independence to learn effectively within this academic culture. The Creative Industries Pathway introduces students to the key principles and skills in media, art, and design. Students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge in an area of which they have a particular interest within the Creative Industries. The aim is to develop students' creative capacity, confidence, and skills so that they are able to communicate their ideas effectively. The course involves a Creative Project which allows students to build upon their ideas, well-preparing them to progress on to creative industries or media-related programme at undergraduate level. The popular music production degree at Solent University explores three main areas of study: technical and musical foundations, music and sound production in studio and live settings, and employability in the music industry. These varied subjects enable students to gain a broad understanding of the industry, so when students graduate they will be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to kick-start their career. Throughout the course students will have the opportunity to use a range of facilities including Solent's specialist recording studios – each with top of the range software, facilities and instruments including: Pro Tools Ultimate and Logic digital audio workstations, Microphones by Neumann, AKG and Shure. Analog processing includes Neve, Universal Audio, Focusrite, Empirical Labs, and Portico. Instruments provided included Drums by DW and Mapex, a Moog Synthesiser, Korg Kronos, Marshall, Fender and Vox valve guitar amplifiers. Software includes Native Instruments Komplete, and Plugins by Sonnox, McDSP and Celemony. Live sound mixers include Allen and Heath DLive, Soundcraft Si, and Midas M32. Thanks to the academic teams close links with industry, students will have the opportunity to attend guest lectures from visiting industry professionals. Speakers have recently included: Mike Moran, composer; Trevor Horn, Grammy award-winning producer; Sam Skirrow, Bass player; Rob Da Bank, DJ and festival organiser; Gary Langhan, sound engineer; and Mark Lawrence, CEO of The Association for Electronic Music. Students also have the chance to work with local clients to develop their skills further, these clients have recently included the Joiners Live venue and BBC Introducing.