Program Overview

University Foundation in Film, TV and Music Production Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BSc (Hons) Audio Recording and Production

• It’s what you know
  • You’re a budding recording engineer. Now’s the time to take your passion and turn it into expertise. Experiment with music, sound, and audio. Let us show you all the areas of the music and sound industries that your degree in Audio Recording and Production can take you.
  • "Coming to this course has really given my brain the kick-start it needed, and I'm beginning to see near endless possibilities with where I can go." Glenn Osborn, second-year student.
• It’s who you know
  • You’ll learn about studio and location recording, mixing, and mastering. Together we’ll explore specialist techniques in recording and audio engineering. You’ll gain a detailed knowledge of studio design and installation. You’ll practise in professional-grade studios, edit and listening rooms. Our equipment is used by the world’s most successful engineers and producers, and brands include AMS Neve, Avid, Focusrite and Lexicon. What’s more, you’ll have access to all resources used by Music and Sound Technology students. This includes our live sound and lighting rig which is full of equipment from d&b, Audiotechnik, Midas and Sennheiser, to name just a few. You’ll learn business skills so you can slot into the music industry as an employee, freelancer or even set up your own business. When you graduate, you’ll be ready for work, because your technical knowledge will be sought after by the industry you dream of breaking into.
  • You’ll be part of our School of Creative Arts, so you’ll spend 3 years collaborating with exceptional creative talent: students just like you who show amazing potential. From filmmakers and animators, to musicians and composers, you’ll leave with a network of media contacts who you can work with on future projects throughout your entire career. This is just the beginning.
• Have you got any experience?
  • This is the most common question you’ll be asked in job interviews. We make sure that by the time you graduate, you’ve got lots of examples to talk about. We host monthly live music ‘Herts Jam’ events where you can perform your music or ‘engineer’ the events for others. You can gain work placement years with recording studios or companies like Focusrite, The Famous Company and Sound Technology, which is a leading distributer of recognised brands, or take a self-employed placement year. This will give you a valuable insight into the commercial reality of the industry. The experiences you gain with us will help you feel confident in interviews and beyond. Our graduates have an excellent reputation for their technical skills, creative flare, and ambition. We know this because every year, companies ask us to recommend our graduates. You can be on that list.  
• Do you want a Professional Accreditation?
  • This degree is Industry Accredited by the Music Producers Guild (MPG), JAMES, who represent the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS) and Associate Industry Bodies. This means the course has been developed with industry input, it’s relevant to your career and it’s of a high standard. It has a stamp of approval which will increase the recognition of your degree.
  • We’re rated TEF Gold, making us one of the best universities for teaching and support.  

What's the course about?

• In the first year you’ll learn the measurements of sound and basic acoustics to understand how they affect sound production, transmission, and capture. You’ll spot potential problems and overcome them, as you become familiar with recording, navigating innovative technology and environmental challenges. We’ll give you a strong understanding of all major Digital Audio Workstation packages. You’ll use these to mix, process effects and create your own virtual instruments. Your technical knowledge will quickly reach a professional standard. You’ll explore the scientific study of how humans perceive different sounds. This knowledge will inspire you further as you build your own synthesizer. You’ll record projects in our dedicated studios and out on location, developing a range of essential skills.
• In the second year you’ll develop a critical ear. You’ll gain a deep understanding of microphones and sound signal routing using our Rednet enabled network. We’ll teach you about the music industry, including the legal and logistical requirements of digital distribution. You’ll spend hours in the studio as you mix and master your own tracks. Your creativity will be unleashed when you record a song in a day, producing a raw recording and then mixing it in a style of your choice. We’ll challenge you because we know you can do it. Your skills as an audio engineer will begin to secure you a reputation among your peers, as you prove yourself on event management projects. You’ll grow confident in liaising with artists and providing technical support as you live mix events. We’ll give your potential the platform to excel.     
•  In the third year you’ll refine your studio mixing techniques, as well as your skills in manipulating and restoring audio. You’ll become confident in audio system and studio design. You’ll work with your developing client base and have the opportunity to work within our annual music festival. We’ll teach you about the evolution of music and audio technologies, from their historical origins to the present day. Your final major project empowers you to specialise and immerse yourself in your passion. You can focus on your theoretical knowledge and critical thinking by writing a dissertation, or you can develop software or hardware and even record an album. Using our accreditation links, you’ll also work on a live music production drawing on the expertise of our staff and industry partners. This is a chance to test your skills to an industry brief. Can you deliver to specification, deadline, and budget? When you graduate, you’ll know what area you want to work in. Plus, you’ll have the technical expertise, management skills and professional contacts to pave your path on the journey ahead.