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) Songwriting and Music Production

Building on the University of Hertfordshire Music’s successful composition and technology courses, the Songwriting and Music Production pathway focuses on the technical and creative aspects of being a successful songwriter. You’ll explore a range of songwriting techniques, composing and recording your own songs and building up your studio skills to a professional standard. With access to innovative software and performance opportunities, you’ll develop your own musical language and explore how your means of self-expression connect with your cultural surroundings. You’ll also study the business aspects of commercial music making, pursue work experience and build the skills and experience to become a creative and entrepreneurial musician.

Why choose this course?

• The Songwriting and Music Production degree is a unique and distinctive degree award in the UK.
• You are fascinated by the potential of technology in the creative process
• You wish to understand and explore current trends in songwriting
• You wish to be taught by current practitioners and exponents in the art of writing songs within the commercial sector
• You wish to be part of a department within a school that includes film making, animation and the creative arts
• You will have the opportunity to explore your creative interests and ideas through a series of songwriting projects and to have your songs performed in a variety of venues
• Gain a BSc – because we genuinely explore the art and science of music composition
• We have a strong, ongoing record of student satisfaction over several years since the launch of the national student survey.
• The University of Hertfordshire has consistently been towards the top of various league tables reflecting student satisfaction.
• We have some of the best resources in the UK, including state-of-the art music studios and film and TV facilities.
• Our music industry advisory panel is second to none in the UK and includes key figures in the music industry such as Tim Clark (Robbie Williams's manager), Mike Smith (MD Columbia Records) and Korda Marshall (who signed Take That, James Blunt etc.)

Course content

• The BSc (Hons) in Songwriting and Music Production focuses on the technical and creative aspects of developing a career as a songwriter.
• You will explore a wide range of songwriting techniques through a variety of projects. Lectures and coursework investigate music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries with a particular emphasis on current, commercial, and popular trends in song writing. Whilst the course’s focus is on the widest interpretation of ‘song,’ other forms of commercially based activities - sound for media, commercials and other applications of music that can be profitable for the composer will be explored.  
• There will be opportunities to perform your songs as part of the course and in a range of extra-curricular events. Open Days, music industry events, exhibitions, student ‘Jam Jar’ gigs and other festival events allow students to showcase their work in public. The course reflects the cultural, social, and creative aspects of the discipline in seeking collaborative opportunities within the School of Creative Arts.
• With the input of industry professionals, you will investigate techniques as used by some of the world's most successful songwriters. You will study the business aspects of popular music culture and how this works within the music industry.
• Most of all, you will be an entrepreneurial musician - someone who has talent as a songwriter and has the ability to get their music out there.