Fast-track your route into industry with our two-year FdA (Foundation Degree), designed to give you the practical training and experience you need for a successful career in studio recording and music production.
This is a two year full-time course, equivalent in level to the first two years of a BA (Hons) degree. It is a stand-alone qualification suitable for those who may have limited experience or qualifications in the subject but are looking for a vocational ‘hands-on’ course to enable you to get all the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to work successfully within the creative industries..
On completion of the two-year course you will graduate with an FdA Music Production. Foundation Degrees offer a flexible approach to study. Many students choose to ‘top-up’ their FdA to a BA (Hons) degree by going on to complete the 3rd year of our BA (Hons) Music (Production) course. On completion of the ‘Top-up’ 3rd Year you would then graduate with a BA (Hons) in Music Production. Or choose to take time out, or launch your career after two years of study.
You’ll have access to thirteen on-campus recording and mixing studios and six Apple Mac Labs, equipped with over 100 high-specification iMacs, as well as numerous composition, rehearsal and performance spaces. All of these facilities are open until late during term-time, giving you a dedicated, flexible environment in which to develop your recording and producing skills, as well as becoming well-versed in Apple Logic and Avid Pro Tools software.
Each year, a number of industry professionals deliver masterclasses to our students. Recent sessions have been given by Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Mandy Parnell (Björk, Brian Eno, The XX) and producers Jagz Kooner (Primal Scream, Manic Street Preachers, Kasabian) and Will Hicks (Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, David Guetta).
In a year-long project spanning your second year, you will research career opportunities relating to your own area of specialism and conceive and produce a market-ready product with input from an industry mentor.
Studying Music Production in a conservatoire environment ensures that you are never short of creative musicians to work with. You will have opportunities to collaborate with performers, composers and entrepreneurs on independent
projects, which may draw you into gig nights, festivals and many other creative enterprises around the city.
As a producer you’ll be in demand amongst our community of over 1,200 musicians, allowing you to build a portfolio of experience and establish your professional career long before you graduate.
Graduates from Music Production degrees at Leeds Conservatoire have gone on to a wide variety of careers including Recording Artists, Sound Designers, Broadcasters and Producers. Find out more in our Alumni section.
“I have loved every minute of this course so far. All the tutors are very engaging and will try their best to help in any way they can. There are also lots of opportunities to get involved in workshops and music projects with other students across all different courses. I’ve been hugely inspired and my creativity has blossomed so much from being surrounded by all the talented people, both students and teachers. Overall it was a great decision coming here and I would recommend to any music lover.”
Ellie Bishop, FdA Electronic Music Production student
This 2-year course develops your skills as a as a professional producer through small group work. In addition a range of creative projects will allow you to apply your skills to different scenarios.
In a year-long project spanning your second year, you will research career opportunities relating to your own area of specialism and conceive and produce a market-ready product with input from an industry mentor.
**Elective module - you cannot take all of these options. See the full list of modules currently available for this course for more details.
On completion of the Foundation Degree, you can apply to join the third year of our Music Production degree and achieve a BA (Hons) in Music Production.
64 UCAS tariff points from level 3 studies or equivalent, which normally include A Level Music or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a Music-related subject.
A minimum of three GCSEs including English Language at Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent international qualification, eg IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component).
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
Applicants will be assessed by UCAS application. Some applicants may be invited to submit a portfolio for assessment.
Read more detailed portfolio information.
Visit our Fees and Funding section to find out more about Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Fees & Funding for International Students.
Our 3-Year BA (Hons) Music (Production) is an alternative option for those studying on a visa.
If you are an international applicant, visit our dedicated International section of the website for information on:
Course Type: Undergraduate, Foundation Degree
Duration: 2 years
Study Mode: Full Time
Apply via: UCAS Undergraduate (not Conservatoires)
UCAS Code: W306
UCAS Institution Code: L30
Validated by: University of Hull*
*Note for applicants and offer holders for 2023/24 entry:
Leeds Conservatoire plans to apply to the Office for Students for Degree Awarding Powers. If we are granted Degree Awarding Powers, your degree may be awarded by Leeds Conservatoire rather than validated by the University of Hull.
Course Studied: FdA/BA Music Production
With over 100 million streams on Spotify and a Platinum record to boot, Eden burst onto the scene with a series of inspired reworkings of hits by various artists including fellow Leeds Conservatoire graduate John Newman.
Maintaining a fairly mysterious public persona, Prince began leaking his smooth, club-ready covers of songs by Michael Jackson and Britney Spears, among others, around 2015.
Since then, Eden has been invited by Jonas Blue to play at Cream Ibiza.
See more from graduates
Courses taught: FdA Music Production, FdA Electronic Music Production
Read more
Courses taught: BA (Hons) Music (Production), FdA Music Production, FdA Electronic Music Production, Short Courses
Read moreOur Production students have access to 13 recording and mixing studios, equipped with Audient, SSL and Neve equipment, and Logic and Pro Tools recording software, including one with 5.1 surround sound setup and an HD projector, making it perfect for cueing up your sound effects and music with film footage.
Find out more
Our Production students perform at venues throughout the city, including the Brudenell Socal Club, Belgrave Music hall, Oporto and Nation of Shopkeepers, as well as showcasing their work in our Live Lounge event, live-streamed from our SSL Studio.
Find out moreFind out what it's like to study at Leeds Conservatoire by coming along to one of our Open Days.
As well as talks and tours specific to the courses you're interested in, you can also chat to our staff and students.
Plus, get immediate access to our On-Demand Open Day.
Open Days
Leeds Conservatoire Music Business Student Jemma Crane talks to us about 'Beyond the Melodies', an Instagram based Music Blog and her upcoming showcase.
Find out more
Meet Mia Jade, Alfie Blue, Little Planets and Imogen Harper, our artists performing at Sound City, a festival which will take place in the heart of Liverpool this Spring.
Find out more
Listen to music by Leeds Conservatoire staff, students & alumni.
Find out moreMake sure to check out @NBroadsides new production of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It', showing at @LeedsPlayhouse th… https://t.co/YNnrxiQzCy
