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BSc (Hons) Music Software Engineering (MuSE)

Create your own audio plugins and music software

Apply Now

Get a free Music Software Development Kit (MDK) with this course including a quad-core Windows PC!

Plus music and coding software, portable audio interface and a programmable input device.

OVERVIEW

This course has been designed in consultation with Ableton, Focusrite and Roland - three of the top music software and hardware companies in the industry - and is for those with a keen interest in tech and music production. When joining this course you'll be guaranteed a free Music Software Development Kit (MDK) specially designed for the course, take a look at the kit at the bottom of the course page. This includes a complete development system (quad-core Windows PC) with music and coding software, plus portable audio interface and a programmable input device - yours to keep after completion of your first year! Learn the skills to code, design and create your own music software platforms, applications and plugins, including synthesisers and effects from scratch to an advanced level, ready for professional practice at the cutting edge of new music technology. These are transferable skills which give you access to both technical and artistic careers in a cross-section of industries such as software and hardware development, professional audio, music and media plus any field of coding and computer science.

You will learn: Music Production (Ableton Live or Logic Pro), Computational Thinking, Sound Design, Audio Processing, Sound Engineering, Programming in C++, Advanced Sound Design, Digital Audio Effects, Audio for Media & Games, Software Instrument Design, Creative Production & Remix, Audio & Music Applications, Web Audio & User Interaction, Emerging Technologies, Software Engineering Projects, Professional Portfolio, Industry Collaboration.

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 musical culture and audio technology innovation—and include professional-standard, state-of-the-art technology, from synthesisers and high-spec computers to mixing desks and outboard equipment. 

Explore our brand new campus

Book a tour of our brand new 30,000 square foot campus including our SSL studios, student performance hub and Pioneer DJ studios shown below. Apply now to be one of the first to step into this exciting new world of music creation! 

Book a tour

Key Info

Duration 3 Years
Available start dates 2025 2026
  • 6 October
  • 5 October
Weekly timetable Two lecture days per week. Please check the FAQs at the bottom of the course page for more details.
UCAS code MS3Y
Download Undergraduate Prospectus
Have questions? Check the FAQ's for quick answers.

Find out more about studying at pointblank

MuSE course demo with Chris Nash

Learn more about our music production programmes

Come and visit one of our open days in Shoreditch!

Modules

Teaching & Learning

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:

  • Our award-winning Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with bespoke downloadable resources to support your lectures.
  • Our state-of-the-art facilities and private practice spaces across two buildings.
  • 1-2-1 Tutorials with lecturers to help you focus on your assignments.
  • Studio Lab Time with support staff (up to five per week depending on availability) to help you with your technical set up and assignments.
  • Extra workshops with music industry professionals.
  • Our Open Mic Nights and pointblank Choir.

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

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 pointblank.

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.

Expert Lecturers

Chris Nash MuSE Course Leader

A leader in audio technologies, Chris combines expertise in DSP, C++, and HCI. His professional projects include leading technology initiatives for renowned organisations, along with personal endeavours like reViSiT and Manhattan, enhancing accessibility to procedural music. His diverse skills encompass audio application architectures, synthesis, effects processing, interaction design, VR, AI, and music composition for various media.

James Malone Sound Design

James L Malone is a sound designer/artist and musician specialising in synthesis, improvisation, and audio programming. Released on a variety of experimental music labels such as Confront Recordings (Derek Bailey, Keith Rowe, David Sylvian) Verz Imprint, and FLUF (Copenhagen). Performed at Cafe Oto, Supersonic Festival and alongside Eddie Prèvost, and John Butcher to name just a few.

Chris Carter Sound Design

Chris worked with Adrian Sherwood, Little Axe, Shara Nelson & Asian Dub Foundation. Released his own productions on labels like TCR, Botchit and Scarper, he’s also a DJ/remixer and music library creator.

Rory Walker Audio for Games

Rory spent many years working with music and sound before choosing to specialise in creative sound design for games. He is currently specialising in immersive VR and AR experiences with 3D spatialization and is working with Brain Audio on an exciting new VR project for the Metaverse, which will be announced soon.

Anna Lakatos Music Production

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.

Linton Bennett Music Composition

Linton aka Stepz composes/produces for Dido, Warren G, All Saints, Jamelia & Imogen Heap to name a few. He’s been active in the music industry for 3 decades and signed to Motown in the US.

Max Heyes Sound Engineering/Mixing

Credits include Paul Weller, Oasis, Primal Scream, Jamiroquai and Massive Attack. Co-produced The Doves #1 album 'The Last Broadcast'. Mixed Primal Scream's 'XTRMNTR'. Helped develop La Roux.

Career Opportunities

  • Audio Software Developer
  • Plugin Developer
  • Game Audio Programmer
  • Sound Designer
  • Creative Technologist
  • Technology Entrepreneur
  • Music / Media Producer
  • Composer
  • Artist Maker

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

Entry Requirements

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:

  • A Level:  CC 
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma:  MPP

We will require at least two A-Levels or equivalent e.g. BTEC Diploma, and for one of those qualifications to be a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) including Computing. 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.

Global Alumni

Madam X

DJ, label head, club impresario. Mixing grime, techno, bass, garage, Madam X is adept at playing huge crowds or 100-cap basements. Hosts shows on Radio 1, Rinse & NTS. She is multi-faceted and unique.

Pete Tong

Godfather of Dance Music and long-time friend of pointblank Pete Tong, founder of BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix and worldwide DJ superstar, learned Native Instruments Maschine with the team here in London.

Goldie

We taught Goldie something he didn't know already - Ableton Live! The legend drops in from time to time & recently invited PB students to a VIP drum recording session at Assault & Battery studios.

Claude VonStroke

Dirtybird boss Claude says: "I took a class with pointblank in Ableton Live. It was awesome learning bass production!" The bass don was recently voted the No.1 DJ in USA! Watch him review PB above.

Aluna Francis

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.

Leona Lewis

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."

Patrick Topping

'The World's Biggest Tech House Producer!' Secured three Beatport #1s: ‘Get Beasty’, ‘Forget’ & ‘Voicemail’. Also owns two DJ Awards & DJ Mag’s ‘Best Tune’. Championed by Pete Tong & Annie Mac.

Arjun

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

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 & Funding

Fees (UK) Fees (non-UK)
£9,250 per year £14,750 per year
£3,083 per term £4,917 per term

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. 

Free with Course & Discounts

All MuSE students will receive a free MuSE Development Kit (MDK) - including quad-core Windows 11 Pro mini-pc, portable audio interface, programmable input device, and music coding software - plus portable, high-performance development platform (14" Windows laptop).

Point Blank students also enjoy a range of exclusive discounts including but not limited to:

50% off NI Komplete, Ableton Live & Roland Cloud 30% off NI Kontrol & Maschine 25% off Adam Audio & Focusrite.

 

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