dBs Institute

dBs Institute (formerly dBs Music) is a UK-based higher education institute specialising in music production, sound engineering, live sound, and creative technologies. It operates campuses in Bristol, Manchester, and Plymouth, plus an online division. All degrees are validated by Falmouth University, meaning dBs students are officially Falmouth University students and can access Student Finance loans. UK undergraduate fees are £9,790 per year for 2026/27. dBs is best suited for producers, engineers, songwriters, and performers who want a degree focused on practical studio work rather than academic theory, at standard UK university pricing.

Programs and Degrees

All dBs undergraduate degrees are BA (Hons) programs lasting three years full-time. Postgraduate MA programs last one year full-time or two years part-time.

Undergraduate Degrees (BA Hons, 3 years)

• Music Production & Sound Engineering: Covers recording, mixing, music production, sound design, and engineering principles. Optional modules in year 2 and 3 include immersive audio, hardware-based production, commercial music creation, and sound for live broadcast.
• Music Production & Sound Design: Combines music production with sound design for film, game, and interactive media.
• Music Production & Event Management: Combines production skills with live event planning and management.
• Live Sound & Event Management: Focused on live sound reinforcement and event production.
• Songwriting & Music Production: Combines songcraft with studio production skills.
• Music Performance and Production: For performers who want to produce their own work.
• Music & Sound for Film & Game: Audio creation for visual media and interactive entertainment.
• Vocal Artistry & Music Production: Combines vocal performance with production techniques.

Postgraduate Degrees (MA, 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time)

• MA Music Production: Advanced production techniques and creative project development.
• MA Music Production (Online): Same curriculum delivered remotely. £10,500 full-time, £5,250 per year part-time.

Postgraduate fees are £10,500 for full-time study and £5,250 per year for part-time study, regardless of UK or international status.

dBs Online

dBs offers online versions of its programs, providing the same curriculum as on-campus courses. Online students have access to industry-standard software and remote collaboration tools. The online MA Music Production is available to students worldwide.

Admissions and Tuition

UK Undergraduate Fees (2026/27)

All BA (Hons) and FdA degrees cost £9,790 per year for UK students. This is in line with the UK government fee cap. UK students can apply for Student Finance tuition fee loans (covering the full cost) and maintenance loans (for living costs). Repayment begins only when earnings exceed £494 per week or £2,143 per month (before tax).

International Undergraduate Fees

International students should contact dBs directly for current fee information. Postgraduate fees are £10,500 per year for all students including international.

Postgraduate Fees

• Full-time MA: £10,500
• Part-time MA: £5,250 per year
• Online MA: £10,500 full-time, £5,250 per year part-time

Entry Requirements

Applications are through UCAS. dBs typically requires standard UCAS tariff points for undergraduate entry. The institute welcomes mature students and those with non-traditional qualifications. Applicants should demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm, and motivation. Contact dBs directly for specific entry requirements for each course.

Financial Support

Because dBs degrees are validated by Falmouth University, students can access the full range of UK student finance options, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and maintenance grants. Postgraduate students can apply for a Master's Loan.

Campus and Facilities

Plymouth Campus

Plymouth is where dBs began. The campus includes recording studios, production labs, and performance spaces. Plymouth has a growing music scene and lower living costs than London or Manchester.

Bristol Campus

Bristol is one of the UK's most active music cities, particularly for electronic music, bass culture, and independent labels. The dBs Bristol campus provides access to this scene with professional-grade facilities.

Manchester Campus

Manchester has a deep musical heritage and a strong current music industry. The dBs Manchester campus opened to serve students in the north of England. Facilities mirror the Plymouth and Bristol campuses.

Online

dBs Online provides the same degrees as on-campus programs. Students need their own computer and audio interface. dBs provides software licenses where required.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

dBs offers a compelling combination: practical, studio-based education at standard UK university fees (£9,790 per year), with degrees validated by Falmouth University. You get a recognised degree without paying private school premiums.

The range of programs is broader than most specialist music schools. You can study music production and sound engineering, but also live sound, event management, songwriting, vocal performance, sound design, and music for film and game. If your interests span multiple areas, dBs lets you combine them.

The three-campus model gives you location choice. Bristol is ideal for electronic music and underground scenes. Manchester has a broader musical heritage and larger industry presence. Plymouth is the most affordable option. All three cities have significantly lower living costs than London.

The Falmouth University validation is important. It means your degree is a recognised UK qualification, eligible for Student Finance, and understood by employers. dBs handles the teaching, but the degree certificate comes from Falmouth University, which has its own reputation in creative arts education.

The online MA in Music Production at £10,500 is one of the more affordable postgraduate options for producers who already have an undergraduate degree and want to advance their skills.

Potential Drawbacks

dBs is not a conservatoire. It does not offer classical music degrees, and its performance programs are focused on contemporary popular music. If you want classical training, look at the Royal Academy of Music or Royal College of Music.

The Falmouth University validation means your degree certificate will say Falmouth University, not dBs Institute. This is standard for validated programs, but some students expect the dBs name on their degree. The teaching happens at dBs, but the awarding institution is Falmouth.

dBs is a relatively young institution. It does not have the decades of alumni networks and industry recognition that schools like Berklee, Guildhall, or LIPA have built. The education quality is solid, but the brand recognition in the industry is still growing.

The campuses are in regional cities, not London. While this reduces living costs, it also means you are not in the UK's primary music industry hub. Students looking for London-based internships or industry networking will need to travel or relocate after graduation.

The range of programs is wide for a small institution. With eight undergraduate degrees across three campuses, some programs may have very small cohort sizes. This can be positive (more individual attention) or negative (fewer peers to collaborate with, limited module choices in optional years). Check current enrollment numbers for your specific course before applying.

Visit the official dBs Institute website for course details, open day bookings, and application information.

Related Resources

• Music Schools Directory - Compare dBs with other music schools
• Streaming Royalty Calculator - Project streaming revenue from your productions
• Music Scholarships Directory - Find funding for your music education
• Sync Licensing Directory - Explore sync opportunities for producers and engineers