Music Production BA Honours student Jordan Johnson has won a synchronisation rights deal with 2K Games after attending an electronic music talent programme by Underground Music Academy (UMA) in partnership with 2K Games in the United States. Jordan’s travel to the US was made possible by the University of Westminster’s Global Experience Bursary.
Jordan applied for the programme in December 2023 when he had just joined the University of Westminster, and out of approximately 1700 applicants, he won a place despite being the only European candidate to apply. The programme delivered classroom-style teaching by skilled professionals from record labels like DEF JAM. It also consisted of group work to prepare individuals for three submissions to 2K Games in a bid for their music to be used in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 game as score music.
The course offered hybrid learning due to a few international candidates, so Jordan started it online. He built a production team with other Westminster students and spent a lot of time at the studios on the Harrow Campus to create tracks to submit to the Academy. But because he could not be present in Detroit in person, he missed out on opportunities such as interviews with 2K Games representatives, one-to-one meetings with tutors and various workshops running at the Academy, as well as using their studio. His UMA study partner during the talent programme, Moszs, was from the United States, which made it difficult to collaborate at times
In order not to miss out on any more opportunities, Jordan applied for the Global Experience Bursary (GEB) at Westminster which made it possible for him to finish the course in person. The Bursary supports undergraduate and postgraduate Westminster students in undertaking short-term study, research, work or volunteering opportunities abroad over the summer. Students get additional funding if they are from groups who are traditionally less represented in taking part in such opportunities as the University strives to make these accessible for as many students as possible. If students go for 28 days or longer, part of the funding they receive through the GEB is from the UK Government’s Turing Scheme. Jordan was supported by the Turing Scheme as part of his bursary.
He spent a month in Detroit. Not only did he successfully complete the UMA programme, but he also won the competition for his music to be featured in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 game.
Sarah Hiscock, Student Mobility Officer at Westminster, said: “Jordan found out about the GEB and asked to meet with me to see if his programme would qualify for funding. His enthusiasm and drive were clear from when I first met him. I encouraged him to apply for the bursary. He made a strong application, and we were delighted to be able to offer him funding through the bursary. We are delighted that Jordan has won the competition. Short-term opportunities can have a long-term impact on a students’ life and career prospects and Jordan’s story is a great example of this.”
Jordan Johnson added: “I only bloody went and won the competition, and I could not have done it without Sarah Hiscock and her team, so thanks for taking a chance with me!”
Jordan receiving the Global Experience Bursary from the University directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the bursaries and awards for current students at the University of Westminster.
Photo: Credits image of Beats 2k25 with Jordan Johnson featured
