Program Overview

BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Technology

Overview

The BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Technology is a three-year, full-time program that equips students with the skills required to succeed as modern-day audio professionals. The program is designed for musicians, DJs, computer music hobbyists, and music enthusiasts who want to develop their skills in audio and music technology.

Course Details

Year 1

• Music Technology: This module covers the basic principles of modern music technology, including drum programming, samplers, and VSTs.
• Applications Technology: Students are trained in the use of industry-standard DAW software (Pro Tools and Logic Pro X).
• Recording Studio Principles: Students are introduced to the operating principles of modern recording studios and the issues in operating a recording system.
• Music Theory/Aural Training: Students develop their understanding of musical theory, analyze musical structure and form, and develop their notational skills using Sibelius notation software.
• The Music Industry: Students gain a broad understanding of the music industry, its various roles and structures, and the commercial and regulatory environment.
• Sound Reinforcement: Students are introduced to the theory, techniques, and practices involved in implementing appropriate sound reinforcement for a live performance event.
• Critical Listening & Audio Analysis: Students are introduced to the principles of sound, estimating changes in sound frequency, sound level, band limitations, and irregularities.

Year 2

• Advanced Music Technology: Students gain further knowledge in music technology, conducting research into virtual instruments and doing an in-class group presentation.
• Music Production And Recording: Students develop their recording skills to a professional industry standard, including pre and post-production elements.
• Sound Design: Students develop sounds for a range of environments and learn how to use processing techniques to enhance and deliver their soundscapes and ideas.
• Advanced Music Theory/Aural Training: Students develop their understanding of musical theory, analyze musical structure and form, and develop their notational skills using Sibelius notation software.
• Advanced Sound Reinforcement: Students acquire the foundational skills required to design, configure, and calibrate a P.A. System to professional standards.
• Live Music and Performance Technologies: Students are introduced to the technical aspects of live performance, working with stage set-ups and learning about the connectivity between music technology software and performance hardware.
• History of Music Production and Recording: Students work in the role of a modern music producer, utilizing technical and interpersonal skills to facilitate a project from pre-production to completion.

Year 3

• Dissertation: Students work closely with a tutor to complete a large body of work, led by the student and focusing on any area worthy of academic research.
• Advanced Music Production and Recording: Students develop their recording skills to a professional industry standard, including pre and post-production elements.
• Studio Designing Installation: Students gain practical and theoretical knowledge in the design and setup of a recording studio environment.
• Professional Practice: Students learn self-marketing skills and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to the world of music/audio.
• Sound Design for Games: Students are equipped with the theory and practical knowledge to provide audio content for games and interact with the industry middleware and audio engines.
• Live Events and Audio Streaming Technologies: Students gain further knowledge on how live performance systems can be programmed and performed.
• Audio Post Production Techniques: Students focus their skills into the area of post-production, learning about the standards and practices to deliver products for film and TV to industry specifications.

Entry Requirements

• Irish/EU citizens under 23 years of age: 2x H5s and 4x O6/H7s in the Leaving Certificate, including a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.
• Irish/EU citizens over 23 years of age (Mature students): Photo ID, GNIB card or Irish Residence Permit if applicable.
• International students: Please refer to the Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens living in Ireland: EUR 8,950.00 (Full-Time)
• Irish/EU citizens living abroad: Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
• International students: Please refer to the Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Progression

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Technology may be eligible to advance to postgraduate programs. Career progression opportunities include sound engineer, audio editor, or music producer.