Program Overview

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Higher Certificate in Sound Engineering and Music Production - Full-time

Overview

This programme is offered in conjunction with our partners Sound Training College (STC). Located at Rory Gallagher Corner and the Temple Bar Music Centre (The Button Factory), Sound Training College has been setting standards in audio education for over 30 years. A variety of full and part time courses to suit all learners are offered in Music Production, Sound Engineering, Live Sound, Lighting and Festival Management.

This Sound Engineering and Music Production course is focused on providing students with the essential knowledge, industry experience, contacts and opportunities required to succeed in the music industry. This includes access to Sound Training Productions, a recording and production company led by graduates and students, which offers unrivalled, unique opportunities and links with key contacts in the music industry.

Key themes include:

• Studio and Recording Techniques
• Music Technology and Digital audio workstations
• Electronic Music Production
• Client based Music Production
• Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
• Pre-production, Artist Development and all aspects of Client Work
• Composition
• Music Business
• Project management
• Practical Electronics

Content is complemented by a vast array of seminars from industry professionals, all contributing to the creative and technical development of the student.

Students can look forward to abundant access to studio facilities, both in class time and on project work, as well as real-world project experience, examples of which can be seen on our the Sound Training Productions website. Software used on the course includes Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton. See our facilities for hardware and studio equipment.

Aims and Objectives

The specific objectives of the programme are to:

1. Equip learners with an understanding of the fundamentals of critical listening, psycho-acoustics and the physics of sound, and the role that these play in the production process on both a technical and creative level.
2. Develop learners’ understanding of the role of the studio, engineer, producer, and preparatory works (preproduction), when working with a client and other creatives (of a similar level to their skillset) in a production setting.
3. Provide learners with the practical and technical skills to work with industry-standard hardware and software.
4. Familiarise learners with the compositional process, and the role of composer, and composition in production, with a focus on electronic music.
5. Develop learners’ soft and transferable skills, preparing them to work effectively and collaboratively with others.
6. Equip learners with knowledge of business concepts, project management and marketing in music production.
7. Develop learners’ transferable skills, which are directly complementary and relevant to both the workplace and a production setting.
8. Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learner.
9. Provide the learner with a foundation for career development, innovation and further study.

Delivery

All learners are expected to attend in person in class. Online Access: Enrolled students will receive access to both DBS and Sound Training Online platforms and resources.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this programme are:

• Leaving Certificate – Applicants must obtain a minimum of 506/H7 to include Maths & English or another language.
• FETAC/QQI – A full Level 5 FETAC/QQI Award (i.e. 8 modules) or
• A-Levels / GCSE – Applicants must obtain a minimum of 4 GCSE passes at grade C to include Mathematics and English or another language, plus 1 A-Level pass
• BTEC – Applicants must obtain a minimum of a BTEC National Diploma in a cognate area.
• For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

Course Content

The Sound Engineering and Music Production course has the following content:

Stage 1

• Analysing Audio
• Pre-production and Studio Engineering
• Instrument Set-up
• Intro to Sound
• Developing DAW Skills
• Composing in the DAW
• Business for Music Professionals
• Music Writings

Stage 2

• Studio Production
• Studio Recording
• Acoustics and Psychoacoustics for Production
• Critical Listening and DAW Skills
• Electronic Music Composition
• Research Project
• Marketing Essentials and Business Planning

Teaching and Assessment

Course work is broken down into the following components for some of which are used in each module:

• Lectures • Hands-on small group tutorials • Group Discussion • Practical analysis and evaluative exercises • Case Study • Practical skills sessions

Working with clients and artists throughout the programme in studio and live sessions is key to the success of the programme learning and teaching strategy. Live recording projects bring a unique set of challenges which allow students to experience relevant industry demands. Here the specific challenges revolve around teamwork, project planning and dealing with unpredictable events.

Structure

This is a two year full-time programme.

Students can look forward to abundant access to studio facilities, both in class time and on project work, as well as real world project experience, examples of which can be seen on our Sound Training Productions website. Software used on the course includes Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton. See our facilities for hardware and studio equipment.

Career Opportunities

Sound Engineering and Music Production graduates will be able to pursue a career as a sound engineer, editor or music producer in the audio industry.

Our alumni continue to lead the field in the audio industry. Hear some of their stories.

Graduates completing this programme may be employed in audio and music production, sound recording, multimedia promotions, event management, radio and broadcast in a range of roles such as:

• Research & Production Assistant
• Recording & Mixing Engineer
• Live FOH Engineer
• Live Monitor Engineer
• Audio Producer
• Sound Technician for Games Development
• Audio Software Programmer
• Music App Developer
• Sound Designer
• Sound Technician for Foley and Sound Effects
• Sound Editor for Post-Production
• Stage Manager
• Production Assistant Live Events
• DAW Operator

Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills in the following areas and technologies:

• Digital Audio Workstations
• Critical listening and aural recognition
• Compositional techniques
• Project management
• Large format console recording
• Studio signal flow
• Outboard signal processors
• Microphones
• Recording, mixing and editing
• Audio mastering
• Sound reinforcement (front of house monitors)
• Live performance technologies
• Studio production
• Audio post-production
• Live production

Graduates can apply for progression onto advanced years of a degree programme; a number of STC graduates have successfully progressed to further academic qualifications in this manner.

Fees

The fees for Higher Certificate in Sound Engineering and Music Production are €6,045 per annum for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to you.

Fees quoted cover the annual cost of tuition, registration and examinations and are EU fees only. Non-EU students please refer to the International section of the website. Please note also that tax relief is available on fees for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €3,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Course Overview

Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award: Higher Certificate

NFQ Level: Level 6

Title of Award: Higher Certificate in Sound Engineering and Music Production

Award Type: Major

Duration: 2 Years

CAO Code: DB534

Next Intake: September 2025

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