Program Overview

Audio and Music Technology

Course Overview

Discover how sound works and how technology can help you master it with our JAMES-accredited Audio & Music Technology degree.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year
• 4 years with placement

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Cambridge
• ENTRY: UCAS code: J992
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• Core Skills for Audio
• Studio Techniques
• Acoustics
• Live Sound
• Into ARU

Year 2

• Advanced Audio Technology
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Audio for Film
  • Audio for Games
  • Audio Programming
  • Electronics for Music
  • Live Event Production
  • Music Business

Year 3

• Collaborative Project
• Final Project
• Portfolio

Student Experience

• ARU students Emily Cole and Ben Brown share their experiences of working with renowned guitarist and composer Mike Keneally in Finland.
• Students Emily Cole and Ben Brown joined Dr Chanan Hanspal's research project, The Landscape Musician, in Finland.
• ARU students collaborated with Year 11-13 musicians from Thetford Academy on a recording of Eric Clapton's 'Layla'.
• Legendary pop producer Phil Harding, who's worked with artists from The Clash to Rick Astley, visited ARU’s recording studios.

Facilities

• Industry-standard creative facilities, including:
  • Five recording studios featuring analogue, digital or hybrid mixing desks
  • Audio-visual studio
  • Spacious recital hall, band rooms and practice rooms
  • Electronic and orchestral instruments, including a range of synthesisers and five grand pianos
  • Professional-grade condenser, ribbon, and dynamic microphones, recording equipment, and other cutting-edge technologies

Accreditation

• JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support)

Careers

• Our Audio & Music Technology course equips you with a balanced, blended skillset, paving the way into a wide range of career destinations.
• Entry-level employment roles that our graduates have assumed and the current starting salaries (annual gross income, as of May 2024) include:
  • Audio Electronics Technician at studio-technology manufacturer (£21,000)
  • Production Technician at hi-fi technology manufacturer (£28,000)
  • Technical Sales Support Specialist at loudspeaker manufacturer (£31,000)
  • Audio-visual Engineer at educational institution (£27,000)
  • Graduate Acoustic Consultant (£25,000 plus benefits)
  • Junior Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer at audio-technology manufacturer (£25,000)
  • Junior Software QA Engineer at audio-technology manufacturer (£27,000)
  • Junior Software Developer in Test at audio-technology manufacturer (£27,000)

Entry Requirements

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths
• If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26): £9,535 (full-time, per year)
• Tuition fees for international students (2025/26): £16,700 (full-time, per year)
• Living costs: £7,000-£9,000 per year (very general guide)