BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering and Production with Placement
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Sound Engineering and Production with Placement
Overview
Sound engineers are essential to how we perceive live and recorded sound. As digital listening experiences expand, and listeners engage on different platforms and in different locations, sound quality and delivery is paramount. With this degree course, you'll develop the professional knowledge to experience and deliver audio at the highest standard.
Course Details
Course Delivery
Sound Engineering and Production explores a variety of practical applications for sound including radio, TV, music recording, live sound, gaming audio and VR.
Learning Experience
With our strong industry connections and links surrounding Greater Manchester, you'll have plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience and network with industry experts on live music scenes at venues, clubs, and bars.
Industry Placement
On this course, you will take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you in finding a role, and monitor your progress throughout.
Year One
- Analogue Electronics
- Acoustics Lab
- Studio Production
- Live Sound Connections
- Music Technology Systems
- Signal Chain Theory
Year Two
- Industrial Studies and Career Management
- Group Design Project
- Audio Production for TV and Radio
- Audio Installation
- Advanced Audio Production
- Sound Design
Year Three
- Audio Programming Project
- Audio Forensics and Restoration
- Audio for Games and VR
- Major Project
- Spatial Audio
Optional Year - Placement
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current.
What You Will Be Doing
Teaching
You will develop your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods:
- Laboratory exercises
- Case studies
- Group work
- Project work
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of formats:
- Examinations will assess your immediate response to a set of unseen problems
- Assignments will assess your response to in-depth problems and challenges
- Practical tests in acoustics laboratories will assess your problem-solving rationale
- Projects will assess your ability to create, deliver and evaluate a plan for an identified solution
Employment and Stats
Employment
This course is designed to help you to develop a range of personal and professional skills which will make you highly employable. These include report writing and presentation skills, data interpretation and IT skills and team work and project management skills.
Further Study
You might find that you want to learn more about acoustics and audio. Building on our expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further.
- Acoustics (MSc)
- Audio Production (MSc)
Requirements
Applicant Profile
We welcome applicants with a passion for sound and a desire to build a future career working in this field. You will ideally have studied mathematics or a technical or science-based subject at college, and would like to gain a deeper knowledge in these and other related subjects, with particular interest in applying this knowledge to sound and audio.
English Language Requirements
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Standard Entry Requirements
- GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent)
- UCAS tariff points: 112-120 UCAS points, including a scientific or technical subject
- A level: 112-120 UCAS points including minimum of a grade C or above in a technical or scientific subject such as Mathematics, Physics, Music Technology, IT or Electronics
- BTEC National Diploma: DMM from technical or scientific subjects, such as Mathematics, Physics, Music Technology, IT or Electronics, or similar
- Access to HE: Pass with 112-120 UCAS points from a QAA-approved Science or technical programme
- Scottish Highers: 120 UCAS points to include Mathematics or a technical or scientific subject
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 120 UCAS points to include Mathematics or a technical or scientific subject
- European Bacclaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 80%
- International Baccalaureate: 28 points
How Much?
Tuition Fees
- Full-time home: £9,535 per year
- Full-time international: £17,650 per year
Additional Costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International Student Scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Aims to equip you with the professional knowledge to experience and deliver audio at the highest standard.
- Combines audio engineering theory and studio-based learning.
- Designed to prepare you for the industry and offers a placement year between years two and three.
- Accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services), ensuring education to the highest industry standards.
Outline:
- Year One:
- Focuses on the fundamentals of sound, recording, and live sound.
- Includes modules like Analogue Electronics, Acoustics Lab, Studio Production, Live Sound Connections, Music Technology Systems, and Signal Chain Theory.
- Year Two:
- Covers areas relevant to professional practice and entrepreneurship.
- Includes modules like Industrial Studies and Career Management, Group Design Project, Audio Production for TV and Radio, Audio Installation, Advanced Audio Production, and Sound Design.
- Year Three:
- Delves deeper into advanced audio concepts and independent projects.
- Includes modules like Audio Programming Project, Audio Forensics and Restoration, Audio for Games and VR, Major Project, Spatial Audio.
- Professional Experience: Optional placement year between years two and three.
Assessment:
- Utilizes a diverse range of assessment formats, including:
- Examinations
- Assignments
- Practical tests
- Projects
Teaching:
- Employs a blend of theoretical, collaborative, and practical methods.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Group work
- Project work
- Laboratory exercises
- Case studies
- Delivers practical skills development through:
- Sound recording studios
- Music technology rooms
- TV studios
Careers:
- Prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in the audio industry.
- Potential roles include:
- Studio and live producers/engineers
- Broadcast engineers
- Gaming audio engineers
- Product developers
- Acoustics and audio researchers
- Acoustics consultants
Other:
- Provides access to:
- Multi-million pound Pro Tools enabled studios
- 3D animation suites
- TV and video suites
- Digital media performance labs
- Offers strong industry connections and collaborative research opportunities.
- Requires a strong interest in sound and technical subjects.
- Accepts qualifications from all around the world.
- Offers alternative entry options for students without traditional qualifications.
Additional Notes:
- Fees:
- Home students: £9,250 per year
- International students: £17,040 per year (2024/25 entry)
- Start date: September 2024 or 2025
| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £17,040.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00 per year |