BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering and Production

Program Overview

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Sound Engineering and Production

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering and Production degree explores a variety of practical applications for sound including radio, TV, music recording, live sound, gaming audio and VR.

Course Details

Course Delivery

The BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering and Production degree 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 the sound engineering and production course, you will have the option to 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

Employment and Stats

Employment

The BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering and Production 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 teamwork 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. Salford graduates and alumni who apply for our postgraduate courses also qualify to receive a generous fees discount.

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 (for example, Physics, Music Technology, IT or Electronics).
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 120 UCAS points to include Mathematics or a technical or scientific subject (for example, Physics, Music Technology, IT or Electronics).
• European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 80%.
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall, including Grade 5 in Higher Level technical or scientific subject (for example, Physics, Music Technology, IT or Electronics).

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26).
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26).

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

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Degree Overview:

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In a nutshell:

• Sound engineers are essential to the quality of live and recorded sound.
• This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to deliver audio at the highest standard in a growing digital listening landscape.
• You'll explore a range of audio modules, gaining production knowledge in radio, TV, studio recording, live sound, game audio and augmented reality.
• You'll critically evaluate new audio developments and apply them creatively, combining theory with studio-based delivery.
• Accredited status with JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services): This guarantees you receive education to the highest industry standards.
• At the forefront of audio and acoustics teaching and research for over 60 years, Salford provides access to cutting-edge acoustic testing facilities, advanced laboratories and industry-standard studio equipment across Peel Park and MediaCity campuses.

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Key objectives:

• Develop your knowledge of the recording process, enriched with scientific and technical aspects.
• Acquire production knowledge of a variety of applications, including radio, TV, studio recording, live sound, game audio and augmented reality.
• Experience the relationship between sound and the environment in various production settings.

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Outline:

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Course content and structure:

• Explores a variety of practical audio applications including radio, TV, music recording, live sound, gaming audio and VR.
• Year one focuses on building a strong understanding of audio systems, studio recording and live sound.
• Year two delves into topics like audio installations and sound design.
• Year three culminates with advanced modules in specialist areas and a real-world project.

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Individual modules:

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Year 1:

• Analogue Electronics
• Acoustics Lab
• Studio Production
• Live Sound Connections
• Music Technology Systems
• Signal Chain Theory

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Year 2:

• Industrial Studies and Career Management
• Group Design Project
• Audio Production for TV and Radio
• Audio Installation
• Advanced Audio Production
• Sound Design

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Year 3:

• Audio Programming Project
• Audio Forensics and Restoration
• Audio for Games and VR
• Major Project
• Spatial Audio

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Please note:

Specific modules may vary each year depending on student demand and evolving industry trends. The exact list will be confirmed at the program start. While the university attempts to offer student-preferred options, it cannot guarantee their availability every year.

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Assessment:

• Blend of formats including examinations, assignments, practical tests in acoustics laboratories, and projects.
• Exameinations assess your immediate response to unseen problems.
• Assignments evaluate your response to in-depth problems and challenges.
• Practical tests in acoustics laboratories asses your problem-solving rationale.

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Teaching:

• Blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods, including laboratory exercises, case studies, group work, and project work.
• You'll develop practical skills in sound recording studios, music technology rooms, and TV studios.

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Careers:

• This degree positions you for diverse careers in music production, acoustics, and audio.
• Potential roles include studio and live producers/engineers, broadcast engineers, gaming audio engineers, product developers, acoustics and audio researchers, acoustics consultants.
• Potential employers include Arup, BBS, Apple, Dolby, Jaguar Land Rover, Thales, NHS, and Sandy Brown Associates.

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Further study options:

• Postgraduate courses in Acoustics (MSc) and Audio Production (MSc).
• Strong industry links through collaborative research and development projects with the Acoustics Research Centre.
• World-class Acoustic Laboratories at Peel Park for practical learning.

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| 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 |