Sound Design BSc (Hons) - Edinburgh Napie

Tuition Fee

GBP 19,340

Per year

Start Date

2025-09-01

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

48 months

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Gallery

Easy Apply

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Audio Production | Music Technology

Area of study

Arts

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

GBP 19,340

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2025-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Sound Design

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Sound Design program is designed for students who have a passion for sound and want to learn how to design it for seamless integration into media, products, or environments. This degree will help students develop an in-depth understanding and practical skills needed to design and evaluate effective sound for listeners.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

September

UCAS code:

5G7B

Course details

The course introduces students to the wide range of media that sound designers work in, as well as the underlying principles and techniques suitable for each field. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in their chosen discipline and work towards creating an appropriate portfolio, establishing contacts to aid their transition from study to a professional career.

Year 1

Experiencing the Digital City
Being Digital
Sonic Culture
Programming for Interactive Media
Digital Imaging
Producing Digital

Year 2

Practical Interaction Design
Digital Video Development
Expressed through UX
Playful Interaction
AI for Creative Industries
Sound Production 2

Year 3

User-Centred Research Methods
Sound Design 1
Creative Technology
Group Project
Advanced Interactive Audio
Sound Design 2

Year 4

Soundscapes
Digital Storytelling
Internship (option)
Honours Project (60 credits)
Professional Practice through Portfolio
Honours Project (60 credits) - continues

Entry requirements

Year 1

SQA Higher: BBBB to include one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication. National 5 Maths OR Applications of Maths at grade C.
A Level: BCC to include one of: Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts. GCSE Maths C/4.
HNC: HNC in Sound Production, Television, Music or Radio may be considered at C.
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level to include one of the following subjects: Art or Music. Ordinary Level Maths at O4
BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject: Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts. GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths.
International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 to include one of the following subjects: Film, Music, Theatre or Visual Arts at minimum grade 5. Grade 4 in SL Maths.
T Levels: T Level at Merit with additional A Level in: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts grade B. GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Year 2

HNC: Pass HNC in a related subject - please contact Undergraduate Admissions for further information.
SQA Advanced Higher: BBC to include at least one of the following at Advanced Higher: Art & Design (Design or Expressive), Drama or Music. SQA Advanced Higher BB plus SQA Higher BB to include at least one of the following at Advanced Higher: Art & Design (Design or Expressive), Drama or Music. National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.
A Level: AAB to include at least one from: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts. GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.
BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in Music Technology or Audio and Music Production.

Year 3

HND: Pass HND in a relevant subject at B - please contact Undergraduate Admissions for further information.

Fees & funding

Undergraduate student fees and funding information
Postgraduate student fees and funding information
International student fees and funding information

Tuition fees for 2024/25

Scotland: £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
Overseas and EU: £19,340

Careers

This course will enable students to explore the art and science of sound design, mastering the techniques needed to create compelling audio experiences. From recording and editing sound effects to mixing and mastering audio tracks, students will learn to harness the power of sound to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling.

What can you do with a BSc (Hons) Sound Design degree?

Audio Programmer
Audio UX
Audiobook Production
Boom Operator
Dialogue Editor
Dubbing/Rerecording Mixer
Film and Television Sound Designer
Foley Artist/Editor
Mixed Reality (AR/VR/XR) Sound Design
Podcast Production
Production Sound Mixer
Radio Sound Designer
Scientific data sonification
Sonic branding
Sound Archivist/Cataloguer/Librarian
Sound Artist
Sound Designer
Sound Editor
Sound Engineer
Sound Lecturer
Sound Recordist
Sound Researcher
Sound Supervisor
Sound Technician
Theatre Sound Designer
Video Game Sound Designer

What does a Sound Designer do?

As a Sound Designer, students will be able to bring their passion for soundscapes and sonic storytelling to life. In this role, they will be the creative behind the auditory experience of films, video games, virtual reality, and more. They will be crafting immersive sound effects, composing captivating musical scores, and manipulating audio to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes the techniques for creating new sounds that complement dialogue and music, supporting a wide range of media and applications. It also covers the underlying principles of linear and interactive media, products, and environments to maximize potential employment opportunities. Students can specialize in their chosen discipline throughout their studies, building a relevant portfolio and establishing valuable connections for their professional transition. The program encourages collaboration with students from other disciplines, such as Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games Development, and Television.

Outline:

The program is structured as a four-year full-time program, starting in September. The UCAS code for the program is 5G7B.

Year 1:

Trimester 1:
Experiencing the Digital City
Being Digital
Sonic Culture
Trimester 2:
Programming for Interactive Media
Digital Imaging
Producing Digital

Year 2:

Trimester 1:
Practical Interaction Design
Digital Video Development
Expressed through UX
Trimester 2:
Playful Interaction
AI for Creative Industries
Sound Production 2

Year 3:

Trimester 1:
User-Centred Research Methods
Sound Design 1
Creative Technology
Trimester 2:
Group Project
Advanced Interactive Audio
Sound Design 2

Year 4:

Trimester 1:
Soundscapes
Digital Storytelling
Internship (option)
Honours Project (60 credits)
Trimester 2:
Professional Practice through Portfolio
Honours Project (60 credits) - continues

Assessment:

The program utilizes a combination of coursework and exams for assessment, with coursework accounting for 95% and exams for 5%.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

Lectures
Practical sessions
Tutorials
Online guest lectures
Individual supervision
Industrial experience
Independent study

Careers:

The BSc (Hons) Sound Design program prepares graduates for a diverse range of career paths in the audio industry, including:

Audio Programmer
Audio UX
Audiobook Production
Boom Operator
Dialogue Editor
Dubbing/Rerecording Mixer
Film and Television Sound Designer
Foley Artist/Editor
Mixed Reality (AR/VR/XR) Sound Design
Podcast Production
Production Sound Mixer
Radio Sound Designer
Scientific data sonification
Sonic branding
Sound Archivist/Cataloguer/Librarian
Sound Artist
Sound Designer
Sound Editor
Sound Engineer
Sound Lecturer
Sound Recordist
Sound Researcher
Sound Supervisor
Sound Technician
Theatre Sound Designer
Video Game Sound Designer

Other:

The program has an established research record in listening and sound design, which is integrated into teaching and assessment.
The University offers a free incubator space and mentoring for students who wish to work as freelancers.
The program features online guest lectures from internationally recognized Sound Designers.
The program emphasizes the development of a portfolio and establishing professional connections to aid in the transition from study to a professional career.
The program provides students with an appreciation of the theory, application, and cultural context of new and emerging media, enabling them to critically analyze and explore new areas as they develop.

Tuition fees for 2024/25 Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Scotland £1,820 £tba England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £tba Overseas and EU £19,340 £tba Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. View Tuition Fees for 2025/26