Program Overview
Music and Sound Engineering – BSc (Hons)
Course Overview
Work with industry standard software, computing, and studio and live audio equipment in a variety of dynamic, practical assignments at our state-of-the-art facilities. Gain vital creative industry exposure through multiple work experience modules. Manufacture a mandolin, an acoustic guitar, and acoustic treatments from raw materials at the wood workshop, as well as manufacturing microphones and virtual instruments. Study the core professional development concepts required to work in the creative industry including marketing, entrepreneurship and visual creation.
The Music and Sound Engineering course has been developed by TUS lecturing staff along with Creative Industry professionals to be the quintessential ‘Swiss army knife’ in this field of study. As a Music and Sound Engineering student, you will be involved in a wide range of industry-specific practical work across all aspects of Sound Engineering, Acoustic Technology, and other professional development studies that are necessities for working in the professional Creative Industry. This diversity gives graduates a range of real skills and the flexibility required to work in the Creative Industry, and on completion of the course, you will have assembled an impressive portfolio of industry-related work. Music and Sound Engineering students have unrivalled access to industry standard equipment and software in state-ofthe-art facilities based in one of Ireland’s most prestigious Technological Universities, right in the heart of Ireland. Being a musician is not a pre-requisite for entry to the course.
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
- Grade H5 in two subjects, plus grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination.
- Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
Mature Applicants
- Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
International Applicants
- International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process.
- Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time.
- You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.
Course Modules
Year 1 – Semester 1
- Sound Engineering 1.1
- Instrument Technology 1.1
- Music and Instrument Appreciation
- Video and Animation Development
- Communications 1
Year 1 – Semester 2
- Sound Engineering 1.2
- Instrument Technology 1.2
- Music Production
- Music Marketing
Year 2 – Semester 1
- Sound Engineering 2.1
- Instrument Technology 2.1
- Digital Audio
- Work Experience
Year 2 – Semester 2
- Sound Engineering 2.2
- Instrument Technology 2.2
- Acoustics and Sound Perception
- Communications
Year 3 – Semester 1
- Sound Engineering 3.1
- Audio Electronics 3.1
- Sound for Film and T.V
- Work Placement
- Acoustic Technology
Year 3 – Semester 2
- Sound Engineering 3.2
- Audio Electronics 3.2
- Video Game Audio
- Visual Creation
Year 4 – Semester 1
- Sound Engineering 4
- Audio programming
- Interactive Audio
- Capstone Project Development
Year 4 – Semester 2
- Audio Visual Composition
- Working in the Creative Industry
- Capstone Project
Career Opportunities
On completion of the programme, you will have experienced the required practical and theoretical knowledge to be able to apply yourself to the positions:
- Recording Studio Sound Engineer
- Live Sound Engineer
- Broadcast Sound Engineer for Radio & TV
- Foley Artist
- Audio Visual Technician
- Video Game Audio Technician
- Multi-Media Sound Designer
- Instrument Manufacturer & Maintenance Technician
- Creative Industry Entrepreneur
- Acoustician
- Event Coordinator
- Audio Coding Developer
- Audio Visual Artist
This is not an exhaustive list and graduates might find new niches and positions within the professional creative industry in which to work.
Further Study
Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.
Program Outline
Music and Sound Engineering – BSc (Hons) - TUS
Degree Overview:
The Music and Sound Engineering BSc (Hons) program at TUS Athlone is designed to equip students with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to excel in the creative industry. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard software, computing, and studio and live audio equipment.
- To develop students' skills in using industry-standard software and equipment.
- To foster students' creativity and innovation in sound design and production.
- To prepare students for a successful career in the creative industry.
Description:
The program is a "quintessential 'Swiss army knife'" in the field of music and sound engineering, offering a diverse range of skills and flexibility for graduates. Students will engage in practical work across all aspects of sound engineering, acoustic technology, and professional development studies. This diverse curriculum ensures graduates possess a range of real skills and are well-prepared for the demands of the creative industry.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Semester 1:
- Sound Engineering 1.1
- Instrument Technology 1.1
- Music and Instrument Appreciation
- Video and Animation Development
- Communications 1
- Semester 2:
- Sound Engineering 1.2
- Instrument Technology 1.2
- Music Production
- Music Marketing
Year 2:
- Semester 1:
- Sound Engineering 2.1
- Instrument Technology 2.1
- Digital Audio
- Work Experience
- Semester 2:
- Sound Engineering 2.2
- Instrument Technology 2.2
- Acoustics and Sound Perception
- Communications
Year 3:
- Semester 1:
- Sound Engineering 3.1
- Audio Electronics 3.1
- Sound for Film and T.V
- Work Placement
- Acoustic Technology
- Semester 2:
- Sound Engineering 3.2
- Audio Electronics 3.2
- Video Game Audio
- Visual Creation
Year 4:
- Semester 1:
- Sound Engineering 4
- Audio programming
- Interactive Audio
- Capstone Project Development
- Semester 2:
- Audio Visual Composition
- Working in the Creative Industry
- Capstone Project
Careers:
Graduates of the Music and Sound Engineering BSc (Hons) program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the creative industry, including:
- Recording Studio Assistant Sound Engineer
- Assistant Live Sound Engineer
- Assistant Broadcast Sound Engineer for Radio & TV
- Foley Artist
- Audio Visual Technician
- Video Game Audio Technician
- Multi-Media Sound Designer
- Instrument Manufacturer & Maintenance Technician
- Creative Industry Entrepreneur
- Assistant Acoustician
- Event Coordinator
- Audio Coding Developer
- Audio Visual Artist
Other:
- Students have access to industry-standard equipment and software in state-of-the-art facilities.
- The program is taught by experienced lecturing staff and industry professionals.
- Graduates are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programs within TUS or elsewhere.
Entry Requirements:
- Leaving Certificate: Grade H5 in two subjects, plus grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
- Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.
