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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 1,995
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
1 terms
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Audio Engineering | Computer Programming | Software Development
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 1,995
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-10-01-
2026-01-01-
2026-04-01-
2026-07-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Music Software Engineering

Course Overview

Begin your journey into synthesis and effects in C++; develop 10 plugins in 10 weeks. This part-time evening course introduces practical synthesis and effects processing through the development of DAW plugins in C++, designed and taught by professional developers who’ve worked for Steinberg, Yamaha, and the BBC.


You will explore the fundamental concepts of sound design and digital signal processing (DSP), building a range of effects processors (including filters, mod delay, and reverb) and synthesizers (including additive, subtractive, and FM), leading to a project to design and develop your own plugin. You will learn the coding, debugging, analysis and modelling tricks and techniques to create professional, cross-platform VST and AU plugins. This course is designed for learners with minimal coding experience but uses an innovative plugin-based development platform (Klang Studio) to introduce you to the industry standard audio programming language: C++, and set you on a path to professional audio software development.


Modules

Audio Programming

This course is designed for learners with minimal coding experience but uses an innovative plugin-based development platform (Klang Studio) to introduce you to the industry standard audio programming language: C++, and set you on a path to professional audio software development.


  • Development Tools
  • Audio Programming in C++
  • Time and Frequency Domains
  • Block Diagrams and Signal Flow
  • Audio Analysis and Modelling
  • Effects Processing (Level, Filters, Delay, Modulation, Reverb)
  • Synthesis (Additive, Subtractive, Modulation, Physical Modelling)
  • Debugging Techniques

Expert Lecturers

  • James Malone: Sound Design
  • Chris Nash: Programme Leader
  • Chris Carter: Sound Design

Career Opportunities

The intersection of technology and music is one of the fastest-growing sectors for software engineers. Innovations in music streaming, sound engineering, AI-driven composition, and real-time performance software are driving demand for specialised engineers. As digital platforms become essential for production, distribution, and live events, the need for tech talent in the music industry continues to surge.


  • Audio Software Developer
  • Plugin Developer
  • Game Audio Programmer
  • Sound Designer
  • Creative Technologist
  • Technology Entrepreneur

FAQ

  • I am an International Student. How do I apply?
    • For courses longer than 6 months: you will be required to apply for a Student Visa. pointblank is able to sponsor you on a Student Visa for degree programmes. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.
    • For courses of 6 months or less: you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. All courses completed in less than 6 months can be possible without applying for a Student Visa. Please refer to our International Student Guidance section for more information on the application process.
  • Do I need to buy software & equipment to take the course?
    • Depending on your programme, certain hardware and software will be essential throughout your studies. To help with your independent learning and assessment work, you will need to have access to this equipment outside of the campus. However, if you are able to attend classes on campus, this equipment will be available to use either in class or by booking practice time. Note that you have access to our facilities 7 days a week during term time for the length of your course (excluding scheduled breaks). Please visit our software and hardware requirements for short courses page which lists the hardware and software you are required to own for each subject. Where you may choose to study online (distance learning), this equipment will be essential to your studies and assignment work. If you wish to buy equipment or software, pointblank students qualify for discounts from Apple Education, Ableton, Native Instruments, Serato, Pioneer DJ and other leading industry partners.
  • What is my weekly study schedule?
    • Each module requires your attendance at one class which will be 3 or 4 hours long depending on the module. You will also have two 30-minute tutorials with your lecturer per module per term for additional support. Your timetable will be confirmed a week before the start of each term. In addition to your classes, you are expected to schedule sufficient independent study and practice time each week. The school facilities are open 7 days a week during term time, allowing you to work on assignments and reinforce the knowledge and skills learned throughout the term.
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