Program Overview

Sound Engineering Certificate

Course Overview

This 9-month course will provide you with an advanced recording and mixing knowledge. You'll take part in live band sessions recording instruments and vocals, learn best-practice recording techniques, make use of hardware and plugins such as compressors, reverb, echo and delay, before learning how to mix and master your tracks to a high standard in the box (using your DAW) and on a 48 channel SSL Duality Delta mixing console. The course is designed and taught by professionals who’ve worked with the likes of Pharrell, Swedish House Mafia, Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, The Killers, Bjork and many more.

Modules

• Term 1
  • Sound Engineering
• Term 2
  • Art of Mixing
• Term 3
  • Advanced Recording & Mixing

Expert Lecturers

• Max Heyes
  • Sound Engineering
  • Credits include Paul Weller, Oasis, Primal Scream, Jamiroquai and Massive Attack. Co-produced The Doves #1 album 'The Last Broadcast'. Mixed Primal Scream's 'XTRMNTR'. Helped develop La Roux.
• Alex Phountzi
  • Programme Leader
  • Alex has been releasing music since the late-90s. Original member of Bugz In The Attic, co-founder of Greenmoney records, releases on V2 & FabricLive. Remixed Amy Winehouse, Roisin Murphy, Fela Kuti.
• Anna Lakatos
  • Music Production
  • Musician, singer and trained audio engineer Anna Lakatos specialises in object-based 3D sound for motion picture and commercial music production. She is also an Ableton Certified Trainer and NI Product Specialist.

Career Opportunities

Due to the growing demand across music, film, gaming, and live events, sound engineering offers multiple opportunities into music and media industries such as studio work, live sound, and post-production. The constant evolution of technology keeps the work engaging, while the blend of technical and artistic skills makes it both a challenging and fulfilling career path to take.

• Recording Engineer
• Music Producer
• TV/Film Composer
• Sound Designer
• Music Arranger
• Mix Engineer
• Studio Manager
• Remixer
• Video Game Composer
• Artist/Performer
• A&R Label Manager

Discounts

Enjoy a range of exclusive discounts including but not limited to:

• 50% off NI Komplete, Ableton Live Suite & Roland Cloud
• 30% off NI Kontrol & Maschine
• 25% off Adam Audio & Focusrite

FAQs

• 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 daytime class which will be 3 or 4 hours long depending on the module. 3-hour classes will also have an additional 1-hour virtual seminar each week. 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 and seminars, 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.
• Help! My question is not answered here
  • If you have further questions, don't be shy, please contact a course advisor who will be happy to help.