Programme Content
Year 1: Sound Foundations
You are introduced to core operational skills and their theoretical underpinnings in the three core areas of work - studio operations and recording, desktop production and sound reinforcement.
In addition, we introduce specialised areas of work such as audio equipment maintenance.
You are also taught with, and work alongside students from other disciplines developing an understanding of the context of the entertainment industries and professional development skills.
Year 2: 'The Multi-skilled Practitioner'
The three core areas of work covered in your first year are developed to higher levels, with the focus shifting to digital tools and consoles in recording and sound reinforcement.
You also learn about specialised applications of sound production and engineering, such as multi-channel audio and audio postproduction for television and video.
In addition, you study topics such as production and management skills in the context of the audio and entertainment industries. You also continue your own professional and personal development, including collaborative practical work with students from other disciplines.
Year 3: 'The Professional'
By your third year, you will be expected to work to professional standards on major practical projects with other students and for external clients, using the high levels of technical skill and discipline you have garnered.
Through a choice of options, you can specialise in particular fields or broaden your skill base in a number of areas closely associated with sound engineering and production.
You also complete a substantial research project supervised by a tutor.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching on the programme is a combination of formal lectures, smaller groups seminars and even smaller practical workshop sessions. Assessment is by a combination of exams, written papers or seminar presentations, practical production work and continuous assessment. On balance, though, practical work forms the largest percentage of your assessed work.