BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurial Audio Production.

This module will introduce you to a professional studio environment and help develop key skills essential to recording good quality audio such as signal flow and gain structure, microphone placement and using mixing consoles. Using a wide range of equipment, you’ll explore methods of recording different sound sources and consider the psychology of working effectively with artists in a studio environment to get the best from clients and collaborators.

Assessment: Signal path test and recording project. 20 credits.

This module will teach you everything you need to know to set up an effective project studio environment relevant to the working practices of today’s audio professionals. You’ll explore computer specifications, hardware and interfaces, software choices, monitor options and placement. You’ll also learn about acoustic treatment and how to adapt spaces effectively, resolve compatibility issues, and cost everything you need, whilst gaining knowledge of essential principles of sound propagation that underpins all audio production work.

Assessment: Studio planning portfolio. 20 credits.

Introducing you to music sequencing software and creative composition techniques, this module encourages you to experiment using a range of music technologies to produce a personal portfolio of compositions. The module includes training on virtual instruments, synthesis and sampling, as well as basic music theory knowledge to help you realise your creative potential and develop intellectual property in your own distinctive style.

Assessment: Portfolio and essay. 40 credits.

Through continuing professional development, you’ll explore key entrepreneurial skills within the context of working in today’s creative industries, develop your critical listening skills, and produce a professional portfolio or show reel. This module also teaches you essential academic writing and presentation skills that you will use throughout the course and in your interactions with clients or collaborators as you move into the industry as a creative professional.

Assessment: Group presentation and CPD portfolio. 20 credits.

This module introduces audio post production concepts and workflows involved in creating sound for visual media such as film, TV and online content. Foley, sound design, synchronisation and encoding formats will be taught alongside a range of production techniques. You’ll also learn how to work to a specific brief and within time constraints and deadlines typical of the industry.

Assessment: Sound design project. 20 credits.

Introducing you to a wide range of industry-standard mixing and audio manipulation techniques, this module will teach you how to enhance compositions and audio productions to enable them to reach their full potential and achieve a distinctive and genre-appropriate style. Working with a combination of your own compositions and material provided by your tutor, you’ll learn about the creative and corrective possibilities offered by dynamic controllers, EQ, time-based effects, timing and pitch correction tools, as well as arrangement, compilation and remixing techniques.

Assessment: Portfolio. 40 credits.

Building on the skills and knowledge already acquired, you’ll develop essential skills for the production of a complete soundscape accompanying a moving image. This module includes content on tracklaying, automated dialogue replacement, surround mixing, advanced Foley practices, use of sound effects and audio reparation techniques.

Assessment: Soundscape project and presentation. 20 credits.

This module introduces you to the skills and workflows involved in designing sound for games. You’ll learn how to work with interactive audio that avoids repetitiveness and builds mood and suspense in gameplay, working with cues and loopable audio assets. In addition, you’ll be introduced to implementation techniques using industry-standard game engine platforms and explore how audio design differs between game genres.

Assessment: Game audio portfolio. 20 credits.

As part of your own career development, and with support from your tutor, you’ll undertake a period of work placement or professional engagement in the industry. Before embarking on your placement, you’ll learn about professional standards and key skills required for industry success as an audio professional, such as setting targets and working to deadlines, networking and communication skills, managing an online profile, becoming self-employed and setting up a business. You’ll also exploring potential income streams from synchronisation opportunities, social media and streaming platforms, and royalty-based payments.

Assessment: Work placement and CPD portfolio. 40 credits.

In this module, you’ll take your recording and mixing skills to professional standards. With advanced mixing consoles and audio equipment, you’ll learn how to enhance compositions in a large-format studio environment, recording complex sound sources like ensembles and choirs, practising field recording, and developing professional mixing techniques and workflows. You’ll improve your analytical skills with critical listening and produce a project that promotes your individual style with a focus on innovation, whilst working within the parameters of a client brief.

Assessment: Recording and mixing project. 20 credits.

Taking your finished stereo mixes to the final production master, this module will develop your skills in a wide range of current mastering techniques, and explore the creativity and sonic qualities achieved through both digital and analogue workflows. You’ll develop confidence in using EQ for tonal balance adjustments and corrections, applying compression and limiting techniques to achieve loudness and impact without compromising the dynamics of the mix. Finally, you’ll learn how to compile a complete production master to professional standards for current listening platforms.

Assessment: Mastering portfolio. 20 credits.

This module examines industry standards and conventions in preparing professional audio for visual media. With a focus on new and emerging formats, immersive audio, cinema loudness standards and broadcast conventions, you’ll learn to work on a range of formats and post production techniques, mixing your project to commercial standards.

Assessment: Project. 20 credits.

This module investigates interactive spatial audio within games and the production techniques used for embedding and triggering interactive audio content. You’ll develop further skills in implementing audio for games, including an understanding of middleware, while gaining valuable professional experience in managing your workflows, your presentation, and justifying your creative choices.

Assessment: Portfolio. 20 credits.

Exposing you to the range of career opportunities that are open to you across the creative industries, you’ll gain key skills relevant to entrepreneurship and self-employment as well as professionalism and employability. By undertaking a personal project which concentrates on preparing you for work as soon as you graduate, this module will help you understand how different businesses function in the music and audio industries, and how you can find your place within it and launch your career as you finish your degree.

Assessment: CPD project and presentation. 40 credits.