What is sound engineering?
As a sound engineer, you’ll be less involved in the creative and compositional processes. Instead, you’ll be responsible for recording and editing audio to the highest standards by operating mixing desks, digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and Pro Tools, recording tools and live equipment. This requires acute attention to detail, technical expertise and knowledge of how to make raw audio fit for an audience. All of this is taught in our sound engineering courses to make you industry ready when you leave us.
A career in sound engineering could see you running studio recording sessions, utilising audio production and recording techniques you’ve picked up along the way. Your career could also see you touring with bands as a live sound engineer or working in audio post-production on your favourite TV show.

Why study sound engineering at Spirit Studios?
There’s no better place than Manchester to study sound engineering. Home to some of the UK’s greatest live venues and an ever-growing empire of media production and tech companies, our city offers endless opportunities for you to launch your journey into the industry – no matter your specific interests.
Our studios are based in the epicentre of this creative activity and by utilising our networks, we’ll encourage you to get your foot in the door of the music industry as soon as you join us.

What is the importance of the sound engineer?
As the world of digital listening experiences expands – and with so many artists heading back on tour – the importance of sound engineers in our day-to-day lives is paramount. From game audio, TV, film, music and radio, to live events, festivals and gigs; sound engineers shape the world we live in.
They’re the music technology experts behind your favourite songs, shows and live performances. By using dynamic audio processing and equalisation tools, as well as reproduction and mixing skills, audio engineering is used to balance and adjust various sound sources to create a complete audio experience in different environments, whether in the recording studio or for live sound reinforcement.

Our sound engineering courses
We offer a range of sound engineering courses to suit your study preferences, including sound engineering degrees, evening-based industry courses and short courses. You can filter by course level below:

BA (Hons) Music Production
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Creating, recording, mixing and mastering

BSc (Hons) Live Sound Engineering and Music Production
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Sound-checking, monitoring, mixing and mastering

BSc (Hons) Entrepreneurial Audio Production
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Composition, acoustic theory and post-production

BA (Hons) Music Production with Foundation Entry
Duration:
1 year full-time foundation course, followed by 3 years full-time degree course
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
40 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Creating, recording, mixing and mastering

MA Music Production
Duration:
1 year Full-time; 2 or 3 years Part-time
Start date:
18 September 2023
Entry requirements:
Higher second-class Bachelor degree
Key areas:
Research, portfolio creation, advanced mixing and mastering

Sound Engineering and Music Production
Duration:
9 months
Start date:
4 September 2023
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements.
Key areas:
Introduction to the studio, Digital Audio Workstations, recording and mixing

Live Sound Engineering
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
2 October 2023
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Soundchecking, monitoring, mixing and stage management

Sound for Visual Media
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
4 September 2023
Entry requirements:
You will need a basic understanding of digital audio workstations.
Key areas:
Audio post production, sound design and Foley

Studio Production and Mastering
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
5 September 2023
Entry requirements:
A good understanding of working practically in recording studios
Key areas:
Advanced recording, mixing and mastering

Sample into Sound
Duration:
5 days (non residential)
Start date:
14 August 2023
Entry requirements:
No formal qualifications required
Key areas:
Sound engineering, music production and music business

PT101 Pro Tools Fundamentals I
Duration:
2 Days
Start date:
30 September 2023
Entry requirements:
Knowledge of audio recording and DAW basics is required
Key areas:
Audio production, editing and mixing

PT110 Pro Tools Fundamentals II
Duration:
3 days
Start date:
20 October 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I, or equivalent experience
Key areas:
Recording, clip-based editing and mixing

PT201 Pro Tools Production I
Duration:
2 days
Start date:
21 October 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II
Key areas:
Submixing, automation and auditioning techniques

PT210M Pro Tools Production II (Music Production)
Duration:
3 days
Start date:
10 November 2023
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I, Fundamentals II and Production I
Key areas:
Fine-tune automation, static automation and advanced MIDI production techniques

PT210P Pro Tools Production II (Post Production)
Duration:
3 days
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I, Fundamentals II and Production I
Key areas:
Field recording, dialog editing and mixing audio to picture

PT301S6 Essential Pro Tools | S6 Mixing Techniques
Duration:
1 Day
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II, and Pro Tools Production I and II
Key areas:
Session management, system customization and expanded parameter control

PT310P Advanced Post Production Techniques
Duration:
4 days
Entry requirements:
Pro Tools Fundamentals I and II, and Production I and II (Post)
Key areas:
Post production, sound design and Foley

In-Person One-to-one Tuition
Duration:
2+ hours
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Previous students have studied areas such as DJ skills, mixing techniques, building a personal brand and more.

Online One-to-one Tuition
Duration:
2+ hours
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Previous students have studied areas such as post production techniques, DAW familiarisation, mixing techniques and more.
Features and benefits
Our facilities speak for themselves
Whichever sound engineering course you choose, you can expect to be provided with the tools and equipment you need to become an expert in the field.
Build your portfolio ready to enter the world of work
As we still operate as a professional studio, there’s opportunities throughout the year for our students to get involved in ‘real-life’ recording sessions and live rehearsals.
One-to-one mentorship
You’ll benefit from one-to-one mentorship from our expert calibre of tutors when you take a sound engineering course with us. This really allows you to focus on your own ambitions and tailor your learning experience.
A collaborative attitude
We prioritise a collaborative approach to your learning. This helps to contextualise your practice, inspire ideas, amplify your sound and get you ready for the real world.
What careers will a sound engineering course prepare me for?
- ADR Mixer
- Audio Director
- Audio Editor
- Audio-Visual Technician
- Boom Operator
- Dubbing Mixer
- Educator
- Foley Artist
- Game Audio Engineer
- Instrument/Backline Technician
- Live Sound Engineer
- Mastering Engineer
- Mixing Engineer
- Music Editor
- Music Therapist
- Recording Engineer
- Recording Studio Manager
- Sound Artist
- Sound Designer
- Sound Editor
- Sound Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Studio Engineer
- Tour Manager
What to expect
As you progress through one of our sound engineering courses, whether at degree or industry level, you can expect to move to a state of independence that is essential when forging your own career path. Our courses are designed to give you hands-on experience to ensure you leave us industry-ready.
Whether you want to record in the studio, work front of house (FOH) in your favourite live venues, or design sound for TV, our range of sound engineering courses give you the freedom to explore these areas of interest. With a variety of specialist modules, each course covers the core skills needed to succeed as a creative sound engineer and bring your ideas to life.
Teaching takes place in a variety of formats including lectures, workshops, demonstrations, peer reviews and one-to-one tutorial support. Our aim throughout is to encourage your creative exploration and hone your technical skills, all so you’ll leave us as a confident, independent professional.
You'll cover topics and core modules such as
- Sound-checking
- Studio mixing and mastering
- FOH and monitor mixing
- Fundamental DAW skills
- Microphone selection and placement
- Acoustics and room treatment
Sound engineering student successes

Ellen Orchard

Private: Cal Bate
Your sound engineering tutors
Our tutors are all experts in their field, each with their own specialisms and industry experience. Whether you’re looking to work on global tours or in the studio, our sound engineering tutors will get you to where you want to be.
Real opportunities
Our creative partnerships benefit our sound engineering students by providing work placements, field trips, guest lectures, educational discounts and, of course, job opportunities.
Why study with Spirit Studios?
Outstanding facilities
Our facilities are designed to meet the needs of tomorrow’s music industry, ensuring you feel confident in every studio or live venue you encounter as a sound engineer.
Industry connections
You’ll have a range of exciting creative and collaborative opportunities, including hands-on work experience at legendary venues in Manchester and beyond.
Proven results
Our career focused attitude means that from day one, everything we do is designed with your future in mind.
Spirit +
We prepare our sound engineering students for a bright future. Through our Spirit+ programme, we provide extracurricular masterclasses and workshops from leading industry figures.
Taught by industry-active experts
Our tutors have not only had years of experience in the creative industries, but share a commitment to helping you on your journey as well.
Community spirit
We’re a supportive community that takes pride in our small size. We’ll get to know you as an individual and tailor mentorship to your personal development.
Interested in studying sound engineering with us?
Click below to start your application, register for an open day or get in touch with any questions