The future of the audio industry is interactive. Every day new applications and games are released. With millions of users across the globe buying into interactive content for their personal devices and home entertainment systems anyone serious about working in sound simply cannot ignore this exciting and rapidly expanding industry. The UK is a world leader in this field and Futureworks is a world leader in educating for this sector, teaching game and interactive audio since 2016.
- Sound and Music recording
- Middleware
- Sound design
- Avid Pro Tools Training
- Interactive Music
- Interactive Mixing
- Portfolio development
Year 1
Engines & Middleware 1 (20 credits)
Focuses on building fundamental knowledge of underlying concepts and principles associated with implementing sound assets, and an ability to apply, interpret and evaluate these skills within the context of game and interactive audio.
Game Sound Analysis (20 credits)
Investigating the significance of sonic and technological advances in the video games industry will provide students with a valuable insight into the significance of sound in this context, along with the opportunity to interpret, evaluate and share research
Recording & Production 1 (40 credits)
Introduces studio and location recording skills, developing essential sound theory knowledge for modern recording engineers, exploring current and legacy studio technologies, fostering understanding of analogue and digital recording concepts, and engaging in recognized workflows for capturing musical performances.
Game Design Fundamentals (20 credits)
This module aims to deepen knowledge on game structure, introduce core game design concepts, explore interactivity and meaningful play within the development cycle, promote teamwork, examine audio design’s role in game development, and support ongoing personal and professional development in year one.
Digital Tools & Workflow 1 (20 credits)
Introduces the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) as the cornerstone of modern recording studios, examining its impact on recording, editing, mixing, and processing workflows, exploring non-linear and non-destructive editing techniques, and aiming to elevate practical work standards across the course.
Year 2
Sound Design (40 credits)
Aims to enhance audio production skills through the exploration of tools and techniques for content manipulation in middleware or game engines, building on digital audio theory, using synthesis for content creation, investigating media delivery formats for sound content delivery, and promoting reflective practice to consolidate learning.
Engines & Middleware 2 (40 credits)
This module aims to advance audio production skills and knowledge, enhance the use of tools and techniques for sound creation and manipulation, explore immersive sound content creation, engage with current middleware applications, and introduce the audio design document for recording planning and development.
Interactive Score (20 credits)
Focuses on adaptive music as a way to mirror or drive gameplay, introducing horizontal and vertical scoring concepts, building upon game audio production skills and workflows, and investigating tools and techniques for creating and manipulating interactive music.
Research Project (20 credits)
Refine research methods, improve academic writing for year three dissertations, explore negotiated research areas, and support ongoing personal and professional development in year two.
Year 3
Sonification (20 credits)
Introduces sonification concepts and applications in modern auditory displays, explores non-speech audio for information delivery, examines human-computer interaction and interface design, encourages tutorial discussions for content development, and enables the production of independent, self-directed research work.
Interactive Mixing and Delivery (20 credits)
Equips students with the skills to deliver interactive sound mixes for games or other experiences, exploring strategies for mixing audio in interactive content and investigating tools provided by popular middleware for high-quality results.
Engines & Middleware 3 (20 credits)
Provides a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge of game engine and middleware software, focusing on integrating middleware with game engines, coding events within these systems, and planning and designing comprehensive middleware audio solutions.
Professional Portfolio Management (20 credits)
Aims to advance long-term planning and career promotion strategies, enhance online visibility, maximize networking and employment opportunities, learn from successful media professionals’ online profiles, and continuously update and improve personal profiles for ongoing personal and professional development.
Honours Project (40 credits)
The summation of the work explored over the years on your course. This module provides a platform for you to showcase your readiness for employment or further study, dedicate resources to your chosen career path, engage in tutorial discussions for content development, consolidate skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme.
Ready to apply? No need to wait for UCAS – you can apply directly to Futureworks now!
Why Choose The Game and Interactive Audio Degree at Futureworks?
This course, developed in consultation with industry, is designed to equip hard working and enthusiastic individuals with the skills to succeed as an audio engineer. It is a perfect blend of the technical and creative. If you are passionate about sound and music, love games and relish complex technical challenges, then this is the course for you.
We’re looking for students who are intrigued by the tech that improves our everyday lives and who want to be the next generation of interactive audio designers.
If you are interested in a career in the future of sound and music, this course will give you the head start you need.
This course is validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Your Game and Interactive Audio Careers Opportunities
Working as part of an app development team, on a AAA or indie game, working on a film or music production project; the audio specialist’s role is varied and often involves one, or all of the following:
Sound Design, Music Production, Composition, Arranging, Recording, Dialogue Editing, Audio Programming, Sound Effects Recording, Sound Effects Editing, Foley, script editing, version control, asset management, data wrangling, vocalisations (animal, human, alien), efforts, backgrounds, cut scenes, trailers and cinematics, asset design and more besides.
Location & Teaching
You will study at our Riverside Campus, located in the centre of Manchester. As part of your course, some of your lessons may take place at our filming facility, Futureworks Studios located in MediaCityUK, a few miles from the city centre.
Futureworks recognises that the skills, competencies and contribution of its staff are vital to the delivery of high quality Higher Education. All programmes are managed by a dedicated Programme Leader and team of experienced tutors, and our excellent links with industry employers mean you’ll have access to exciting guest lectures and fantastic opportunities to gain experience on real-world projects.
Applying to this Course
To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.
You can apply for this course by applying directly to Futureworks. Alternatively, you can apply via the UCAS system. The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:-
UCAS Code: G2A5
Institution Code: F98
If you have any questions about applying for a degree course please call us on 0161 214 4602, email [email protected] or look at our Admissions page.
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. A guide will be sent with your interview details to help you prepare for your interview. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in sound, music and technology. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if you have them. This is optional and a portfolio is not required for applications to be considered for this course.
All of our courses start in September and are full time, 3 year courses. More information on relevant dates can be found on the Term Dates page.
International Students
Futureworks is able to accept any applications from applicants who require a Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Visa) to study in the UK. Entry criteria for International students will vary. Please see International Students for full details.
“I really enjoyed how much creative freedom I felt I had when taking this course. The tutors helped me develop very necessary skills for my field and also made the learning environment very relaxed to be in.”
BSc (Hons) Game & Interactive Audio Student
Honestly, I'm really enjoying my stay at Futureworks so far! It has amazing facilities that provide great coverage of my needs and basics! The course is extremely useful and is a pinpoint to exactly what I want to do! I've enjoyed every second of being here and recommend most people to go here!
BSc (Hons) Game & Interactive Audio