AUDIO ENGINEERING AND PRODUCTION DEGREE BSc (HONS) - Modules

YEAR 1 

Recording & Production 1 (40 credits)

Focuses on building fundamental knowledge of underlying concepts and principles associated with the capture of audio, and an ability to apply, interpret and evaluate these skills within the context of the subject area.  

Mixing & Delivering Music (20 credits)

Content focuses on building fundamental knowledge of underlying concepts and principles associated with mixing audio and building an understanding of emotional architecture.   

Digital Tools & Workflow 1 (20 credits)

Build fundamental knowledge of underlying concepts and principles associated with the use of digital audio workstations, and development of workflows and editing techniques. 

Contextual Research (20 credits)

Develops fundamental research skills, academic writing, teamwork, and explores the impact of technological advancements in the sound recording industry, offering students insight and the ability to interpret and share their findings. 

Career & Portfolio Development (20 credits)

Enhancing self-directed learning, this module encourages research and experimentation to develop transferable skills beyond the core subject area, equipping students with resources for self-promotion and networking. 

YEAR 2 

Recording & Production 2 (20 credits)

Focuses on the critical understanding of established principles and practice and the ability to apply and adapt fundamental skills and knowledge to solve problems and meet a range of production requirements. 

Mixing for Picture (40 credits)

Focuses on exploring feature-film workflows, storytelling through sound, enhancing pre-mixing and stem creation skills, automation, mixing techniques, understanding delivery formats and standards, and applying music production techniques to post-production. 

Digital Tools & Workflows 2 (20 credits)

Advances audio production skills by teaching recording, editing, and synthesising techniques for moving images, focusing on sound design theory, creating original content, designing sound for animation or game cinematics, and promoting reflective practice to consolidate learning. 

Post Production (20 credits)

Aims to enhance communication in collaborative audio-visual projects, explore video editing practices, establish knowledge of professional video software workflows, and build essential skills for visual project delivery. 

Research Project (20 credits)

This module focuses on developing research methods, enhancing academic writing for dissertations, exploring negotiated topics, and supporting ongoing personal and professional development in year two. 

YEAR 3 

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. 

Recording & Production 3 (20 credits)

Elevate critical knowledge, skills, and decision-making to a professional level, equipping students with the expertise to specify, install, and manage audio equipment, enhance creative and technical production abilities, and develop strategies for complex problem-solving, drawing on comprehensive course knowledge and advanced research skills in areas like system synchronisation, advanced microphone techniques, sound design, digital simulation, and audio compression, while promoting self-development and teamwork. 

Dissertation (20 credits)

This dissertation module aims to showcase students’ academic prowess, analytical and expressive abilities, signal their readiness for challenging roles to employers, and allow them to produce significant independent research on a negotiated topic of special or professional interest relevant to their course. 

Mastering & Delivery (20 credits)

Focuses on the final stages of a project or production, preparing mixes for manufacture, combining legacy analogue with current digital technology, leveraging detailed knowledge across audio engineering and production, fostering autonomy and professionalism, discussing client-based decision-making, and exploring various industry and consumer deliverable formats. 

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.  

WHAT ARE CREDITS? 

As a guide, 20 credits typically represents around 52 hours of tutor contact time (e.g. lectures/workshops/feedback) and 148 hours of self-study time (usually over the course of a semester). These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the module, especially towards the end of the course.