BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering & Production

Undergraduate Audio Engineering Degree in Manchester

UCAS Code J9W3

Start Date 14/09/2026

Duration 3 Years full time

UCAS Points 104-120

Places available for September 2026 | Apply Now!

Course Overview

Study a BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering & Production in Manchester and develop the technical and creative skills required for a career in music, film, television and games. Learn recording, music production, sound design, mixing and mastering in professional studios while building an industry ready portfolio.

BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering & Production is a course for anyone passionate about sound. With a strong emphasis on high standards of practical work, and the right vocational-academic blend, this course will prepare you for industry or postgraduate study.

We have 10 professional-grade music, mastering and recording studios, featuring industry standard hardware and software, as well as Dolby Atmos capabilities for immersive audio production. Our top-of-the-range consoles include Neve, Avid S6, SSL and Audient, with stunning monitoring and classic microphones to match.

Modules

What will I study?

Music Production
Film Mixing
Sound Design
Recording
Mixing Music
Mastering
Digital Tools
Mixing for Picture

Recording 1 (40 credits)

This module provides a hands-on approach to studio recording, focusing on developing your ability to capture high-quality sound for a range of projects. From planning your recording sessions to mastering the technical skills of microphone placement and signal processing, you’ll develop the ability to create professional-level recordings.

Mixing Music (20 credits)

This module focuses on the core principles of music mixing, equipping you with the technical and creative skills essential for a modern mix engineer. You’ll learn how to construct mixes, develop your technical and creative abilities while exploring the role mix engineers play in the music industry.

Digital Tools (20 credits)

This module combines practical skill development with a deep dive into the underlying concepts of modern audio production. You’ll learn to efficiently record, edit, mix, and process audio using non-linear and non-destructive methods. This module not only introduces you to the industry leading Avid Pro Tools, but also sets the stage for advanced practical work in all your future modules.

Introducing Research (20 credits)

This module introduces you to academic research and writing. You’ll work to investigate the impact of technological change across the audio industry, learn to interpret data and share your discoveries. This experience will provide you with valuable industry insight and the ability to apply your research skills to real-world contexts within your chosen field of study.

Portfolio Development (20 credits)

This module builds essential skills in career planning within a competitive audio industry and is designed to nurture your independence and professional growth, developing the foundations of a compelling online portfolio to showcase your abilities and enhance your employability.

Recording 2 (20 credits)

This module provides access to more advanced studio facilities, contributing to your development and critical understanding of established audio engineering practices, building essential skills to plan and execute professional-level production work.

Mixing for Picture (40 credits)

This module equips you with essential skills for audio post-production, from sound design, dialogue editing and mixing to mastering industry-standard delivery formats. You’ll gain practical experience working as part of a team, managing a project, simulating real-world scenarios, preparing you for the demands of the film audio industry.

Mixing Techniques (40 credits)

This module takes your mixing experience to the next level, developing the ability to apply and adapt more advanced techniques and workflow. Building skills in creative editing, manipulating sound, adapting arrangements and advanced processing techniques all of which contribute to producing commercially viable, stronger sounding mixes.

Research Project (20 credits)

This module promotes an independent, student-led approach to learning, where you’ll design and execute a research project on a negotiated topic. You’ll enhance your research and academic writing skills, under the guidance and support of your tutors, to produce a final submission that reflects your unique interests and strengthens your academic portfolio.

Major Project (40 credits)

This module provides a platform for you to specialise, to showcase your best work focused on your chosen career path, and in turn your readiness for employment or further study. You will engage in tutorial discussions to support you as an individual, in developing content, consolidating skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme.

Recording 3 (40 credits)

This module provides a comprehensive professional development experience in our most advanced studios, exploring contemporary production techniques to enhance your creative and technical abilities, building strong problem-solving skills, preparing you for a successful career in the audio industry.

Mastering (20 credits)

Through this module you will explore the role of the Mastering Engineer, developing the skills to balance creative integrity with technical precision. In our dedicated mastering studio, the combination of modern digital tools, classic analogue hardware and bespoke monitoring enable you to create and submit, professional sounding, release ready music.

Portfolio Management (20 credits)

Designed to support career growth, this module provides a platform to refine and present your professional portfolio, showcasing work as part of a strategic plan to maximise networking and attract future employment opportunities.

Mode of Delivery

Full-time, in-person, on-campus

In-Person Lessons

Typically between 12 and 14 hours a week

Self-study time

Typically between 35 and 40 hours a week

“I enjoyed the fair and well managed access to all of the studios, the extra curricular efforts and support from all tutors and the variety of the course. This course has given me extensive knowledge, experience and confidence that I can carry across to my career as a Drummer and Audio Engineer.”

Matt Thompstone
BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering & Production

Careers

Where can this degree take me?

Audio Engineering & Production graduates can work across the music, film, television and games industries in roles such as:

Audio Engineer
Recording Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Studio Engineer
Live Sound Engineer
Sound Designer
Audio Post-Production Editor
Acoustic Consultant
Audio Technician
Music Recording Producer
Sound Supervisor
Podcast Producer
Systems Integration Technician

Students graduate with the technological and creative skills to apply to a wide range of career opportunities, or take further in MSc or MA programmes.

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Entry Requirements

To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.

This could be gained via a number of qualifications, for example:

BCC or above at A2 Level
DMM or above at Extended Diploma Level
M or above at UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Level
A proven interest in this area

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: J9W3

Institution Code: F98

If you have any questions please call us  on 0161 214 4602 or email admissions@futureworks.ac.uk

Successful applications will receive an offer directly from Futureworks (and via your UCAS application if you applied through UCAS).

More information on our admissions process can be found in the Student Recruitment and Admissions Policy in the Policy Hub

Academic Regulations | OUVP Student Guide | Programme Specification

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Audio Engineering and Production at Futureworks?

Our Audio Engineering and Production degree combines creative exploration with industry-led learning to help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional portfolio needed for a career in the music, film, TV and games industries. You’ll be taught by tutors currently working in the industry who bring professional practice and real-world insights into the classroom, you could even find opportunities to make industry connections as a student!

We have small class sizes, meaning you’ll get lots of individual support, regular feedback and direct access to tutors throughout your studies. At Futureworks, you’re a name, not just a number.

Whether you’re looking to build specialist expertise, develop an industry-ready portfolio or take the next step towards a creative career, an Audio Engineering and Production degree at Futureworks provides a supportive, industry-focused environment for you to grow.

Where have Audio Engineering and Production graduates gone on to work?

Futureworks Audio Engineering and Production graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations across the creative industries. Alumni have secured roles with employers including Sony Music, Prime Video, and Studio Canal. Graduate outcomes vary and depend on factors such as individual experience, portfolio quality, and available opportunities at the time of graduation.

What accommodation options do I have as a Futureworks student?

Manchester has plenty of independent student accommodation providers to choose from!

See our student accommodation guidance and a list of providers here.

What are the course fees?

All of our courses are £9,790 per year for home students, and £17,000 per year for international students.

Read more about fees, funding and student finance options, here.

Do you offer any financial support available to Futureworks students?

Yes! We currently offer four financial support funds to eligible students:

Disability Referral & Assessment Fund
New Students Support Fund
Hardship fund
Open Day & Interview Travel Reimbursement Fund

Read more about these funds and eligibility here.

What student support services does Futureworks have?

At Futureworks, we offer 1-1 pastoral care and a free in-house councelling service for all students. Speak to our Student Wellbeing team about mental health, financial worries, disability support, or anything else that worrying you.

Read more about our Student Wellbeing services here.