BSc (Hons) Game Audio

Undergraduate Game Audio Degree in Manchester

UCAS Code G2A5

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) Game Audio degree in Manchester and learn how to create immersive audio experiences for games and interactive media. Develop professional skills in sound design, adaptive music, games engines, middleware integration and audio implementation while building an industry ready portfolio and show real.

The UK is a world leader in Game Audio and Futureworks is a world leader in educating for this sector, teaching sound and music for games since 2009.

This course, developed in consultation with our Industry Advisory Group, is designed to equip students with the skills to succeed as a games 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.

This award is validated by The Open University.

Modules

What will I study?

Game Engines
Game Audio
Sound Design
Adaptive Music
Engineering Skills
Interactive Audio
Sound Recording
Game Design
Engines & Middleware Integration

Game Engines (20 credits)

This module provides you with the essential skills to work with game engines, focusing on implementing and managing audio assets. Using professional game engine software, you will develop your ability to create audio content while learning how to integrate it into interactive environments, setting a strong foundation for a future in game audio production.

Game Audio Analysis (20 credits)

This module explores the evolution of audio within a classic video game franchise, examining the impact of technological advancements and changing consumer demands. Through research and analysis, you will gain greater insight into the role of sound in gaming and how it has shaped the work of Game Audio Designers over time.

Sound Recording (40 credits)

This module develops essential studio and location recording skills, equipping you with the knowledge to capture high-quality sound for a range of projects. By exploring analogue and digital recording concepts, industry-standard workflows, and modern studio technologies, you will gain the technical expertise needed to manage a recording project from pre-production to final delivery.

Game Design (20 credits)

This module introduces you to core game design concepts. Through collaboration with your colleagues, you will explore game structure, meaningful play, and the iterative development process, gaining practical experience in designing, building and testing a playable physical game prototype.

Digital Audio Workstations (20 credits)

This module introduces the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) as the foundation of modern recording, editing, and mixing. You will develop essential skills in non-linear and non-destructive editing while mastering key techniques for efficient workflow management. Applying theory to practice will enhance your technical proficiency and elevate the standard of your practical work throughout the course.

Sound Design (40 credits)

This module equips you with the technical and creative skills to craft high-quality game audio assets, to form part of your sound effects library and contribute to designing sound for full cinematic soundscapes. You will learn how to produce immersive sound that can enhance gameplay and promotional content, as well as providing content to promote your skills and creative development through showreels and portfolios.

Engines & Middleware (40 credits)

This module takes your game engine work and scripting to the next level. You will gain practical experience of working with middleware to create dynamic and interactive soundscapes, introducing more advanced sound manipulation and real-time audio control beyond the built-in capabilities of a game engine.

Adaptive Music (20 credits)

Focuses on adaptive music as a way to mirror or drive gameplay. This module explores adaptive music as a key component in video games, developing your composition and arrangement skills to create dynamic soundtracks designed to respond to player interaction. Exposing you to horizontal and vertical scoring concepts, building upon your knowledge of these dedicated, career specific tools and techniques.

Career 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 career interests and strengthens your academic portfolio.

Creative Sound Design (20 credits)

This module provides you with a platform to test your creativity, inspired by our industry partners. You will be challenged to find interesting and creative media, images and concept art to design sound to, providing alternative versions across different genres and styles. Through experimentation, practice and repetition you will develop strategies to unlock and develop your creativity – attributes in demand by industry.

Technical Sound Design (20 credits)

Expanding your knowledge and experience of alternative middleware applications and design tools, this module lays the foundation for a career as a Technical Audio Designer. Building on existing workflow and techniques by exploring other applications widely used in industry, enhances your adaptability and employability.

Engines & Middleware Integration (20 credits)

This module equips you with the advanced skills needed to integrate middleware with game engines, design dynamic audio systems, and script interactive events. By blending creative and technical expertise, you will develop comprehensive audio solutions, in preparation for careers in game audio.

Professional Portfolio (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.

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.

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 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.”

Coel Dyckhoff
BSc (Hons) Game & Interactive Audio

Careers

Where can this degree take me?

Game Audio graduates can go in to a number of roles, including:

Game Audio Designer
Sound Designer
Audio Programmer
Technical Audio Designer
Dialogue Editor
Foley Artist
Voiceover Producer
Interactive Audio Specialist
Audio Implementation Designer
Music Composer for Games
Audio Quality Assurance Tester
Middleware Audio Developer
Sound Effects Editor
Game Music Producer
Audio Director

Working as part of an app development team, on an AAA or indie game, or on a film or music production project; as an audio specialist you’ll find a variety of opportunities available to you.

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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: G2A5

Institution Code: F98

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

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.

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 Game Audio at Futureworks?

Our Game Audio 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 games industry. 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, a Game Audio degree at Futureworks provides a supportive, industry-focused environment for you to grow.

Where have Game Audio graduates gone on to work?

Futureworks Game Audio graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations across the creative industries. Alumni have secured roles with employers including Disney, Rockstar Games, and EA. 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.