GAME AND INTERACTIVE AUDIO DEGREE BSc (HONS) - Modules

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. 

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.