Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Sound Engineering

The BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering with Foundation Year is designed to prepare students for careers in audio technology and production, covering areas such as live sound, acoustics, studio recording, and audio hardware and software development. Delivered in collaboration with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the course combines technical knowledge, creative practice, and hands-on experience to support progression into the sound engineering industry.

The four-year programme includes a Foundation Year, which provides essential knowledge and skills to support successful progression onto the full degree. The curriculum offers a broad exploration of audio disciplines, including acoustics, broadcast audio, immersive technologies, and studio production, alongside emerging areas such as embedded audio systems, machine learning in audio, and multi-channel sound design.

Students benefit from access to purpose-built facilities, including professional recording studios at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the immersive SoundLab® at STEAMhouse. They gain experience using industry-standard tools and technologies such as Logic, Pro Tools, MATLAB, Python, and C++, as well as working with Solid State Logic (SSL) mixing consoles, professional PA systems, and a wide range of high-quality microphones.

The course offers an optional professional placement year, providing students with the opportunity to spend a full year working with an employer after successfully completing their second year of study. This placement enables students to gain valuable industry experience, develop practical skills, and explore potential career paths, with some choosing to return to the same employer after graduation.

Students who wish to undertake a placement year are responsible for securing a suitable role relevant to their area of study, supported by the University’s extensive network of employers and dedicated Careers teams. Once a placement is secured, students can transfer onto the placement version of the course.