Core Recording Skills

In this module, you develop a strong understanding of the basics of recording studio technology and how to record and mix multi-track recordings. This includes recording vocals and different instruments such as guitars and drums, as well as exploring effects and how to manage studio sessions. While most of your learning is studio-based, a lot of what you learn can be immediately applied to other areas. The module is focused on practical work, although there is a strong theoretical element too. This allows you to build your understanding of why, as well as how.

This module content is indicative.

Creative Signal Processing

Building on the knowledge you’ve gained in earlier course content, this module focuses on expanding your knowledge of the wide range of signal processing options available to you as a sound engineer. You investigate different types of processing including time delay, modulation, reverberation, dynamics, pitch and spatial techniques, and learn to design your own processors using Native Instruments Reaktor software. Alongside this you will be taught how to apply these and similar tools to a variety of production scenarios, both in terms of problem solving and for creative sound design purposes.

This module content is indicative.

Desktop Audio 1

This module offers an introduction to desktop recording and production, developing your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Starting with MIDI applications, you are introduced to the MIDI protocol and the use of industry-standard sequencing packages. You then progress to non-linear recording and editing systems such as ProTools, before learning to integrate audio and MIDI capabilities in modern sequencers such as Pro Logic X. You record and edit an audio mix which demonstrates your ability to creatively combine audio and MIDI using the desktop environment.

This module content is indicative.

The Impact of New Technology

In the rapidly-evolving digital age, it’s important to understand how technological advances affect the creative industries. Through this module, you explore the economic, political and cultural influences that surround new technology. This includes topics which link directly to your work, such as copyright and intellectual property. The module also allows you to develop your understanding of wider contextual issues such as the adoption of new technology, the consequent impact on society, culture and business, and how this relates to the creative and performing arts sectors.

This module content is indicative.

The Professional 1

This module is designed to help you achieve sustained work in your chosen profession. You learn about the different elements involved in putting on an event, including planning, budgeting, rights and clearances, and digital marketing. By working as part of a small team with students from other subjects to create a one-off event, you learn first-hand about the importance of collaborating and develop essential interpersonal skills including negotiation and persuasion. Through this module, you also learn to reflect on your own personal and professional attributes and skills. This self-development technique stands you in good stead throughout your professional career.

This module content is indicative.

Sound Reinforcement 1

This module examines the process of designing and deploying a sound reinforcement system from set-up to operation, through theory and practice. Practical work centres on applying small- and medium-scale portable systems to live music gigs. You learn how to select appropriate equipment for the environment you’re working in and how to get the best out of it. You also focus on areas including live mixing, monitoring, working with artists and procedures for sound checks and changeovers.

This module content is indicative.

Sound Technology Theory

This module introduces the common concepts and theory that underpin much of the thinking in many of the other modules in the course. You are taught the essentials in understanding sound waves, human hearing, audio electronics, digital audio, transducers, room acoustics and stereo, and how these essentials are all applied in practical situations.

This module content is indicative.

Advanced Studio Techniques

In this module, you gain a deeper understanding of the specialist tools and techniques used during professional music recording, mixing and mastering across different genres. You learn how to mix and master multi-track recordings to meet specific briefs, using a variety of tools such as automation, EQ, effects and dynamics processors. You work with a range of advanced analogue and digital production consoles and DAW control surface options, and learn how these integrate into recording studios. There’s also an emphasis on defining music genres and their sound qualities.

This module content is indicative.

Audio Post Production

This module teaches you the practical skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to record, mix and create sound for moving image. You work with surround-capable desks and workstations to produce multi-channel mixes and explore areas such as Foley sound FX and dialogue replacement. The module looks at the key technical principles surrounding audio for TV and film including signals, formats and codecs. You also learn about the relationship of sound perception to moving images.

This module content is indicative.

Desktop Audio 2

Following on from Desktop Audio 1, this module advances the skills you worked on in your first year while developing your knowledge and understanding of additional areas relating to desktop audio production. The module looks at the broad theory that underpins sound synthesis and sampling and you learn the practical skills to apply this knowledge in different contexts. You explore advanced areas of MIDI and sequencing. This includes synchronisation, MIDI timecode and the creation of simple virtual ‘environments’ for MIDI control.

This module content is indicative.

Digital Audio Applications

In this module, you study essential theory associated with digital audio systems, their implementation and how to put this into practice. You learn how to apply digital signal processing theory to develop practical audio tools using Reaktor software. The module also examines the underlying theory and practice associated with digital audio conversion and transmission, including basic networking principles. You examine different audio compression codecs and how to evaluate their performance.

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The Producer

In this module, you start considering music recording from a more commercial perspective to help you produce music that people will want to listen to. You learn about how the music industry works and how audience expectation can shape production values. The module also looks at the roles and responsibilities of a music producer and how to collaborate with performers and creators. As a result, you become able to evaluate the work of existing songs and producers within social, cultural and theoretical contexts and can critique your own work from a commercial angle.

This module content is indicative.

The Professional 2

This module allows you to explore your employment options and long-term goals within the audio industry. You learn about the many different jobs, roles and skillsets based within the audio industry, as well as its economy and structure. You create a career plan which is built around your own strengths, weaknesses and interests and may include starting your own business. This includes proposing a series of activities which will enhance your employment prospects.

This module content is indicative.

Sound Reinforcement 2

Building on what you learned in Sound Reinforcement 1, this module progresses on to larger sound reinforcement systems (both portable and fixed). Having previously focused on popular music, you are now introduced to sound reinforcement and sound design for theatrical and other non-musical performances. You work with more advanced technologies to deliver practical work combining both live elements and recorded cues, using distributed sound systems and matrixes. As part of the module, you also learn how to resolve faults in complex systems.

This module content is indicative.

Final Portfolio (Core Module)

In this module, you bring together everything you have learned on the course to present a range of work that matches professional standards and practice. Your final portfolio consists of a number of audio-related products which demonstrate your skills, knowledge and understanding. You analyse your work, comparing what you have produced to existing professional products. The process you used to produce the portfolio is also important so you reflect on your planning and execution, as well as the finished product.

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The Professional 3 (Core Module)

In this module, you take a critical view of the audio industry to identify your next steps beyond graduation. As part of your plan, you select your final year activities based around the skills and experiences valued by employers and/or clients in the area which you want to work in. You’re advised on interview preparation and producing a CV and portfolio. You also develop essential business skills to prepare you for a range of employment scenarios – whether that’s starting your own business, working for a company, or on a self-employed basis.

This module content is indicative.

Research Project (Core Module)

In this module, you will explore an advanced and specialised topic of your choice that furthers your understanding from material taught in previous years. You will find and use a variety of research sources such as books, papers, magazines and video/audio to discover more about your topic, and all under the guidance of your supervisor. A significant part of your project must include practical research and this is often in the form of listening tests, surveys, interviews, and maybe designing or building some audio devices. This is all intended to ensure that you develop a detailed knowledge of the subject that can often be invaluable in preparing you for a career once you graduate. You summarise your research findings in a presentation and a final 6,000-word article.

This module content is indicative.

Advanced Live Sound (Major Option - A)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

In this module, you expand your understanding and knowledge gained over the previous two years, working entirely in a practical context. You develop advanced skills with live digital consoles, automation, speaker system design and control including line arrays, and digital audio distribution and networking. Taking on senior roles such as Sound Designer, Production Sound Engineer and Sound Number 1 and 2 on major public performances here allows you to gain a broad range of practical experience.

This module content is indicative.

Advanced Post Production (Major Option – B)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

This module allows you to hone your post-production skills and techniques to an advanced level, building on what you learned in Year 2, so you are working confidently at a professional standard. You build a sophisticated understanding of the use of mixing techniques for film and video in surround, stereo and object-based formats such as Dolby Atmos. These include dialogue and Foley fitting and editing, creating and checking deliverables and the use of reverb and processing in surround. You also learn to develop strategies and implement templates to address the requirements of conforming and re-conforming audio for picture.

This module content is indicative.

Broadcast Audio (Major Option – C)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

Through this module, you gain a deep understanding of the technical requirements, systems and operational considerations when working with audio for broadcast. This begins with radio broadcasting and leads on to audio for television, for both studio and outside broadcasts. You learn about topics including transmission for broadcast, communications systems, relevant audio formats and signal processing for transmission. Looking ahead to future career options in this area, you also look at the roles and functions within broadcast audio.

This module content is indicative.

Desktop Audio 3 (Major Option – D)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

This module builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Desktop Audio 1 and 2. You look at more advanced sequencing using Ableton Live, combined with a deeper use of samplers and synthesisers that can be incorporated into desktop audio production. This includes learning about complex software patching and modulation techniques. You learn how to create advanced MIDI control environments which can be useful within theatre and live performance.

This module content is indicative.

Studio Design (Major Option – E)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

This option module further develops your understanding of acoustic design. The taught material covers room acoustics, noise control, absorption, diffusion and general design principles for listening spaces. By using Excel spreadsheets you learn to predict how good or bad a room might be as a recording studio space, and from there can use these tools to assist in the design process, where you will design your own control room. This module also includes acoustic measurement workshops, a visit to an acoustic test laboratory and a guest lecture from a studio designer.

This module content is indicative.

Coding for Audio (Minor Option – A)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

This module offers an introduction to object-oriented coding and you learn how to combine real-time signal processing and software design concepts. You build on aspects of digital signal processing developed over the previous two years, and apply this to lower-level development tools such as X-Code. The main project in this module is to produce a bug-free software plug-in for use with commercial audio host applications.

This module content is indicative.

Music Skills for Sound Engineers (Minor Option – B)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

This module allows you to broaden your skills as an engineer and/or producer by developing your understanding of basic musical language, notation and theory. You learn how to identify key musical concepts such as chord type and progression, scales and modes both aurally and from score. Putting this into practice, you create harmony parts and arrangements for instruments and vocals using studio tools and scoring software, and produce scores and lead-sheets for ensembles.

This module content is indicative.

Video Production (Minor Option – C)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

Through this module, you are introduced to the basic techniques, skills and ideas needed to produce short videos, including music videos. While you will have previously studied sound design for film and television, this module allows you to develop the skills to produce vision too. You learn about camera techniques, basic lighting and editing. You gain experience of the production process including how to script and develop a storyboard, before shooting and editing a finished video.

This module content is indicative.

Game Audio (Minor Option – D)

In addition to studying three core modules, you choose two major options in areas you want to specialise in, as well as one minor option in a complimentary area.

This module introduces the basic techniques, skills and ideas needed to design and implement audio designs for computer games. It allows you to build on concepts and ideas studied in Audio Post Production, and apply these using the forms, conventions and professional practices in game audio development. In order to effectively understand audio workflow, the module also introduces you to simple development environments for games. It is delivered via a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical workshops. Your lectures concentrate on the theoretical aspect of the module, which include analysis of extant games and their sound designs. Your workshops are 'hands on' practical sessions, which deal with operational skills and the application of these skills in relation to the topics covered in lectures.

This module content is indicative.