Sound Design

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
W371
UCAS code:
W372
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
20 September 2021
School:
Digital, Technologies and Arts

Flexible study

Choose the modules which match your interests

New Music Studios

We have five studios and four live rooms with drum kits

Mac Labs

The labs are equipped with Macs running software from SSL, UAD and more

Explore the creation of sound and music for film, TV, animation, games, theatre and radio with our highly collaborative degree in Sound Design.

If you are interested in creating sound and music for film, games, television or drama, this course could be perfect for you.

The course is highly flexible, so you can personalise it to match your interests. A range of optional modules will enable you to develop your skills in areas such as music composition, electronics, creating software tools, acoustics and the film industry.

You will have access to our world-class recording and post-production facilities, which include professional sound studios, Foley pit, and TV studio. We also have accredited Avid and Apple trainers, enabling you to gain additional qualifications in Logic and Pro Tools at extra cost.

If you are interested in creating sound and music for film, games, television or drama, this course could be perfect for you.

The course is highly flexible, so you can personalise it to match your interests. A range of optional modules will enable you to develop your skills in areas such as music composition, electronics, creating software tools, acoustics and the film industry.

You will have access to our world-class recording and post-production facilities, which include professional sound studios, Foley pit, and TV studio. We also have accredited Avid and Apple trainers, enabling you to gain additional qualifications in Logic and Pro Tools at extra cost.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Sound Design

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Sound Design

Course content

Sound Design involves preparing all aspects of a soundtrack including dialogue, ambience, sound effects, Foley and music. You will learn about the film industry and the film production process, and gain expertise in creating, recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio using industry-standard software and hardware.

Our studios are equipped with Genelec 5.1 surround sound monitoring and a range of mixing desks, including a Toft ATB24, Audient 4816 and an SSL AWS900. We also share broadcasting, post-production and mastering facilities with our film courses.

Collaboration is an important aspect of the entertainment industry, so you will be growing your network by studying alongside Film, Games, Animation and Drama students – as well as other Music students.

Sound Design involves preparing all aspects of a soundtrack including dialogue, ambience, sound effects, Foley and music. You will learn about the film industry and the film production process, and gain expertise in creating, recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio using industry-standard software and hardware.

Our studios are equipped with Genelec 5.1 surround sound monitoring and a range of mixing desks, including a Toft ATB24, Audient 4816 and an SSL AWS900. We also share broadcasting, post-production and mastering facilities with our film courses.

Collaboration is an important aspect of the entertainment industry, so you will be growing your network by studying alongside Film, Games, Animation and Drama students – as well as other Music students.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

Music degrees at Staffordshire University

Music degrees at Staffordshire University

Video

Music & Sound student Andrew discusses the highlights of studying Music at Staffordshire University

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Film Production Processes 30 credits
Recording Studio Production 30 credits
Sound Design In Context 30 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Advanced Sound Design 15 credits
Individual Music And Sound Portfolio 30 credits
Individual Music And Sound Project 30 credits
Sound Design For The Creative Industries 15 credits
Show 7 optional modules

Entry requirements

  • Typical UCAS offer: 112 points
  • A levels: BBC, CCC plus B at AS
  • BTEC: DMM
  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Cadman Studios Tour - Recording Studios & Live Rooms

Cadman Studios Tour - Recording Studios & Live Rooms

Video

Join Alex for a behind-the-scenes tour of our recording studios and live rooms in our Cadman Studios.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Hands On Learning

A Music & Sound course will give you the flexibility to follow your own interests while developing essential technical, creative, and academic skills. With hands-on experience and excellent support, you will bridge the gap between your ambitions and beginning a career in the fast-growing creative sector that includes the music, film and games industries.

Careers

Our graduates go on to work in a range of careers, including:

  • Sound and music for video, TV and film
  • Sound and music for games
  • Sound and music for theatre
  • Digital marketing
  • Radio commercial production
  • Freelance sound designers / composers
  • Teachers, lecturers and technicians
  • Collaborative and community arts
What is the best thing about a Music and Sound degree at Staffordshire University?

What is the best thing about a Music and Sound degree at Staffordshire University?

Video

Discover what our students have to say about our Music and Sound degrees.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. 

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. 

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 2

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3

12% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
88% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

0% practical exams
95% coursework
5% written exams

Year 2

25% practical exams
75% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

0% practical exams
100% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Marc Estibeiro

Associate Professor

I teach computer sound, advanced Pro Tools techniques, modern composition and music software design.

Marc's profile

Dr Sharon Coleclough

Senior Lecturer

Sharon works across all areas of film and media production, focusing upon specialisms in sound design, editing, acting and performance in film. She is an active researcher with international publications on lighting, sound and representation in film.

Sharon's profile

Dr Mark Mckenna

Lecturer

Dr Mark McKenna is a lecturer in Film, Television & Radio. His teaching is focused on the theoretical and critical underpinnings of film production and draws upon his research which is focused on the film and media industries.

Mark's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 20 September 2021 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £14,000 per year of study

For the course starting on 20 September 2021 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £14,000 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Cost of the following equipment:

  • Portable headphones
  • Portable storage (may be cloud based)

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Cost of the following equipment:

  • Portable headphones
  • Portable storage (may be cloud based)

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 20 September 2021 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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