Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This degree combines creative music-making with technical audio engineering and sound design. In the first year you build core skills in audio recording, digital audio workstations (DAWs), basic mixing, acoustics and musicianship. Later years broaden into specialist areas such as multitrack recording, advanced mixing and mastering, live-sound engineering, music production, synthesis and sampling, audio post-production for film and TV, and interactive audio for games.

Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Studio and Live Recording: microphone techniques, signal flow, session setup and multi-track production in professional recording studios.
• Mixing and Mastering: equalisation, dynamics, spatial processing, reference monitoring and final delivery formats.
• Sound Design and Post-Production: Foley, ADR, sound editing, layering and creating soundscapes for picture and immersive formats.
• Electronic Music and Synthesis: synthesis techniques, sampling, beat production and electronic composition.
• Acoustics and Technical Skills: room treatment, measurement, troubleshooting and audio system design for studios and live venues.
• Music Industry and Professional Practice: copyright, publishing, project management, pitching, freelancing and entrepreneurship.
• Major Project/Portfolio: an independent final project such as an album, a film soundscape, game audio suite or a live production accompanied by a reflective log and presentation.

Assessment is a mix of practical projects and portfolios, written assignments, presentations, group work and technical tests. Collaborative work with other subject areas such as film, media production and performance is typically embedded to simulate professional contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to have completed secondary school qualifications such as A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject, or a BTEC/extended diploma in music, sound or media. Relevant work experience, a folio of recorded work or a practical audition/portfolio is normally required to demonstrate ability and potential. GCSE (or equivalent) English and maths at a pass level may be required.

Bournemouth University welcomes applicants from a range of educational backgrounds, including mature students and international students. Access to Higher Education Diplomas and industry experience are considered. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview or asked to submit a recorded portfolio of original work demonstrating technical skills and creative ideas.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers across the music and audio sectors. Typical roles include recording engineer, mixing/mastering engineer, music producer, sound designer for film, TV and games, audio post-production editor, broadcast sound technician, live-sound engineer and studio manager. Many graduates also work as freelance audio professionals, start independent production companies, or move into related areas such as music supervision, audio programming and immersive audio formats.

The programme equips students with practical portfolios and industry-facing experience that support entry-level employment, further professional training, or postgraduate study in specialised areas such as composition, acoustics, or advanced audio technology.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University offers industry-standard studios, live rooms and post-production suites with up-to-date DAWs and outboard gear, giving students hands-on experience with the hardware and software used professionally. The course emphasises project-based learning, industry links and professional practice, with opportunities for live briefs, placements and collaborative projects across the university's media and performance disciplines.

Students benefit from staff who have professional backgrounds in recording, post-production and live sound, as well as regular guest lectures and workshops with industry practitioners. The university's location and partnerships support networking and work opportunities in regional and national audio, media and creative industries.