Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This programme combines practical studio work, sound theory and project-based learning to develop the full range of skills used in contemporary screen sound. You will study modules that typically cover sound editorial and mixing, location recording and dialogue work, post-production workflows, Foley and sound effects creation, spatial audio and immersive formats, and the creative application of synthesis and processing for moving image.

• Core practice modules — narrative and non-narrative sound design projects, editorial technique, mixing and final dubbing sessions for short films and sequences.
• Technical workshops — location recording, microphone techniques, dialogue editing, noise reduction and industry-standard DAW workflows.
• Creative sound-making — Foley, field recording, synthesis, sound transformation, and building sound palettes that support story and character.
• Research and professional practice — methods for practice-led research, critical reflection, pitching, project management and preparing a professional portfolio or showreel.
• Major project — a substantial individual or collaborative project (such as scoring and sound-designing a film or developing an immersive audio work) demonstrating technical and creative mastery.

Teaching emphasises hands-on studio sessions, supervised projects, peer collaboration with filmmakers and opportunities to work with external briefs from industry partners. Assessment mixes practical media deliverables, reflective documentation and written research elements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as music, sound engineering, film, media or a closely related discipline, or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience in audio or media production. You will be required to submit a portfolio or showreel demonstrating audio work for moving image or related creative practice, a CV and a personal statement outlining your objectives on the programme. References and an interview (in person or online) may be part of the selection process.

International applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English at a level appropriate for postgraduate study; accepted evidence and specific qualifications are provided by the university’s admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers across the screen industries and adjacent creative sectors. Typical roles include sound designer, dialogue editor, re-recording mixer, foley artist, sound editor, location recordist, post-production audio engineer, and game audio designer. Many alumni work freelance, join post houses, production companies, broadcasters, independent film teams or immersive/audio-technology firms, while others pursue research or further professional development in specialised audio fields.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is home to a well-established screen and media community with direct links to the UK film and audio industries. The programme is delivered within facilities geared to practical production, including sound studios, editing suites and spaces for Foley and mixing, with access to industry-standard hardware and software. Teaching staff combine academic expertise with professional experience and the course encourages collaboration with filmmakers and other media students across the university.

Students benefit from professional development support, networking events, guest lectures by practitioners and opportunities to work on real-world briefs and festival projects, helping to build a commercially-relevant portfolio and industry contacts for a career in screen sound.