Sound Engineering and Sonic Design (Higher National Diploma)

This new dynamic and innovative university level course will equip you with a wide range of high end skills and creative ideologies needed to fully engage in the fields of professional sound recording and sonic design. At the heart of the course is a fast-paced and bespoke teaching style giving you an unparalleled access to essential technical knowledge as well as broadening your capacity for creative thinking and redefining how we can use sound in a creative and artistic context. The course will centre on creating pieces of recordings and performances linking with live industry partners as well as other creative disciplines such as broadcast media, graphic design, gaming, fashion and fine art. Throughout the course you will be working with our record label Forerunner Records to create high quality and experimental pieces that are at the forefront of what technology and creative thinking can offer. In other words, you will be shaping the future of how we use sonic creativity and leading the way in which the impact of sound and music is used within other art forms and contexts. You will experience a variety of ways of learning including video conferencing, interactive online sessions and a timetable that centres on collaboration and professional development.
You won’t just be training in sound; you will be dictating the future of the use of sound and music in a creative capacity.

Course content

The sound engineering content of the course will concentrate on: advanced recording, processors, mixers, plug-ins, microphone types and advanced techniques, live sound techniques, advanced acoustics, broadcast sound recording, production and arranging techniques.

• Music Electronics and Maintenance
• Music Studio Production
• Accessible Music Technology
• Audio Mastering and Manufacture
• Live Sound Systems Specification and Operation
• Composition in Context
• Employability Skills

The sonic design content of the course will concentrate on: experimental sonic compositions, music and sound for computer games, music performance, music and sound for app development, professional Foley recording, sonic manipulation, advanced sound effects for animation.

Entry Requirements

Three A Levels at minimum grade D preferably to include music/music technology/media or a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject with MPP at least. Other Level 3 qualifications will be considered. Ability to play a variety of instruments is not mandatory but is desirable. All applications will be subject to an interview and review of audio portfolio. I.e. Recordings made and evidence of relevant experience. Mature students will be considered on an individual basis with a supporting audio portfolio.

Progression

This university level course will give you the skills to work in a professional studio as a sound engineer and/or to become a freelance sonic designer. You will also be able to progress to degree level music technology courses. You won’t just be training in sound; you will be dictating the future of the use of sound and music in a creative capacity.