Sound Engineering & Design - FdSc full-time
Course overview
This course involves a partnership between the University of Bolton and the School of Sound Recording (SSR), Manchester (www.s-s-r.com). Studios are well equipped with analogue and state-of-the-art digital systems, software and IT facilities. Some travel between Bolton and Manchester will be necessary.
The course includes the fundamentals of sound systems, sound engineering, sound for radio and TV, special effects, computer games design, electronic music, the science of sound and the recording chain, synthesis and midi, and studio techniques. A work placement period in the second year provides a useful link into the industry.
Fact file
| School | School of Business and Creative Technologies (BCT)
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| Award | FdSc |
| UCAS code | J930 FdSc/SED |
| How to apply | Please visit our How to apply for a foundation degree webpage for details. |
| Mode of attendance | Full-time |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Start dates | September
January: January start is subject to sufficient demand. |
| Entry requirements(typical offer) | For September 2010 and January 2011 entry:
120 UCAS points including an A2-level pass (or equivalent) in one of the following: a mathematical or physical science, a technology-based subject or music.
You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including mathematics and English.
You may be required to attend for interview.
Please also read our general entry requirements.
For September 2011 and January 2012 entry:
160 UCAS points from at least one, but preferably two, A2-levels (or equivalent) including one of the following: a mathematical or physical science subject, a technology-based subject or music.
You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including mathematics and English.
You may be required to attend for interview.
Please also read our general entry requirements. |
| Tuition fees | Please contact Student Data Management Fees Enquiries on +44 (0)1204 903406 or +44 (0)1204 903059 for details. |
| Additional costs | Pro Tools training manuals by Digidesign.
You will be responsible for paying your travelling costs. |
| Awarding body | University of Bolton |
| Locations | On average over the duration of the course you will spend 2 or 3 days per week at the School of Sound Recording and 1 day per week at the University of Bolton.
University of Bolton:
Deane Campus, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB
School of Sound Recording:
Ina Centre, 65-69 Downing Street, Manchester, M1 7JE
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About the course
Both the FdSc and BSc courses begin with the fundamentals of sound systems, studio principles and associated professional software taught in a highly hands-on manner. This continues into the second year but with a more in-depth approach to sound engineering concepts. Options are available too in radio and TV programming, special effects and computer game design so that students can gain a wider experience of the applications of sound engineering.
Students initially registered for the FdSc will be eligible to progress onto the final year of the BSc (Hons) course after successful completion of the Foundation Degree.
In the final year of the BSc (Hons) degree students will further develop their post-production techniques, study live sound, examine the business issues relevant to the digital media industries and also undertake a large project.
A foundation degree is a two-year, full-time, or three-year part-time, course instigated by the UK Government (not to be confused with foundation/access courses). At the University of Bolton our Foundation Degree in Sound Engineering and Design is at an academic level similar to that of a Higher National Diploma; the modules are rated at levels HE4 and HE5. The distinctive feature of any foundation degree is the work-placement content. This means that students gain valuable experience of the commercial world. For our students this means working in a local commercial company that is involved with some aspect of sound engineering.
What you will learn
These courses are “skills rich”. In addition to acquiring the specific skills for sound engineering, you will also develop those vocational skills necessary to pursue a career in the audio and related industries. Teaching is heavily practically-based in studios and computer suites.
Recognised, key transferable skills are also embedded in the courses. These include written and presentational skills, analytical reasoning, inter-personal skills and self-management. You will also develop your ability to analyse, evaluate and resolve problems.
We use a wide variety of learning methodologies, including studio and computer laboratory sessions, demonstrations, activity-based assignments and the work-based placement. Assessment is linked to the objectives of each module. This may be by assignments, small projects, tests (practical and written), a demonstration or viva as appropriate.
What you will study
Level 1
At Level 1 of the FdSc and BSc (Hons) degrees the modules studied are: Core Skills; Sound in Context; Electronic Music -Theory and Practice; The Science of Sound and the Recording Chain; Studio Techniques; Introduction to Synthesis and MIDI; Digital Sound Production.
Level 2
At Level 2 the essential modules are: Post-production Techniques; Studio Design; Electronic Composition. You will also choose two optional topics and undertake a work-based project.
Level 3
At Level 3 of the BSc (Hons) students will take: two Post-production modules - one for video, the other for music; Live Sound and PA Design; Business Issues of Digital Media; Project.
The final year project for the BSc (Hons) students is a major undertaking and counts as a double module. Students have a personal supervisor to support them in their investigations. Normally, projects are carried out individually but it is possible for a team project to be devised so that the sound engineer can provide expertise for a large creative-technologies project. This might involve students from other specialisms such as computer games or special effects.
Special features
- One of the distinctive features of our degrees in Sound Engineering and Design is the work-placement content undertaken in a commercial, audio-engineering environment.
- Having been a commercial recording studio and training school for 25 years, the School of Sound Recording in Manchester has a large list of studio contacts around the North West. These include local radio and TV as well as concert halls, theatres and digital media companies where students can be placed.
- Also, because of these links and its local and national reputation, the School of Sound Recording is able to maintain a profile of studio tutors that have either recent or current experience of the sound engineering industries as professional engineers.
Careers and professional development
Career opportunities exist in many areas of sound production. Examples include audio engineer, studio designer, sound designer, production mixer, sound recordist, music editor, music technician or Foley artist. Employment opportunities exist in TV and radio broadcasting, recording studios, multimedia and new media firms, and film and computer games production companies.
Graduates may wish to become members of a professional society after having gained appropriate experience in their field of employment. Two well-regarded societies are the Audio Engineering Society (http://www.aes.org/) and the Institute of Acoustics (http://www.ioa.org.uk/). Their web pages describe the scope of the society and the entry requirements for the different grades of membership.
Professional recognition
Students will have the opportunity to be assessed for the internationally recognised qualifications in ProTools by Digidesign (www.digidesign.com).
There are a number of levels of ProTools qualification to which students may wish to proceed. However, this will involve additional cost.
Related courses
Open days
Go to our Visit Us webpages to find out about our Open Days and Courses Advice Days.
Further Information
For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:
Brennan Tighe
(Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903556
E-mail: B.Tighe@bolton.ac.uk
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