| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Creative Audio BSc (Hons) degree provides a hands-on, project-focused approach to sound and music production. It equips students with industry-standard skills in recording, manipulation, and presentation of music and sound across diverse media platforms. The program fosters collaboration and prepares graduates for careers in various roles within the creative industries, including sound design, music production, and post-production engineering.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Creative Audio BSc (Hons) degree provides a hands-on, project-focused approach to sound and music production.
- Nurture multi-skilled practitioners capable of working in various sound and music production areas, enabling them to build sustainable careers in the creative industries.
Description:
- The program offers a flexible, personalized curriculum focused on developing industry-standard skills in recording, manipulation, and presentation of music and sound across diverse media platforms, including film, TV, animation, games, AR, and VR.
- Students gain proficiency in using industry-standard equipment in dedicated studios, labs, and performance spaces under the guidance of experienced professionals with extensive creative industry backgrounds.
- The program fosters collaboration through interactions with students from Cinematic Arts, Game Design, Animation, Drama, and Music programs, promoting networking and professional development.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a broad range of topics related to sound and music production, including:
- Recording
- Production
- Music theory
- Composition
- Arrangement
- Programming
- Electronics
- Processing
- Editing
- Post-production
Program Structure:
The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, supervised studio sessions, and independent study. Attendance is part-time, typically requiring one full day or two half-days per week during 12 teaching weeks per semester.
Course Schedule:
The specific course schedule varies from semester to semester and is finalized closer to the start date.
Individual Modules:
- Audio Production 1: Introduces computer-based audio production within a DAW environment, exploring key production technologies and their application in creating audio.
- Audio Production 2: Delves deeper into sound design with emphasis on audio sampling and post-production techniques. Students learn field recording principles and utilize advanced production technologies to create original audio material.
- Music Creation (optional): Offers introductory music theory and composition-production tuition for students with limited musical backgrounds. Topics covered include organizational principles of music, theoretical context, practical applications using music technologies, and creative application with critical reflection.
- Composition & Orchestration (optional): Provides students with the necessary skills to compose in a contemporary style and arrange for small ensembles.
Additional Modules:
- Sound, Technology and Culture: Examines the historical relationship between cultural and technological developments within sound and music in the 20th and 21st centuries, providing conceptual frameworks for critical engagement across various creative practices, media, genres, and technologies.
- Designing Sound: Introduces students to synthetically creating and/or manipulating sound for specific applications, covering theoretical approaches and practical techniques.
- Live Sound and Production: Introduces the production of live music events, exploring key professional audio production technologies and their application in event production.
- Sound Recording and Production 1: Provides an overview of the studio environment and techniques involved in different stages of modern music production.
- Sound Design for Games (optional): Guides students in applying principles of audio recording, synthesis, and production to immersive applications, considering aesthetic considerations, narrative integration, sound interactivity, audio programming, and related aspects.
- Sound Recording and Production 2 (optional): Offers an advanced exploration of the studio environment and techniques involved in different stages of modern music production.
- Music and Sound Practices (optional): Explores key creative, practical, theoretical, and aesthetic strategies associated with contemporary composition and performance using timbre as the central tool for exploration.
Year 4 and beyond:
- The remaining years of the program involve modules covering topics such as creative computing, acoustics and cognition, professional practice, music technology project, music and moving image, interactive music systems, game audio implementation, and final projects involving theoretical, contextual, and practice-based elements.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a 100% coursework-based assessment strategy. Assessment methods vary depending on the module, but commonly include:
- Essays
- Reports
- Seminar papers
- Tests
- Presentations
- Dissertations
- Design projects
- Portfolios
- Journals
- Group work
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a learning-through-practice approach, emphasizing active learning through interaction with materials and engaging in discussions. The curriculum utilizes lectures, workshops, individual tutorials, supervised studio/lab sessions, and independent study to facilitate this approach.
Faculty:
The program boasts a dedicated team of experienced staff with extensive creative industries expertise, including:
- Greg O'Hanlon | SFHEA CMALT (Course Director)
- Brian Bridges | SFHEA
- John Harding The program also collaborates with renowned industry practitioners to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates from this program pursue careers in various roles within the creative industries, including:
- Sound Designer
- Music Producer
- Sound Engineer
- Post Production Engineer
- Creative Technologist
- Composer for Screen Media
- Musician
Graduate Employers:
Graduates from this program have secured positions at companies such as:
- BBC
- Rotor Video
- Hedgehogs vs Foxes
Career Options:
The program prepares students for diverse career paths and opportunities within the creative industries. Some graduates pursue higher education through Master's programs at Ulster University or other institutions, including opportunities for PhD studies and postgraduate teaching qualifications (PgCE).
Scholarships and Awards:
Various scholarships, awards, and financial assistance options are available to students, including discounts for students from England, Scotland, and Wales, the International Undergraduate Scholarship, and other awards and prizes.
Ulster University
Overview:
Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.
Services Offered:
Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.Sports Services:
The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.Student Union:
The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.Student Wellbeing:
The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.Digital Services:
Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.Library Services:
The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.Employability and Careers Advice:
The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.Global Partnerships:
The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
Strong sense of community:
Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.Active student life:
UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.Access to facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.Opportunities for personal development:
The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.Strong research focus:
The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.Excellent support services:
The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Career-focused approach:
The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.Academic Programs:
Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Life and Health Sciences
Ulster University Business School
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Nursing and Healthcare
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Humanities
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
- The university offers a range of online courses and resources.
Entry Requirements:
A-levels:
- BBC grades required.
- Applicants can substitute equivalent qualifications for the final A level grade by combining alternatives to the same standard.
Applied General Qualifications:
- BTEC:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF or Pearson): DD
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma (QCF or Pearson): DMM
- Diploma (QCF or Pearson): DM + A Level Grade B
- National Diploma (QCF or Pearson): DM + A Level Grade C
- Subsidiary Diploma (QCF or Pearson): Merit + A Level Grades BB
- Level 3 National Extended Certificate (QCF or Pearson): Merit + A Level Grades BB
- Equivalent qualifications can be substituted to meet the same standard.
Irish Leaving Certificate:
- 112 UCAS points needed, including a minimum of five subjects (four at Higher Level) with:
Scottish Highers:
- BBCCC required.
- Alternative qualifications to the same standard can be substituted.
Scottish Advanced Highers:
- CCD required.
- Alternative qualifications to the same standard can be substituted.
International Baccalaureate:
- Minimum 25 points (including 12 at Higher Level)
Access to Higher Education (HE):
- 63% overall profile (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
- 15 distinctions at 30 merits (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
GCSE:
- Grade C/4 or above in English Language required for full-time study.
- Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English Language Requirements for international applicants:
- Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5
- Trinity ISE: Pass at level III (also meets Tier 4 visa requirements)
- Other English language tests and equivalent IELTS scores also recognized.
Additional Entry Requirements:
- HND: Overall Merit with distinctions in 45 Level 5 credits for Year 1 entry.
- HNC: Overall Distinction with distinctions in 75 Level 4 credits for Year 1 entry.
- Foundation Degree: Overall mark of 50% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry.
- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) considered for applicants without normal entry qualifications.
- Applications for advanced standing (e.g., transfer from another institution or Year 2 entry) considered on an individual basis.
