MSc Audio Production

Program Overview

The MSc/PgDip Audio Production program at the University of Salford equips students with advanced skills in sound engineering, music production, and audio technology. Through hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, students develop expertise in audio production, post-production, and emerging technologies. The program prepares graduates for careers in the audio and media industries, including audio post-production, freelance sound engineering, and broadcast.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• In a nutshell: This program focuses on the latest technologies and their impact on sound and audio experiences.
• Objectives:
• Equip students with practical, theoretical, and creative skills in sound engineering, music production, and audio technology.
• Develop professional audio skills with a solid foundation in design, management, and production across various platforms.
• Ideal for graduates seeking a career in the audio and media industries, building upon their existing knowledge and expanding their skill set to pursue exciting opportunities.

Outline:

• Course Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Duration: 1 year (Full-time), 16 months (Full-time January start), 3 years (Part-time)
• Trimester Structure:
• Trimester 1: Audio Production, Audio Post Production, Emerging Technologies and Digital Culture, Audio Theory
• Trimester 2: Spatial Audio, Recording Studio Design, Sound Synthesis, Research Methods
• Trimester 3: Dissertation Project
• Modules:
• Audio Production:
Develop advanced sound recording, editing, processing, and surround techniques, working on challenging projects.
• Audio Post Production: Master tools and techniques for audio post-production, including dialogue editing, ADR, Foley work, and 5.1 surround mixing.
• Audio Theory: Gain a deep understanding of analog and digital audio signals and systems, focusing on synchronization, clocking, and automation in various audio production contexts.
• Spatial Audio: Explore the capabilities of the human auditory system in relation to spatial audio technologies, including stereo, binaural, transaural, and wave field synthesis.
• Recording Studio Design: Learn acoustic principles for designing sound-treated spaces, and complete a design project for a creative space (recording or control room).
• Sound Synthesis: Explore musical instrument sounds, synthesis techniques, and utilize software to build complex synthesizers and multi-effects units.
• Research Methods: Learn research techniques specific to audio, acoustics, and video, including data analysis and integration of research methods.
• Dissertation: Conduct an independent study under supervision on a topic in audio, digital media, or acoustics.

Assessment:

• Teaching:
• Combines tutorials, seminar groups, and studio-based activities utilizing industry-standard software.
• High focus on guided self-learning and interaction.
• Assessment:
• Practical work (30%)
• Report/assignment (35%)
• Presentation (5%)
• Dissertation (30%, may include practical elements)

Teaching:

• Led by experienced academics with strong industry connections, research experience, and expertise in acoustics.
• Post-production and audio suites equipped with industry-standard software like Pro Tools, Reason, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Native Instruments suite.
• Pro Tools S6 console with Dolby Atmos monitoring capabilities in post-production suite.
• Recording studios featuring Solid State Logic, Neve, and Audient mixing consoles.
• Dedicated dubbing and foley facilities.

Careers:

• Career paths: Audio post-production, freelance sound engineering, convergent technologies, and broadcast.
• Employers: Leading organizations like BBC, Sky TV, and Channel 4.
• Participation in ongoing research projects through the Acoustics Research Centre.
• Regular research seminars with industry partners.
• Masterclasses and workshops hosted by industry experts.

| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,990.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Part-time | 2024/25 | £1,665 per 30 credits | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £10,350.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year |