If you have a passion for sound, and would like to learn how to design it so that it is seamlessly integrated into media, products or environments, then this degree will help you develop an in-depth understanding and the practical skills needed to design and evaluate effective sound for listeners.

This course will teach you the techniques to create new sounds that coexist with dialogue and music to support a wide variety of media and applications. The underlying principles of linear and interactive media are also addressed, as well as products and environments to maximise potential employment.

Throughout your studies you can specialise in your chosen discipline, and then work towards creating an appropriate portfolio, whilst gaining valuable contacts who could help you during your transition from study to a professional career.

A mix of assignments and projects will give you the chance to collaborate with students on Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games Development and Television degrees.

Studying Sound Design will allow you to collaborate with students on Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games, Journalism, Television, UX and Web degrees.

We also have an extensive range of online guest lectures from internationally recognised Sound Designers.

Find out more at: https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/sounddesign

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

Start date:

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We have an established research record in listening and sound design, which is fully integrated into the teaching and assessment. Students will be actively encouraged to take part in sound research, both in order to develop a greater understanding of listeners’ experiences, and to contribute to new developments within the sound design field.

The course introduces you to the wide range of media that sound designers work in, as well as the underlying principles and techniques suitable for each field. Giving you the opportunity to specialise in your chosen discipline, this programme works towards creating an appropriate portfolio, and establishing contacts to aid your transition from study to a professional career.

During the first year of the course, you will explore the principles of digital media and interaction design.

Second year focuses on the study of the principles of sound and production methods associated with different industries, as well as how to create interactive experiences.

Designing sound to support narratives and engage end users through linear and interactive media, as well as develop collaborative skills is addressed in third year.

In your final year, you will develop major and major projects in your chosen field as well as perfect your portfolio. You can also undertake a suitable internship, or further explore narrative principles.

For students who wish to work as freelancers, the University offers a free incubator space as well as free mentoring and advice. Teaching includes class lectures, laboratory practical sessions, class tutorials, online guest lectures, individual supervision, industrial experience and independent study.

How you’ll be taught

Lectures, practical sessions and tutorials

Assessments

Coursework 95%, exams 5%.

Facilities

This course is taught in person at our Merchiston campus.

We have a dedicated Digital Media Lab, and students have access to borrow our Portable Audio Equipment.

Popular modules

Trimester 1

Experiencing the Digital City

Being Digital

Sonic Culture

Trimester 2

Programming for Interactive Media

Digital Imaging

Producing Digital

Practical Interaction Design

Digital Video Development

Expressed through UX

Playful Interaction

AI for Creative Industries

Sound Production 2

User-Centred Research Methods

Sound Design 1

Creative Technology

Group Project

Advanced Interactive Audio

Sound Design 2

Soundscapes

Digital Storytelling

Internship (option)

Honours Project (60 credits)

Professional Practice through Portfolio

Honours Project (60 credits) - continues

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

English language

International students

Admissions policies

What are the entry requirements for Sound Design?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

Scottish Higher

Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

HNC in Sound Production, Television, Music or Radio may be considered at C.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject: Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades D*D* (Distinction* Distinction*) in a related subject: Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4

Grade 4 in SL Maths.

T Levels

T Level at Merit with additional A Level in: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts grade B

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

Minimum Year 2

Pass HNC in a related subject - please contact Undergraduate Admissions for further information.

Scottish Advanced Higher

BBC to include at least one of the following at Advanced Higher: Art & Design (Design or Expressive), Drama or Music.

Advanced Higher BB plus Higher BB to include at least one of the following at Advanced Higher: Art & Design (Design or Expressive), Drama or Music.

National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths.

AAB to include at least one from: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts.

Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in Music Technology or Audio and Music Production.

Places are limited and students should anticipate a rigorous selection process, potentially including interview.

Minimum Year 3

Pass HND in a relevant subject at B - please contact Undergraduate Admissions for further information.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:

BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery

MSc Nursing courses

All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies

Postgraduate admissions policies

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Undergraduate student fees and funding information

Postgraduate student fees and funding information

International student fees and funding information

Tuition fees

Students from

Scotland

England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland

Overseas and EU

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.

Careers & employability

To help you fully engage with the work environment, you will receive support and development opportunities from our dedicated Student Futures team. Workshops, CV checkers and placements are just some of the types of activities available to help boost your employability as well as prepare you for a successful long-term career in your chosen field.

What can you do with a BSc (Hons) Sound Design degree?

This course will enable you to explore the art and science of sound design, mastering the techniques needed to create compelling audio experiences. From recording and editing sound effects to mixing and mastering audio tracks, you'll learn to harness the power of sound to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling. This course provides a brilliant opportunity to work in the following career paths:

Audio Programmer

Audio UX

Audiobook Production

Boom Operator

Dialogue Editor

Dubbing/Rerecording Mixer

Film and Television Sound Designer

Foley Artist/Editor

Mixed Reality (AR/VR/XR) Sound Design

Podcast Production

Production Sound Mixer

Radio Sound Designer

Scientific data sonification

Sonic branding

Sound Archivist/Cataloguer/Librarian

Sound Artist

Sound Designer

Sound Editor

Sound Engineer

Sound Lecturer

Sound Recordist

Sound Researcher

Sound Supervisor

Sound Technician

Theatre Sound Designer

Video Game Sound Designer

You will have the opportunity to study the fundamentals of sound design theory and practice as well as gain practical experience through hands-on projects and studio sessions. As you explore topics such as sound production, sound theory and sound design, you'll acquire the expertise sought after by audio production studios and media companies.

Upon completion, you'll emerge as a highly skilled sound designer, equipped to work in a variety of creative industries where sound plays a crucial role. Whether you aspire to work in film post-production, game audio, or interactive media, our programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive and rewarding field.

What does a Sound Designer do?

As a Sound Designer, you will be able to bring your passion for soundscapes and sonic storytelling to life. In this role, you'll be the creative behind the auditory experience of films, video games, virtual reality, and more. You will be crafting immersive sound effects, composing captivating musical scores, and manipulating audio to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling.

From the rustle of leaves in a serene forest, to the thunderous roar of an epic battle, your creations will transport audiences to new worlds and breathe life into digital environments. You will find yourself collaborating with directors, producers, and developers to capture their vision and elevate it through sound.

As a Sound Designer, you'll push the boundaries of technology and creativity. You will be experimenting with innovative audio tools and techniques to achieve the perfect balance of realism and imagination. Attention to detail and dedication to your craft will be evident in every auditory creation.

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