Sound Design BA(Hons)

Upskill & Integrate

The first year of this Sound Design course is all about upskilling and getting immersed in disciplines from across the University's creative departments, from the perspective of sound design. You'll develop your core sound design and related audio skills as well as your understanding of sound design workflows in various contexts. You'll also begin to develop fundamental theoretical and contextual knowledge of contemporary sound design practice.

Modules

Audio & Sound Theory

You'll experiment with analogue and digital audio signals and explore the fundamentals of audio theory. You'll cover interfacing, the mathematical foundations of music, DSP, metering and more.

Sound Design: Workflows, Tools & Techniques 1-2

You'll develop an understanding of industry workflows, tools and techniques used in various contexts and disciplines including TV, film, games, media production, sound design for stage and web audio.

Linear Sound Design

You'll gain a working knowledge of sound/music layers used in film, TV and theatre, utilising audio editing and processing, and adding Foley effects and ADR.

Non-linear Sound Design

In this module you'll focus on developing skills and understanding of sound design for non-linear contexts, such as games, apps and the web.

Sound Studies: Sound in Context

You'll explore the history of sound design, hone your contextual understanding and consider future trends and technical developments of the discipline.

Experience & Expand

The second year of the degree is focused on live projects, study options, gaining practical sound design experiences and developing business and brand thinking. You'll identify, acquire and apply new skills as you take on collaborative projects with students from across the University. You'll also explore immersive audio technologies and contemplate future directions of the sound design discipline.

Modules

Sound Design Futures

You'll explore cutting edge trends and future directions and opportunities in sound design.

Immersive Audio & Sound Design

You'll undertake a practical and theoretical exploration of immersive audio sound systems, technologies and experiences.

Falmouth Team Projects

In this module, you'll push the limits of your practice by taking on projects as part of a multi-skilled team. You'll work with students from a variety of courses including Game Design, Film, Animation, Fashion and Theatre & Performance.

Collaboration

Working as part of a team, you'll work on 'Challenge Briefs' that reflect the sort of assignments you could expect to be working on in industry. Developing your 'soft skills', like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership, you'll sharpen your ability to work well as part of a group to produce outstanding work.

You can choose to take an optional placement year after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you’re studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year. 

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team. 

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your placement year 

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth.

Focus & Connect

Your final year is geared towards solidifying your professional identity, knowledge, skills and networks in line with your chosen sound design specialism. You'll develop a professional portfolio, enhance your entrepreneurial practice skills and carry out business planning as you prepare to take your first steps into industry.

Modules

Critical Contextual Project

You'll investigate the contemporary contexts of your chosen sound design specialism.

Future Skills

You'll cultivate your professional journey, developing an understanding of your skills in the context of industry and employment. You'll be equipped with the confidence to articulate your knowledge and abilities, and evidence how you can apply them to real world challenges.

Working on a collaborative or solo project, you'll deliver real results, whether that's a profit on some seed funding, a professional portfolio of work, or a solution to a real-world challenge from industry.

Developing Professional Sound Design Practice (Optional)

In preparation for life after graduation, you'll deliver either a business or a professional development project relating to your sound design career aspirations.

Final Project Contextualisation

Drawing on your understanding of the theories, contexts and practices of sound design, you'll produce a written piece of work that contextualises your final portfolio.

Professional Sound Design Portfolio

Your final sound design portfolio is the culmination of your degree. A showcase of your specialist skills and professional identity, it will be your industry calling card.