Audio Engineering BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Designed by industry professionals, this skills-led honours degree aims to help graduates progress to the forefront of the sector and have sustainable and rewarding careers.

We are the longest established audio engineering education centre in Scotland and have maintained our status as a centre of excellence in audio education by developing courses valued by both the creative industries and academia. Whether you are progressing into industry or postgraduate study, our graduates have a proven track record of success. Our students are pushing the boundaries in applications of technology: recent final year projects have included usages of immersive VR albums, networked audio, augmented reality sound, acoustics and loudspeaker design.

You will be taught by experts in their fields who will guide you towards developing skills and aptitudes in your chosen path. The course will develop both your industry and your academic skills through real-life assignments both on and off-campus. We have extensive learning facilities and equipment offering you the chance to hone your skills with practice times outwith classes.

Special features

• You will have access to leading-edge equipment and recording studios where you can collaborate with music students. This provides a realistic industry environment in which to learn technical skills.
• As well as academic coursework, you will take part in practical projects such as: recording and producing student bands; creating broadcast content; and working in professional theatres and live venues, as well as our own campus venues and production rooms.
• You will have access to studios outwith class time, enabling you to develop your skills in your own time.
• We encourage you to be active in research and recent graduates have delivered at international conferences on various subjects including virtual reality audio and building acoustics.
• You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances.

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

• Entry to year one, HNC, is 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably including Music, Physics, Maths or English, OR
• 1 A level at grade D or above, preferably including Music, Physics, Maths or English OR
• NC Sound Engineering or NC Music
• Advanced entry to year two, DipHE, is with the HNC Sound Production, or other relevant HNC
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis
• You may be required to attend an interview

Year 1 - HNC

HNC Sound Production

Year 2 - DipHE

Core modules are: 

• Creative project
• Creative industries analysis
• Digital theory and applications
• Analogue theory and applications

You will also choose two option modules which may include:

• Audio for cinematic and game production 1
• Live audio production
• Multi-track studio techniques

Year 3 - BSc

Core modules are:

• Themed research project
• Entrepreneurship
• Audio systems theory
• Advanced digital audio applications

You will also choose two option modules which may include:

• Live event audio
• Multi-track mixdown techniques
• Audio for cinematic and game production 2

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

Core modules are:​

• Dissertation (double credit) or a research paper
• Personal employability strategy
• Creeative honours project (double credit)
• Creative media applications

If you choose the research paper rather than a dissertation, you will choose one further option module which may include:

• Live production systems
• Music production techniques
• Sound design for film and TV

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students living in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year, with the 4th year of study free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK. Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award, including where students are following a recognised ‘top-up’ degree structure where the first year is made up of an HNC award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.