Audio Engineering BSc (Hons)
UCAS code H642
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 in Perth ideally suited to students on this course.
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
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
How will I study my course?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff. We continue to review government guidance and will inform you of any further changes to the information provided below about your course. You will study the course through our blended learning approach. In semester one, September 2020, the theory elements will be delivered online through a combination of video conference seminars, tutor-supported study and self-directed study using the university's virtual learning environment. You will also have the opportunity to do an online induction at the start of the course. On-campus activities and practical sessions will be introduced in line with the developing Scottish Government public health measures and guidance, including social distancing. We hope to have some practical sessions in semester one, however the majority are likely to be in semester two (from January 2021), where this is not possible alternative options will be available.- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and studio work, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 20 hours per week
- Part-time: 6 years @ 10 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth College UHI
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2021-22 Full-time | 2021-22 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £1,820 | £215 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £1,820 | £215 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £1,820 | £215 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year | Level | 2020-21 Full-time | 2020-21 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £1,820 | £215 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £1,820 | £215 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £1,820 | £215 (per 20 credit module) |
Note: The Scottish Government set this fee which has not yet been confirmed for 2021-22 so may be subject to change.
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:
| Year | Level | 2021-22 Full-time | 2021-22 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £6,915 | £461 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,000 | £1,500 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,000 | £1,500 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | £1,500 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year | Level | 2020-21 Full-time | 2020-21 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £6,720 | £448 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,000 | £1,500 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,000 | £1,500 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | £1,500 (per 20 credit module) |
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 has confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting their study in Scotland from academic year 2021-22, who do not have settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. For 2021-22, 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.
| Year | Level | 2021-22 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £7,230 | |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £13,620 | £9,620 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £13,620 | £9,620 |
| Year 4 | Honours | Free | Free |
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:
| Year | Level | 2021-22 Full-time | 2021-22 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £7,230 | £482 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £13,620 | £2,270 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £13,620 | £2,270 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £13,620 | £2,270 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year | Level | 2020-21 Full-time | 2020-21 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £7,020 | £468 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £13,200 | £2,200 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £13,200 | £2,200 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £13,200 | £2,200 (per 20 credit module) |
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
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact Perth College UHI for more information.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have completed the BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering course, a range of jobs in sound production within the music and entertainment industry will be open to you. These could include:
- Producing content for television, radio or online broadcast
- Recording and creating sound effects for film
- Working in computer gaming
- Live production audio for concerts, conference, and theatre
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
What our students, graduates and staff say
Maria Antonopoulou studied Audio Engineering
at our Perth College UHI campus
The facilities and equipment are up-to-date and perfect for preparing me for the workplace. I have gained great work experience and my qualification will give me the knowledge I need to work as an audio engineer in live sound or for a broadcasting company.
Christine Heriot studied our HNC Sound Production before progressing on to the second year of the BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering at our Perth College UHI campus
I did consider other universities, but I received recommendations from people who said Perth had a great course and campus. I have enjoyed the learning environment and have developed the knowledge and skills to operate audio equipment as well as improving my writing. It has opened up opportunities that I would never have thought possible and has resulted in me having contacts that will prove helpful as my future career develops.
Keith Harvey graduated with a BSc (Hons) Audio Production from our Perth College UHI campus, in 2017
Apply for Audio Engineering BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.