Overview
Discover how sound works, and how technology can help you master it, on our full-time, industry accredited Audio and Music Technology degree in Cambridge. Get support to find work placements, and choose to take an additional placement year. Integrate theories of sound into your audio projects, as you build a portfolio for a future career in the creative industries, including live sound, gaming, broadcast and film.
Lecturers encourage and support cross-faculty communication so everyone can produce the best portfolio possible
- Study on a degree that scored 100% for Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019
- Join a course with accreditation from JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) and the IET (Institute of Engineering & Technology)
- Work in industry-standard recording studios and audio and video production facilities supported by a dedicated technical team
- Prepare for a career in an industry that grew by 2% in 2017 to contribute a record £4.5 billion to the economy – up by £100 million on 2016 (uk.music.org).
- Join our award-winning Audio Music Technology Society and gain access to work experience at professional venues
- Make the most of Cambridge’s diverse music scene, from classical to UK rap
Under the guidance and expertise of experienced academic staff and industry-active practitioners, you will develop a broad, balanced skill set, acquiring proficiencies in the design, integration, and operation of the technologies and techniques that will underpin your future career. You will have access to our industry standard recording studios and audio and video production facilities, giving you use of a wide range of digital and analogue audio equipment all supported by a dedicated course-based technical support team.
Your studies with us will be a carefully balanced blend of theory and practice. You will gain hands-on experience in field and studio recording; explore the manipulation, editing and mixing of sound using analogue and digital systems and workflows; investigate acoustics and psychoacoustics; as well as signal processing, programming, and electronics.
You decide the path your educational journey takes through your participation in our module choice process. You can opt for modules that reflect your personal aspirations, interests, and passions; or to learn new skills, methodologies and perspectives. You may choose to focus on multi-track audio production, developing sound for film and games, hardware design, digital signals processing or something else entirely – it is your education.
We make your employability as a graduate a core focus throughout your studies. Your coursework assignments are designed to prepare you for industry. As you progress through the course you will collate a professional portfolio of work with which you can showcase your talents to prospective clients and employers. You will benefit from our expertise and experience as an entrepreneurial university, receiving advice, guidance and support from our careers and employability service and the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA). We also convene an employer’s advisory group, through which we engage with local industry and promote work experience and job opportunities as well as giving you a chance to ask questions of potential future employers.
You will also have the opportunity to join our award winning Audio Music Technology Society, through which you will gain invaluable work experience in and around the numerous Cambridge venues, including our very own Students’ Union Academy and Mumford Theatre. There is an optional work placement between years two and three, plus internships with our industry partners and practitioners. All of which equates to great experience to include on your CV plus a fantastic opportunity to make those essential industry contacts.
Our course is accredited by both JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) and the IET (Institute of Engineering & Technology). J.A.M.E.S also represent the Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) and the Interactive Audio Special Interest Group (IASIG). We coordinate the local chapter of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), hosting regular talks and seminars.
Careers
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Find out more about our placements and work experience, or the faculty’s employability support.
Our course focuses heavily on the science and technology that underpins the subject area – the aim being that you’ll have a wide range of career paths open to you.
Our graduates work in a variety of roles and industries including recording and mix engineers, live sound engineering, acoustic consultants, audio electronics, project management and hardware design, as well as lecturers and technicians. A number of our alumni have gone on to found their own companies and develop successful freelance careers.
As a graduate, you’ll be able to understand and operate the latest hardware and software, have transferable skills that greatly enhance your employability, and already be part of a network of professionals.
Modules & Assessment
Year one, core modules
-
Basic Recording and Studio Techniques
-
Acoustics and Psychoacoustics
-
Digital Electronics for Audio
-
Analytical Techniques for Games Developers
-
Acoustics, Sound and Music
-
Simulation in Games
Year one, optional modules
-
Studio Practice
-
Analogue Electronics for Audio
Year two, core modules
-
Digital Music Format
-
Live Recording Practice
-
Advanced Studio Practice
-
Audio Electronics
Year two, optional modules
-
Composition Software
-
Electronic Circuits
-
Audio for Film
-
Signals and Signal Processing
-
Audio for Games
-
Audio Plug-In Development
Year three, core modules
-
Final Studio Portfolio 1
-
Major Project
-
Final Studio Portfolio 2
Year three, optional modules
-
Digital Performance
-
Live Sound Engineering
-
Analogue and Digital Synthesis
-
Audio Programming
-
Integrated Audio System Design
Assessment
For a full breakdown of module options and credits, please view the module structure (pdf).
We use a range of assessment methods to ensure that your achievements are measured appropriately and that you are best prepared for your future career. Assessments currently include portfolios of recorded works, essays, reports, log books, posters and presentations.
Where you’ll study
Your faculty
In the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, we use our expertise and connections in Cambridge and beyond to nurture creativity through experimentation and risk-taking, and encourage critical thinking, in order to educate, entertain, inspire and understand, as well as to improve people’s lives.
