Explore the exciting and ever-changing world of television, film and new media with our BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV degree. With this degree, you’ll learn the skills and gain the industry experience to become a composer for film and TV or a creative sound artist, honing in on ADR, sound design, Foley and a range of other post-production specialisms.

Register your interest

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol / Manchester
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
3 Years
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,250

Applications opening soon

Get UCAS codes

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol / Manchester
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
3 Years
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,250
Get UCAS codes
Start your application

Course Overview

This BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV degree will immerse you in the world of music and sound production for film, helping you to develop a wide range of skills and techniques that are in high demand in the industry.

From powerful soundtracks and sweeping orchestral scores, to the meticulously crafted Foley effects that make every footstep, door slam and whispered word feel real, music and sound doesn’t just support the visuals; it brings them to life.

Throughout this 3 year degree, you’ll dive deep into the world of film and tv sound and music. Exploring both the creative and technical aspects of music production, sound design and post-production. You’ll learn how to create music that resonates with audiences and how to build sound effects that add depth and realism to a scene. Explore advanced techniques in orchestration and post-production, as well as staying ahead of the curve with cutting edge modules in immersive audio.

These skills will be applied through a variety of projects throughout your degree,which may include collaborations with students at other institutions, professional placements, or projects you source yourself, building a professional portfolio that showcases your creative and technical abilities.

It's not all about the technical side, however. You'll also study the aesthetics and history of film music and sound, and develop your research, writing, and communication skills.

Why Choose This Course?

Immersive Industry Experience: Work on industry-inspired projects that emulate real-world scenarios, with potential opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers and sound professionals, helping you build practical skills and expand your professional network.
State-of-the-art Studios: Learn in cutting-edge facilities, with access to the same tools the professionals use, including Dolby Atmos suites, recording studios and Foley Room.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Whether your passion lies in music composition, sound design or post-production, this course offers a wide range of career paths for its graduates.

Throughout your studies you’ll also have access to a substantial guest lecture programme, where you’ll learn from industry experts who bring their knowledge and insights. You’ll hear about the latest trends, technologies and creative practices shaping the industry.

This course is delivered at dBs Institute. Taught and awarded by Access Creative College

If you’re based in or hoping to study in London, this course is available to study with Access Creative London.

Find out about Access Creative Londons courses

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Course Details

You will study a total of 18 modules, including a final major project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

Full course details, including course aims and assessment criteria can be accessed online, access the full course details.

Students record a string section in a music hall with a remote recording rig.

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

In year 1 of your Music & Sound for Film & TV degree, you’ll develop your technical and creative skills by exploring key principles of music/sound composition and production for film and TV. 

You'll hone your skills with DAWs, like Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Ableton Live, and gain hands-on experience in professional studio settings. You’ll also explore the history and aesthetics of film sound, learning how different genres and techniques shape the way we experience movies.

Module Details

Unit Overview

Film Music Production

Learn to compose and produce music for films, TV, video games and other media.

You’ll work with industry-standard software, explore music theory and scoring, non-linear composition, synchronisation techniques and processes. As well as considering the future of the music industry, focusing on diversity and sustainability in your creative process.

Sound Design for Film

Master the art of sound design, exploring popular and experimental techniques. You’ll work with synthsisers, samplers and effects processors as well as Foley work.

This module encourages creativity and fresh approaches, and you’ll explore a wide range of sound creation methods whilst building your own creative portfolio.

Film Aesthetics

In this module you’ll investigate how music and sound shape the film experience. You’ll explore the history of film sound, key concepts and how different genres use soundtracks to tell stories. You will also develop skills in communicating complex subjects through sound and music alongside film editing practices using software such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.

Studio Practice

Learn the essentials of recording and producing music in a professional studio environment. This module covers everything from setting up and using studio equipment to understanding signal chain and system design.

You'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment such as our API, Neve, and SSL mixing consoles, as well as other cutting-edge hardware and software.

Industry Foundations

Introducing you to the key factors of the sound and music industry, you will develop an understanding of the vital and integral factors related to income and revenue, copyright and royalties, contracts, publishing, synchs, streaming and digital consumer platforms and formats (e.g. NFTs). 

You’ll examine the creative contexts of the industry, communication techniques for pitching and presenting projects, self-assessment, time management and establishing short and long-term professional creative goals.

Film Sound Production

Design and develop a portfolio of work, based on your own exploration and enhancement of skills towards specific film sound and film music ideas. You will carry out musical/sonic experimentation and development in the realisation of an industry-relevant portfolio of work.

Year 2

In year 2 you’ll be introduced to more advanced techniques and be encouraged to push your creativity further. You’ll continue developing your sound design skills while diving into new areas like immersive audio and post production. Research will also play a larger role, with a key project forming the basis of your final year research project.

Module Details

Recording for Film

Build your expertise in recording and mixing sound for film using industry-standard equipment and software, while developing strong creative and technical processes to create a professional product. 

This module focuses on recording, mixing, sound engineering and audio processing. You’ll also explore sustainability and innovation in the field, helping you stay current and adaptable as the industry evolves.

Film Music Technology

Explore the advanced technology behind music creation for film. This module delves into the relationship between audio fidelity, sound aesthetics, and film narrative. You’ll work with cutting-edge tools, from generative techniques to software and hardware synthesis, while also gaining experience in film editing with platforms like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.

Post Production

Building on your first-year knowledge, this module covers advanced editing, processing, and mixing techniques. From pre-production planning and location recording to ADR and final mixing, you’ll cover the entire post-production process, while also addressing complex technical considerations and creative problem-solving.

Immersive Audio

Immersive audio has evolved to encompass a wide range of applications, from audio capture techniques to mixing, mastering and listening experiences to video game applications, such as AR/VR. 

This module allows you to develop skills in the application of immersive audio processes, including spatial/object-based audio and surround sound mixing for a range of applications, not least emerging listening experiences for consumer platforms.

Research Practice

The benefit of this module is the scope of research possibility, allowing you to formalise your academic skills while exploring a topic that fascinates you. 

This can even become part of a larger life plan, creating new pathways, fortifying skills and exploring networks in a chosen field. The module also operates as a foundation to the third-year Research Project.

Orchestration for Film

Orchestration plays a huge role in film and TV, and this module will help you develop advanced skills in DAW-based orchestration, alongside learning the relevant recording processes and techniques for orchestral instruments. 

You’ll build your understanding of music theory application using software tools, and gain a deeper understanding of melody and harmony alongside techniques for scoring with strings, woodwinds and brass, amongst other related orchestral instruments.

Year 3

In your final year, you’ll bring everything together, focusing on larger projects that reflect your passion and expertise. You’ll be given the freedom to identify, research and realise a project of your choosing, alongside exploring more experimental and innovative approaches to music/sound creation. 

You will also produce an extended research project, which can take the form of either a full written dissertation or a practical research project.

Module Details

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encouraged to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encourage to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Register your interest

Start your application

How You'll Learn

You will be creating original music, Foley and sound effects for a variety of film and television projects, with the opportunity to specialise. 

You’ll be working on industry inspired briefs, collaborating with your classmates and as well as opportunities to collaborate with student filmmakers from other institutes. Building your knowledge and technical skills in composition, recording, mixing and mastering, you will also become adept with using various software, including Logic Pro X and Pro Tools.

You'll learn through practical workshops, lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, and tutor and peer feedback on your work.

‍

Assessment Methods

Assessments are 100% coursework.

Written assignments.

Presentations.

Portfolio development of creative, practical and/or technical work.

On average you should allow for between 40-50 hours per week for your studies, of which approximately 25% will be taught (c.10 hours) and 75% will be self-study.

How to Apply

Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

Apply

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

UK & Home Fee Status Students

Tuition fees for 24-25 are TBC. Below are the course costs for 23-24 for reference.

Access to HE courses, 1 year, on campus

£4,835

‍

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus Access to HE diploma courses.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for the Advanced Learner Loan if:

‍You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

‍

Advanced Learner Loan

To help with the costs of your course you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. This is a loan provided by the UK Government through Student Finance England.

Head to the GOV.UK website to find out about Advanced Learner Loans and how to apply.

To apply for the Advanced Learner Loan you must be 19 or older on the first day of your course.

Eligibility for the Advanced Learner Loan is also determined by your nationality and residency status, please head to the eligibility page on the GOV.UK website for more information.

Please be aware that the Advanced Learner Loan will only cover your course fees, not your living costs.

‍

Repayment

How much you repay depends on your income. You will pay a percentage of your income over the threshold for your loan. The threshold and amount you repay is determined by when you take out your loan. For example:

If you receive an advanced learner loan for 2024/25 your yearly threshold will be £27,295. You will be required to repay 9% of your income over the threshold.

‍

Advanced Learner Loan ‘Write Off’

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a Higher Education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

Year 3

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encouraged to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encourage to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

The equal consideration deadline for September 2025 entry applications is  29th January 2025.

Start your UCAS application

Full how to apply guide

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential.

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. If you do not hold the minimum entry requirements but can demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation you will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet our typical offer guidelines may be invited to interview, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your experience and suitability for the course.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we accept a variety of English language tests and they are listed on Falmouth University's International Entry Requirements page.

If you don’t yet meet our undergraduate degree entry requirements, our Access to HE Diplomas offer a flexible and tailored route to prepare you for higher education.

Find out more about our Diploma courses

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. Therefore, tuition fees may rise in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,250

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,250

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus undergraduate degree programmes.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for home fees if:

‍

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

‍

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

UCAS Codes

Bristol

W395

D

D16

Manchester

W396

J

D16

If you would like to make an application for this course, fill in your details below and a member of our admissions team will be in touch to advise you through the application process.

For detailed information on how to apply please take a look at our guide to making an application.

How to apply guide

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants with varied qualifications, but typically you'll need an undergraduate degree in a related discipline. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience.

We'll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

International Students

At this time, we are currently able to accept international students on our online postgraduate degree programmes only.

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for Home fees if:

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

‍

Year 3

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encouraged to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encourage to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Why Choose dBs

Why Choose dBs & ACC

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration. Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Bristol

Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab

Bristol

Inside our Dolby Atmos suite

Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk

Bristol

Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

Bristol

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

A hardware synth performance in Studio 3

Bristol

A hardware synth performance in Studio 3

Students making music in the production suite

Bristol

Students making music in the production suite

Bristol

Our API 1608 mixing console

Why Choose an Online Degree at dBs

Our online Master's degrees offer a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.

Flexible study

Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you. Video materials that have been created for online students will also be made available to students that select to study on-site.

dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

Learn from the pros

You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

Industry Connections

As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.
This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

What our students say

Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

What our students say

Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

Tutors

Community Stories

“It feels pretty insane” - Lulu Thompson on working for Apple TV

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Am I too old for university?

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Breaking The Bias: Women at dBs Who Are Killing It

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Award-winning Emma Abrans on her score for A Ghastly Murder

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The making of Muntjac

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The West of England is leading the way on immersive audio innovation

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What it’s like studying at dBs - from our students and alumni

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Marnie Rose Davidge: Connecting music to the moving image

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“I hope I haven't peaked”: dBs Bristol's Ethan Harper on His RTS Award Win

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dBs Bristol’s Rob Kivits on studying Sound for Film & Television

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'When I Killed The Cat' - Crafting The Sound World For a Short Film

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Translating Cinema: An introduction to film localisation with Ryan Green

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dBs graduate lands scholarship with game audio expert Akash Thakkar

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Opportunities

Engaging with our industry

In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

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Career support

We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

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dBs Pro

dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

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Your Future Prospects

Thanks to this programme's emphasis on learning by doing, students will have amassed a huge list of credits on a variety of shorts, feature films and shows over the course of three years; equipping them with everything they need to progress from education into the industry. Becoming a composer for film or a sound designer are two of the more obvious pathways students can explore, but the fundamental knowledge of composition, recording, mixing and mastering will give students the skills to work in a multitude of audio-based roles.

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Here are some of the career paths you can take:

Carreers

Composer for Screen

Endlessly creative and incredibly malleable, Composers for Screen provide visual media its emotional core.

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Carreers

Foley Artist/Dubbing Mixer

Foley Artists and dubbing mixers bring film and television to life through the recording, editing and mixing of real world sounds, dialogue and sound effects to create an immersive viewing experience.

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Carreers

Sound Designer

Creative problem-solvers and playful thinkers, Sound Designers use audio to bring projects to life.

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More career options

Register your interest

Let's get started

Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

Register your interest

If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

Apply for our Access to HE Diploma

Let's get started

If you’re 19+ and aiming for higher education, our diplomas provide the essential qualifications and skills you need to progress confidently onto university courses. Whether it’s a career shift, skill enhancement, or pursuing a long-held passion, our

Access to HE Diplomas open doors.

To apply for our diplomas, please complete the application form below. Once we have received your information, our admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview.