Birmingham City University
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Course Enquiries Team
Email:courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk
Phone:0121 331 6295
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Sound Engineering
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Millennium Point
Course summary
Do you dream of engineering the future of sound? Our BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering course is designed to immerse you in the cutting-edge world of audio technology and production, equipping you with the skills to pursue careers in live sound, acoustics, audio hardware and software development, and studio production.
Delivered in collaboration with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), this course blends technical expertise, creative flair, and hands-on experience to prepare you for a dynamic career in the world of sound engineering.
The degree offers a comprehensive curriculum to develop your skills across several audio disciplines and employment sectors. You will explore the principles of acoustics, live sound, broadcast audio, studio recording, immersive technologies and software development. Alongside practical experience, you will engage with advanced topics, embracing embedded audio systems, machine learning in audio, and multi-channel sound design - positioning you at the forefront of the emerging technologies shaping the audio industry.
Our facilities are purpose-built for innovation and hands-on learning, from world-leading state-of-the-art recording studios at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to the immersive SoundLab® in STEAMhouse. You will use industry-standard tools such as Logic, Pro Tools, MATLAB, Python, and C++. You will study on state-of-the-art Solid State Logic (SSL) recording consoles, run live sound sessions with industry-standard PA, and utilise our vast array of microphones from Neumann, Brauner and AKG.
Our industry-aligned modules have been designed and finessed through over 25 years of delivery within the field. You will gain invaluable experience and networking opportunities through our Industrial Mentors forum and annual Innovation Fest, connecting you with leading employers and excellent job prospects. Whether designing immersive soundscapes or audio systems, delivering live events, or mastering production techniques, this course equips you with the skills to excel in the evolving field of sound engineering.
Join us to turn your passion for sound, music or science into a dynamic and fulfilling career in one of the most innovative and exciting industries today.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Millennium Point
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 1263
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- Millennium Point
- Campus Code:
- A
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Birmingham City University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 1263
- Institution code:
- B25
- Campus name:
- Millennium Point
- Campus Code:
- A
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BBC
A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent). AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels. A maximum of four subjects will be considered. Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing at A Level or level 3 equivalent
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
112 UCAS Tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing
Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3 with 30 credits at Merit or Distinction. Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing
Scottish Higher
112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC). Required subjects: One from Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
112 UCAS Tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
112 UCAS Tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing
Scottish Advanced Higher
112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC). Required subjects: One from Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall. Required subjects: One of Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology or Physics at Higher Level
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. Required subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing at Higher Level
GCSE/National 4/National 5
This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications
T Level - M
Merit overall. Accepted subjects: Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Media, Broadcast and Production, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Required subjects: One from Technology, Science, Engineering, Mathematics or Computing
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Engineering or Computing
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, Engineering or Computing
WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, Engineering or Computing
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. |
If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18570 | Year 1 |
| International | £18570 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
*The Government is proposing to apply an inflationary increase to regulated tuition fees for 2026/27 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once confirmed.
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