Electronic Music and Sound

A Brighton Electronic Music and Sound degree prepares you for exciting careers in sound composition, sound design, post-production, film/TV/games audio, performance and experimental music.

Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Recent graduates from this course have gone on to work as sound designers, composers, music producers, sound artists and media technologists, some running their own production companies or freelancing in post-production and experimental arts.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Benefit from strong links with local music venues so you can get used to playing live and make industry connections.

• Follow an artistic, experimental curriculum where you are encouraged to discover and develop your own unique creative voice.

• We have a strong track record for producing graduates who have gone on to rewarding careers and are celebrated in the field of sound and music.

• Learn from professional musicians and artists who bring industry experience, insight and passion to their teaching.

• Have the freedom to experiment with our excellent studios, workshops, audio tools that are available to you.

• Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year where you’ll apply your technical, artistic and professional skills in a real-world setting and gain valuable industry connections.

• Collaborate with staff and peers in shared creative projects, helping you learn in a supportive environment and push your work further.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Electronic Sound and Music
Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart, making it the perfect setting to study Electronic Music and Sound. With its exciting live music scene, renowned festivals and venues, the city offers endless inspiration and opportunities to engage with the creative community.

Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to opportunities and industry connections that extend beyond the campus.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for media, design and film.

Year 1
You’ll explore the fundamentals of sound, experimentation and composition. Core work includes creative studio techniques, sound synthesis, acoustics, perception of sound, music analysis and instrument design. You’ll learn to use tools like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Max/MSP, Pure Data and be encouraged to experiment.

Core modules
Practice 1: Introduction to Sound
Practice 2: Sound as Material – Perception and Experimentation
HCS 1: Sonic Cultures
Practice 3: Sound Distribution
Practice 4: Creative Audio Systems
Popular Music: Histories and Contexts

Year 2
You’ll build specialist skills in composition and sound design for moving images, sound art and new media, supported by theory modules that explore contemporary audiovisual practices. You’ll also work across film, TV, games, radio, installations and digital platforms, developing both experimental and industry-focused approaches to sound.

Core modules
Practice 6: Sound for Screen
HCS 3: Sound, Music and the Moving Image
Practice 7: Sound Arts Practice
HCS 4: Theory and History of Sound Art
Practice 8: Final Project and Research Essay Proposals

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in professional settings, make industry connections and return for your final year with more confidence, insight and a portfolio filled with real-world work.

Final year
You’ll undertake an independent project combining creative, technical and professional elements alongside a research essay, professional practice modules and curated final-project work that culminates in exhibition or public presentation. One-to-one tutorials and critical reviews will help refine your voice and work.

Core modules
Perspectives on Art 3: Art Writing
Practice 9: Final Project Development
Professional Practice
Practice 10: Final Project