Audio Engineering Degree

Audio Engineering Degree - Overview

The degree is a two-year programme that takes the core skills learned in the diploma year and adds a comprehensive academic curriculum to give our students the best mix of practical and theoretical education. The degree broadens the learning experience beyond the purely vocational type training, by including a wider knowledge base and research-based educational experience. The Audio Production Degree programme can only be taken at the various approved SAE degree centres.

Aims

The BA/BSc (Honours) Audio Production degree comprises the audio engineering diploma plus a second year of degree level studies. This degree is taught and administered by SAE and validated by Middlesex University, London. The degree can be taken over a period of two years as an intensive programme.

Qualification

BA/BSc (Hons) Audio Production

Degree Entry Requirements

• minimum age 18; and
• successful completion of the SAE Diploma; and
• completion of a minimum of two A-Levels at sufficient grades; or
• mature age students over 21 years; or
• on receipt of suitable evidence, SAE shall seek to admit all prospective students (via special entry) who are considered to have a reasonable chance of success in the programme.

Degree Duration

24 months full time (1800 clock hours).

Assessment method and award

Practical
Will involve progressive assessment and the submission of studio logs; and

Theoretical
• all BA/BSc (Hons) students must undertake a specialist written research project; and
• pass and complete all individual degree modules

Award

In order to qualify for the Bachelor degree, candidates need to reach an overall mark of 360 Middlesex University credit points.

Second year direct entry

Graduates who have successfully completed the SAE Audio Engineering Diploma from other SAE Colleges can continue with the degree at SAE. Graduates with similar qualifications from other Institutions can apply for advanced standing in the degree programme.

Credit point notes

• The BA/BSc (Hons) degree programme is equivalent to 360 Middlesex University credit points which is equal to: 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit points.
• USA eqivalent: Our Bachelor degree is 1800 clock hours (Diploma 900 hours + Degree 900 hours). Equal to a full 4 year US bachelor degree programme. Our bachelor degree is instructed in an accelerated delivery format over a 2 year period (6 semesters).

Module Overview

SAE 2000 - Creative Media Practice
This module aims to position the discipline, specific knowledge and skills acquired during the diploma phase within a wider industry, business and cultural context. The structure and operations of the culture industries are examined together with the meanings produced in the interplay between culture, cultural products and the consumer. The resulting implications for the pitching of creative media ideas and the marketing of creative media products are also considered, as are the legal and ethical aspects of creative media activity.

Students take their existing skills and adapt them to a range of markets, cultures and platforms, requiring students to enhance their understanding of other cultures and assimilate other disciplines into their practice.

Topics include:
• Project Management
• Research
• Industry Issues
• Cultural Issues
• Business & Legal Studies
• Marketing

Students also write blogs as part of the course.

SAE 3110 - Advanced Audio Practice

This module aims to develop discipline, specific knowledge and skills to more sophisticated conceptual and technical levels through the realisation and evaluation of advanced audio applications. Legal, contractual and ethical factors introduced in SAE2000 are considered significant, with the expectation that the student's creative practice shows a mature understanding of these issues.

Finally, students are offered the opportunity to reflect on their career options, engage in professional practice and consider strategies for continuing professional development.

Topics include:
• Advanced Project Management
• Advanced Post Production
• Recording on Location
• 20th Century Composition/Arranging
• Sound Design/DSP Programming
• Advanced Industry Issues
• Advanced Music Business

SAE 3200 - Major Project (BA) / SAE 3300 - Major Project (BSc)
The major project is self-generated and may take one of many forms. There is an expectation however that the final product will be of a calibre that will help the student progress into employment or postgraduate work.

The project is intended to demonstrate a range of advanced skills in accordance with the requirements of a substantial Level-3 Final Project. Through successful completion the student will also exhibit their capacity to conduct independent research and manage a large-scale venture.

Central to the module is an exploration of research methodologies and their successful application. Student will develop a project proposal and submit this for approval. They will project manage all aspects involved in preliminary and planning phases through to realisation.