BSc (Hons) Live Sound and Lighting Technology

Year 1

Live sound and lighting technology students learn the core principles and layout of our consoles, specifically our Midas Pro Series audio console and our Avolites lighting consoles. Live sound reinforcement is covered in detail, as is training your ear to enable you to dial into what makes a clean mix. In this first year you will also learn to patch, operate and programme our Avolites lighting consoles.

In addition to your live sound pathway specific module, with our music and sound technology programme core modules you will also gain a solid grounding on a number of major DAW packages, as well as develop your creative and technical skills in mixing and effects processing, studio work and making your own virtual instruments.  In order to develop your technical knowledge of connected audio specialisms, you’ll investigate acoustics, psychoacoustics, audio and Midi protocols and a number of sound projection systems whilst also using lab time to develop an understanding of audio electronics through building your own synthesizer for your own creative output.  Music Business is also introduced where you’ll investigate various music business modules and contexts that connect what you are studying to the music industry.

Year 2

In year 2 you’ll gain a solid understanding of sound signal routing and also look into the basics of system design (which is further honed, in year 3). You’ll will develop mixing strategies using a broader range of consoles and also investigate advanced projection mapping systems and the requirements and practicalities of audio reinforcement from a broadcast perspective. Event management projects, working alongside Audio Recording and Production students under the guise of event management will task you with supporting the delivery of large-scale live events, undertaking various lighting and sound technical roles.

In addition to your live sound pathway specific module, music and sound technology core modules in year two place much focus on developing your critical ear, and getting your music out there, with detailed work on developing both mixing and mastering techniques, and approaches to digital distribution and delivery.  In addition, students continue to develop their deep understanding of microphones and sound signal routing, including network-based systems using our state of the art Rednet enabled facilities.  You will continue to hone your studio practice and understanding of the wider music industry. 

Year 3

In much focus is placed around opportunities to work on more complex live sound and lighting events, as well as gaining a solid grounding in audio system design. Drawing on the programmes’ industry accreditation links, students also engage with a defined real-life / live project within the area of (or relating to) live sound and lighting technology.  This is delivered and supported by sessions from a range of academic staff in addition to bespoke sessions from industry professionals who feed in external expertise, so as to support the realisation, process and achievement of the project as a whole.  Typical projects include large track count mixing, audio and media work, and as such create opportunities for students to test and validate their live sound and lighting skills to a typically externally defined industry brief, including delivering to specification, deadline and budget. 

By year 3, the vast majority of our students have already formed a number of professional connections, and students are able to make use of these and reflect on their approaches within a dedicated field project.  In addition, there is the final major project which under the supervision of a dedicated tutor allows you to specialize in your chosen area.

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.  These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.  

Level 4

Module

• Professional & Industrial Context 1
• Live Sound and Lighting Technology Practice 1
• Audio Specialisms 1
• Sound Technologies and Techniques 1

Level 5

Module

• Live Sound and Lighting Technology Practice 2
• Audio Specialisms 2
• Sound Technologies and Techniques 2
• Professional & Industrial Context 2
• Year Abroad
• Professional Work Experience 30: Music

Level 6

Module

• Year Abroad
• Professional & Industrial Context 3
• Live Sound and Lighting Technology Practice 3
• Sound Technologies and Techniques 3
• Major Technology Project
• MT Technology Project (Version 2)
• Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)