BSc (Hons) Live Sound Degree | dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies

Our exciting Live Sound degree is highly practical, gear-heavy and packed full of industry opportunities to give you the skills and knowledge required for a successful career. We’ll teach you how to work with modern speaker systems, current mixing technology, acoustics, sound system optimisation, live sound production and elevate your listening skills and hone your professional practice.

Applications open november 23

Apply Now

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol / Manchester
Start Date
September 2024
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
3 Years
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,250

Start your application

Get UCAS codes

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol / Manchester
Start Date
September 2024
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
3 Years
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,250
Get UCAS codes
Start your application

Course Overview

The Live Sound degree will see you develop in-depth knowledge and the practical skills required to design, build and operate professional sound systems in a range of varied live event situations, such as festivals, small and large scale venues, theatres and other commercial events.

All practical elements of this course take place in our specially-designed teaching and performance spaces, in Manchester this includes the 1,300 capacity working venue New Century. Over the three years you’ll become confident in areas such as Front of House mixing, digital audio networking, advanced system optimisation, audio console operations, and immersive sound installations.

You'll be using professional-grade equipment from respected manufacturers such as LÁcousitcs, Allen & Heath, Martin Audio, Midas, Avid, Yamaha and d&b Audiotechnik, learning from tutors and our impressive roster of guest speakers who are at the very top of the UK’ Live Sound industry. In addition, you’ll have numerous work experience opportunities in a diverse array of live event situations, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world settings while gaining invaluable industry insights and connections.

Alongside these practical skills, you will also learn what it takes to work in the industry. While exploring how to set up your own business and generate self-employment opportunities, we will help nurture your confidence, team working skills and professional communication proficiency to maximise your chances of employment in the industry.

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Access Creative College

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

Course Details

You will study a total of 16 modules, including a final major project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes

Close up of a digital Yamaha mixing console

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

In the first year of your Live Sound degree, you’ll learn about the behaviour of sound and how it is affected by physical environments, develop your live mixing skills and delve into loudspeaker designs. You’ll explore the evolution of sound culture and bring together many aspects of live sound in the planning, production and execution of a live show.

Module Details

Front of House & Signal Flow - Learn what it takes to set up and operate a suitable live sound system and stage as part of a professional team during a live gig. You will learn how to create a professional environment for artists to comfortably perform in, as well as theoretical and practical elements (e.g. room acoustic calculations) and showcase your understanding by participating in two different roles during a live show.
Applied Acoustics - This module will give you an essential grounding and understanding of how sounds behave in different spaces and how they are perceived by individuals. You’ll be introduced to a range of complex tools and techniques and see how they are applied to a range of real-world scenarios.

Sound Culture - Enhance your knowledge and understanding of key factors related to the development of culture within sound and music, with an aim to facilitating a research project. You will focus on an area of your choosing within live sound and develop materials that allow you to present your findings in an appropriate fashion, forming the development of key research skills to support your future endeavours.
Digital Mixing Techniques - This module develops your knowledge and understanding of FOH and monitor mixing techniques using a range of different desks (both analogue and digital). You will develop skills in evaluating artists’ preferences and the ability to adjust your mix as a result.

Loudspeaker Design - An examination of the history of loudspeakers and their design. You will learn how to decide which transducer would be most effective or efficient for a particular loudspeaker cabinet, alongside examining point source systems, coverage angle and inverse square law, T/S parameters, horn theory and considerations for system design.
Live Sound & Pre-Production - You will examine multiple facets of live sound including monitor mixing, FOH mixing, signal processing, system tuning to enhance your skills in the planning, production and execution of a public sound or music event. The pooling of expertise in the planning stage, the allocation of roles and responsibilities and the teamwork required for the smooth running of a performance all come together within this module.

Year 2

You’ll refine your live mixing skills, exploring digital processes and transition protocols, digital audio consoles and associated devices, synchronisation and time-codes and the use of VCAs and snapshots in audio-mixing. You’ll develop the knowledge needed to operate and tune a sound system to a specific environment and discover how technology can be used to deliver live experiences via digital means.

Module Details

Digital Audio Fundamentals - This module examines the array of digital innovations that have arisen in recent years, how they have impacted the live sound industry, and most importantly, introduces you to these newer technologies and techniques.
System Design Theory & Application - Explore the theory behind traditional and alternative techniques for sound system design within real-world environments. You will develop knowledge and understanding of sound system technologies and their application within a range of venues and situations, alongside underpinning theoretical principles (e.g wave theory with relation to line arrays, coverage prediction and phase calculations).
Audio Networking - This module examines advancements in digital technology that enable previously problematic analogue solutions to be replaced with modern audio networks. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of digital audio networking and skills in the application of associated techniques to achieve testable, real-world results, applying relevant mathematical and scientific principles as needed.
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Digital Production Implementation - This module will see you build your experience working with the more unusual applications of live sound, e.g. immersive experiences and installations using purpose-built hardware and software.
Advanced Mixing Techniques - Further develop your mixing practice to encompass a wide range of advanced, professional processes and strategies within real-world environments. You will apply advanced tools and techniques to solve complex problems as well as realise high-quality sonic results while working with others under pressure.

Research Practice - Explore a topic that really interests you and research academic studies relating to it. 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.

Year 3

In the final year of your Live Sound degree, you’ll deepen your understanding of monitoring and learn the skills needed to optimise the tuning of a system to create the best possible experience for an audience. You’ll also study radio frequency theory and operation and complete a research project that looks into your chosen area of the live sound industry.

Module Details

Live Sound Production - Spread across the entirety of your final year, this module will see you plan, develop and deliver a major live sound production; undertaking key responsibilities including the curation of acts and managing their needs and desires.

Advanced System Design & Optimisation - Learn the required skills needed to optimise the tuning of a sound system to create the best possible coverage for the audience whilst adhering to off-site noise limitations. Your learning will encompass developing your understanding of FFT data analysis and transfer function measurements, advanced phase theory, the impact of meteorological effects, correct time alignment of a large scale system with multiple positions, bass management and controlling sub frequencies and how to use prediction software to allow for effective planning in regards to noise management.
Monitoring - This module examines the wide range of different monitoring technologies available to the monitor engineer and develops skills, knowledge and understanding of their application within real-world environments, including ISO frequency bands, feedback isolation, equal loudness curves and PAG.
Extended Research Project - This is your chance to take the research gathered in your second year of study and apply it to a much larger project, which can take the form of a full written dissertation or a practical research project that culminates in the creation of a physical artefact and is supported by research materials that informed its creation.

How You'll Learn

Learning in both dBs' purpose-built spaces and public venues, you will become adept in live sound engineering; growing your skills in live sound production, system design, acoustics and more. You’ll get hands-on with a multitude of mixing consoles, working with some of the best speaker systems in the industry and develop your practical skills through practice-based workshops; while learning to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, and individual tutorials. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars and our Virtual Learning Environment. In addition your learning will be supported by:

You will learn through:

Lectures and practical workshops
Masterclasses and guest lectures
Group and 1-2-1 tutorials
Access to extensive studio facilities and bookable equipment
Use of library resources and study spaces
Access to our Virtual Learning Environment
Access to supporting online resources including videos, reading and interactive activities

Assessments are 100% coursework, submitted in an electronic format to our virtual learning environment, and designed to reflect professional practice.

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.

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Why Choose dBs

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

The Midas Verona 320 mixer in our live sound hall

Bristol

The Midas Verona 320 mixer in our live sound hall

Mixing a live show in the New Century venue (Credit: Honey Productions)

Manchester

Mixing a live show in the New Century venue (Credit: Honey Productions)

Bristol

A guest workshop in our live sound hall

Bristol

Hands-on with the Yamaha MC7L mixer

Why Choose a Online
Degree at dBs

Our online master's degrees offers 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.

Tutors

Bruce Turner

Module Leader

We always learn something new when talking to Bruce. Specialising in production and performance, he’s passionate about exploring biomechanics and the science of sound.

Find out more

Skye Walters

Live Sound Technician

Skye is most at home behind a mixing console and has racked up an impressive list of credits as a live sound engineer across the UK and Europe.

Find out more

Tom Chitson

BSc (Hons) Live Sound Course Leader

Tom is a bass-lover, heavy metal connoisseur and avid mountain biker who has delivered top-tier sound in some of the best clubs in the world.

Find out more

Meet more of our tutors

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

Your Future Prospects

Students progressing on from the live sound course will possess a vast expertise of every element that goes into producing live music to a high standard. By the time they graduate, our students have all found a niche role within the wider live sound industry that they will pursue at a professional level.

In our career spotlight, we highlight a number of these roles and how this programme can equip you with the skills for any of them:

Carreers

Live Sound Engineer

The lifeblood of the show, Live Sound Engineers ensure that every element of the live music experience is perfectly tuned and neither the performers nor the audience ever misses a thing.

Find out more

More career options

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

Fees

Course Fees: £4,835

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.

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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 £25,000. You will be required to repay 9% of your income over the threshold.

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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

Live Sound Production - Spread across the entirety of your final year, this module will see you plan, develop and deliver a major live sound production; undertaking key responsibilities including the curation of acts and managing their needs and desires.

Advanced System Design & Optimisation - Learn the required skills needed to optimise the tuning of a sound system to create the best possible coverage for the audience whilst adhering to off-site noise limitations. Your learning will encompass developing your understanding of FFT data analysis and transfer function measurements, advanced phase theory, the impact of meteorological effects, correct time alignment of a large scale system with multiple positions, bass management and controlling sub frequencies and how to use prediction software to allow for effective planning in regards to noise management.
Monitoring - This module examines the wide range of different monitoring technologies available to the monitor engineer and develops skills, knowledge and understanding of their application within real-world environments, including ISO frequency bands, feedback isolation, equal loudness curves and PAG.
Extended Research Project - This is your chance to take the research gathered in your second year of study and apply it to a much larger project, which can take the form of a full written dissertation or a practical research project that culminates in the creation of a physical artefact and is supported by research materials that informed its creation.

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

Please note that the UCAS 'on-time' application deadline for equal consideration is Wednesday 25 January 2023.

Start your UCAS application

Full how to apply guide

Entry Requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. All applicants are invited to interview and you’ll be given the opportunity to demonstrate this, along with what inspires and motivates you in your chosen field.

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. Please contact us for further details.

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.

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.

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

£9,250

BA(Hons) top-up degree, 1 year, on campus

£9,250

FdA courses, 2 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

BA(Hons) top-up degree, 1 year, on campus

£9,250

FdA courses, 2 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:

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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

Manchester

W367

F33

Bristol

W359

F33

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

Request more information

Start your application

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

Live Sound Production - Spread across the entirety of your final year, this module will see you plan, develop and deliver a major live sound production; undertaking key responsibilities including the curation of acts and managing their needs and desires.

Advanced System Design & Optimisation - Learn the required skills needed to optimise the tuning of a sound system to create the best possible coverage for the audience whilst adhering to off-site noise limitations. Your learning will encompass developing your understanding of FFT data analysis and transfer function measurements, advanced phase theory, the impact of meteorological effects, correct time alignment of a large scale system with multiple positions, bass management and controlling sub frequencies and how to use prediction software to allow for effective planning in regards to noise management.
Monitoring - This module examines the wide range of different monitoring technologies available to the monitor engineer and develops skills, knowledge and understanding of their application within real-world environments, including ISO frequency bands, feedback isolation, equal loudness curves and PAG.
Extended Research Project - This is your chance to take the research gathered in your second year of study and apply it to a much larger project, which can take the form of a full written dissertation or a practical research project that culminates in the creation of a physical artefact and is supported by research materials that informed its creation.

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.

Course Overview

Course Details

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

Module Details

Year 2

Module Details

Year 3

Module Details

How You'll Learn

Why Choose dBs

Facilities

Why Choose a Online Degree at dBs

Flexible study

Learn from the pros

Industry Connections

What our students say

Tutors

Bruce Turner

Skye Walters

Tom Chitson

Community Stories

dBs Institute and New Century's Live Sound scholarship in Manchester

Live Sound Students Get Hands-on with d&b Audiotechnik's 360° Soundscape System

Challenging underrepresentation in the live sound industry

3 live sound students on how their tutors are making a positive difference in and outside of uni

dBs live sound students go above and beyond at Balter Festival

Opportunities

Engaging with our industry

Career support

dBs Pro

Your Future Prospects

Live Sound Engineer

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

Year 3

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

Year 3

Further Study

Register your interest

Stats

Why Choose a Online
Degree at dBs