MA
Postgraduate - Level 7

Game Sound

Online
Subject to validation

Establish yourself as an interactive audio specialist in this multidisciplinary, professionally-targeted, postgraduate course.

Key Information
  • Where can I study?
    Bristol / Manchester
  • Start Date
    September 2024
  • Study Modes
    Full-Time
  • Course Length
    1 Year
  • UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
    £8500
icon chevron Icon Information
Key Information
Key Information
Game Sound

Course Overview

This highly-specialised course focuses on the intricate and multifaceted field of audio production, design and implementation for video games. Through the exploration of established and emerging approaches and technologies, you will develop a deep understanding of production techniques, technical skills and creative concepts necessary to excel in the specialised field of game sound.

You will produce a diverse portfolio that showcases the breadth of your skills and understanding of game audio production, sound design, interactive audio implementation, and become an experienced operator of key industry-relevant tools, thus demonstrating your ability to craft engaging work for a range of audiences and experiences.

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

If you’re based in or hoping to study in London, this course is available to study with Access Creative London.

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

Course Details

You will study a total of 5 modules, including a final major project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes.

MA Game Sound

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

The course takes place over three trimesters, covering 45 weeks. Throughout the year, you will refine your skills as a creator of high-quality, original audio content for interactive experiences; develop your expertise in middleware and game engines; become adept in the recording and mixing of spatial and 3D sound; deepen your understanding of the game industry landscape and produce a final major project.

How You'll Learn

You will further your practical and theoretical knowledge of key creative techniques in sound creation, manipulation, mixing and implementation in interactive experiences using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and immersive sound technologies. This will be bolstered by developing your skills in the implementation of game audio using industry-leading middleware and game engines. Alongside these practical skills, you will become well-versed in the game industry landscape which will help prepare you for your chosen career.

Your development will be supported by:

  • Lectures, seminars 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 hours per week for your studies of which approximately 15% will be taught (c. 6 hours) and 85% will be self-study.

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

Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab
Bristol
Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab
Mixing in our Dolby Atmos suite
Manchester
Mixing in our Dolby Atmos suite
Inside our Dolby Atmos suite
Bristol
Inside our Dolby Atmos suite
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Bristol
Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk
Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk
Manchester
Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk
Inside the Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Manchester
Inside the Neve Genesys Black pro suite
Inside our high-spec game suite
Manchester
Inside our high-spec game suite
Our mo-cap suit in action
Bristol
Our mo-cap suit in action
Students making music in the production suite
Bristol
Students making music in the production suite
arrow
arrow

    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.
    A female student works on her laptop

    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.

    Student working on a project at dBs Pro

    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.

    What our students say

    Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

    Tutors

    No items found.
    arrow
    arrow

      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.

      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.

      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.

      Your Future Prospects

      This postgraduate course will equip you with an extensive suite of skills that can be applied to a range of professional pathways. You’ll possess everything needed to become a game sound professional, be that as an audio implementer or sound designer, for example. Your extensive experience in the recording and mixing of sound, plus Dolby Atmos and 360° audio, will also open up the doors for an engineering role at a studio; or you could take all these skills and apply them in a more conceptual way and pursue a career in sound art.

      Here are just a few of the roles linked to this course:

      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.

      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 31st January 2024.

      UCAS Codes
      Campus
      Course Code
      Campus Code
      Institution Code
      Manchester
      Bristol

      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.

      Further Study

      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.

      Stats