Explore the exciting and ever-changing world of television, film and new media with our BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV degree. With this degree, you’ll learn the skills and gain the industry experience to become a composer for film and TV or a creative sound artist, honing in on ADR, sound design, Foley and a range of other post-production specialisms.

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
3 Years
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,535

Start your application

Get UCAS codes

Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
3 Years
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£9,535
Get UCAS codes
Start your application

Course Overview

This BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV degree will immerse you in the world of music and sound production for film, helping you to develop a wide range of skills and techniques that are in high demand in the industry.

From powerful soundtracks and sweeping orchestral scores, to the meticulously crafted Foley effects that make every footstep, door slam and whispered word feel real, music and sound doesn’t just support the visuals; it brings them to life.

Throughout this 3 year degree, you’ll dive deep into the world of film and tv sound and music. Exploring both the creative and technical aspects of music production, sound design and post-production. You’ll learn how to create music that resonates with audiences and how to build sound effects that add depth and realism to a scene. Explore advanced techniques in orchestration and post-production, as well as staying ahead of the curve with cutting edge modules in immersive audio.

These skills will be applied through a variety of projects throughout your degree,which may include collaborations with students at other institutions, professional placements, or projects you source yourself, building a professional portfolio that showcases your creative and technical abilities.

It's not all about the technical side, however. You'll also study the aesthetics and history of film music and sound, and develop your research, writing, and communication skills.

Why Choose This Course?

Immersive Industry Experience: Work on industry-inspired projects that emulate real-world scenarios, with potential opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers and sound professionals, helping you build practical skills and expand your professional network.
State-of-the-art Studios: Learn in cutting-edge facilities, with access to the same tools the professionals use, including Dolby Atmos suites, recording studios and Foley Room.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Whether your passion lies in music composition, sound design or post-production, this course offers a wide range of career paths for its graduates.

Throughout your studies you’ll also have access to a substantial guest lecture programme, where you’ll learn from industry experts who bring their knowledge and insights. You’ll hear about the latest trends, technologies and creative practices shaping the industry.

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

Course Details

You will study a total of 18 modules, including a final major project. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

Full course details, including course aims and assessment criteria can be accessed online, access the full course details.

Students record a string section in a music hall with a remote recording rig.

Year 1

In year 1 of your Music & Sound for Film & TV degree, you’ll develop your technical and creative skills by exploring key principles of music/sound composition and production for film and TV. 

You'll hone your skills with DAWs, like Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Ableton Live, and gain hands-on experience in professional studio settings. You’ll also explore the history and aesthetics of film sound, learning how different genres and techniques shape the way we experience movies.

Module Details

Recording for Film

Build your expertise in recording and mixing sound for film using industry-standard equipment and software, while developing strong creative and technical processes to create a professional product. 

This module focuses on recording, mixing, sound engineering and audio processing. You’ll also explore sustainability and innovation in the field, helping you stay current and adaptable as the industry evolves.

Film Music Technology

Explore the advanced technology behind music creation for film. This module delves into the relationship between audio fidelity, sound aesthetics, and film narrative. You’ll work with cutting-edge tools, from generative techniques to software and hardware synthesis, while also gaining experience in film editing with platforms like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.

Post Production

Building on your first-year knowledge, this module covers advanced editing, processing, and mixing techniques. From pre-production planning and location recording to ADR and final mixing, you’ll cover the entire post-production process, while also addressing complex technical considerations and creative problem-solving.

Immersive Audio

Immersive audio has evolved to encompass a wide range of applications, from audio capture techniques to mixing, mastering and listening experiences to video game applications, such as AR/VR. 

This module allows you to develop skills in the application of immersive audio processes, including spatial/object-based audio and surround sound mixing for a range of applications, not least emerging listening experiences for consumer platforms.

Research Practice

The benefit of this module is the scope of research possibility, allowing you to formalise your academic skills while exploring a topic that fascinates you. 

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.

Orchestration for Film

Orchestration plays a huge role in film and TV, and this module will help you develop advanced skills in DAW-based orchestration, alongside learning the relevant recording processes and techniques for orchestral instruments. 

You’ll build your understanding of music theory application using software tools, and gain a deeper understanding of melody and harmony alongside techniques for scoring with strings, woodwinds and brass, amongst other related orchestral instruments.

Year 2

In year 2 you’ll be introduced to more advanced techniques and be encouraged to push your creativity further. You’ll continue developing your sound design skills while diving into new areas like immersive audio and post production. Research will also play a larger role, with a key project forming the basis of your final year research project.

Module Details

Recording for Film

Build your expertise in recording and mixing sound for film using industry-standard equipment and software, while developing strong creative and technical processes to create a professional product. 

This module focuses on recording, mixing, sound engineering and audio processing. You’ll also explore sustainability and innovation in the field, helping you stay current and adaptable as the industry evolves.

Film Music Technology

Explore the advanced technology behind music creation for film. This module delves into the relationship between audio fidelity, sound aesthetics, and film narrative. You’ll work with cutting-edge tools, from generative techniques to software and hardware synthesis, while also gaining experience in film editing with platforms like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.

Post Production

Building on your first-year knowledge, this module covers advanced editing, processing, and mixing techniques. From pre-production planning and location recording to ADR and final mixing, you’ll cover the entire post-production process, while also addressing complex technical considerations and creative problem-solving.

Immersive Audio

Immersive audio has evolved to encompass a wide range of applications, from audio capture techniques to mixing, mastering and listening experiences to video game applications, such as AR/VR. 

This module allows you to develop skills in the application of immersive audio processes, including spatial/object-based audio and surround sound mixing for a range of applications, not least emerging listening experiences for consumer platforms.

Research Practice

The benefit of this module is the scope of research possibility, allowing you to formalise your academic skills while exploring a topic that fascinates you. 

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.

Orchestration for Film

Orchestration plays a huge role in film and TV, and this module will help you develop advanced skills in DAW-based orchestration, alongside learning the relevant recording processes and techniques for orchestral instruments. 

You’ll build your understanding of music theory application using software tools, and gain a deeper understanding of melody and harmony alongside techniques for scoring with strings, woodwinds and brass, amongst other related orchestral instruments.

Year 3

In your final year, you’ll bring everything together, focusing on larger projects that reflect your passion and expertise. You’ll be given the freedom to identify, research and realise a project of your choosing, alongside exploring more experimental and innovative approaches to music/sound creation. 

You will also produce an extended research project, which can take the form of either a full written dissertation or a practical research project.

Module Details

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encouraged to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Innovation: Exploration

Exposing you to the rich and diverse history of innovation in sound and music, you will be encouraged to push your own sonic and technical boundaries with the aim of creating a space for creativity and innovation to flourish. 

Working with a wide range of new concepts you will learn how to embrace and apply creative risk, looking at the potential benefits of incorporating this into your commercial and artistic public profile. You will explore innovative compositional skills and fresh perspectives on sound and music working towards a portfolio of practical work. 

Investigation

In this module, you'll be planning, developing, and proposing a research project related to sound or music in an area that interests you. You will outline what you want to explore and start investigating how you'll go about doing it. This module will help you lay a solid foundation for your upcoming extended research project and give you a head start on tackling it!

Professional Portfolio Development

This module will allow you to focus on your specialism within music and sound for film & TV by conducting self-directed planning and development towards your final major project that will include a collection of work ready for the professional world.

At this stage, you will be conducting research relating to your area of focus, enhancing your existing practical skills that you may form part of your production process, and presenting comprehensive research material to your peers for critical discussion, outlining your plans and commercial direction.

Innovation: Realisation

Drawing upon the work you did in the Innovation: Exploration module, you'll apply innovative skills to create a large-scale, practical project. You'll also learn about commercial revenue streams related to sound innovation and how to develop professionally. Embrace an open mind, as you'll be encourage to discover new creative and technical approaches.

Professional Portfolio Delivery

In the second half of your third year, you will develop an impressive portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a composer, producer or sound designer. You'll combine the knowledge you've gained throughout the course and apply advanced techniques to create a collection of work that's ready for the professional world. 

As the culmination of your career plans and creative output, this module empowers you to confidently move forward in your career in music and sound for film and TV.

Research Project

Here's where you'll carry out and complete the research project you planned in the Investigation module. You'll follow the methods, aims, and objectives outlined in your extended research proposal and work on either a written research project or a practical research project. 

This module allows you to dive deep into your chosen area of sound or music, showcasing your skills and knowledge through a comprehensive research project.

Register your interest

How You'll Learn

You will be creating original music, Foley and sound effects for a variety of film and television projects, with the opportunity to specialise. 

You’ll be working on industry inspired briefs, collaborating with your classmates and as well as opportunities to collaborate with student filmmakers from other institutes. Building your knowledge and technical skills in composition, recording, mixing and mastering, you will also become adept with using various software, including Logic Pro X and Pro Tools.

You'll learn through practical workshops, lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, and tutor and peer feedback on your work.

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Assessment Methods

Assessments are 100% coursework.

Written assignments.

Presentations.

Portfolio development of creative, practical and/or technical work.

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.

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.
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Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Manchester

Inside our Dolby Atmos Suite

Manchester

Recording a string quartet in the Neve suite

Bristol

Our API 1608 studio

Bristol

Inside one of our Production Suites

Bristol

Our 8.1 Spatial Audio Lab

Bristol

Inside our Dolby Atmos suite

Bristol

Our Solid State Logic Duality Delta mixing desk

Bristol

Mic'ing up drums in the Studio 6 live room

Bristol

A hardware synth performance in Studio 3

Bristol

Students making music in the production suite

Bristol

Our API 1608 mixing console

What our
students say

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

Tutors

Community Stories

“It feels pretty insane” - Lulu Thompson on working for Apple TV

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The road to life as a film sound professional with Oihenart Garai

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Translating Cinema: An introduction to film localisation with Ryan Green

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The making of Muntjac

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'When I Killed The Cat' - Crafting The Sound World For a Short Film

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Award-winning Emma Abrans on her score for A Ghastly Murder

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Queer identity in the age of dial up - Innovation in Sound 2025

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From music production to plugin development with Ewan Bristow

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What it’s like studying at dBs - from our students and alumni

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Dolby Atmos mixing at dBs Institute: Why it matters for our students

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Hear what our students, guests and staff said about Industry Week 2025

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dBs Institute has been shortlisted in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Register your interest

Let's get started

Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

Your Future Prospects

Thanks to this programme's emphasis on learning by doing, students will have amassed a huge list of credits on a variety of shorts, feature films and shows over the course of three years; equipping them with everything they need to progress from education into the industry. Becoming a composer for film or a sound designer are two of the more obvious pathways students can explore, but the fundamental knowledge of composition, recording, mixing and mastering will give students the skills to work in a multitude of audio-based roles.

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Here are some of the career paths you can take:

Composer for Screen

Endlessly creative and incredibly malleable, Composers for Screen provide visual media its emotional core.

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Foley Artist/Dubbing Mixer

Foley Artists and dubbing mixers bring film and television to life through the recording, editing and mixing of real world sounds, dialogue and sound effects to create an immersive viewing experience.

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