BSc Sound Engineering
About this course
BSc (Hons) Sound Engineering is a technology degree focusing on audio systems, hardware, and software development. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students can choose to complete an optional placement year. The first year covers core fundamentals through modules such as Sound Recording, Audio Electronics, Audio Programming, and Live Sound Fundamentals. The second year advances technical knowledge with modules including Digital Audio Effects, Embedded Audio Systems, Acoustic Applications, Audio Industries, and Recording, Production and Delivery. The final year explores advanced concepts through Audio Machine Learning and Advanced Live Sound, alongside an Individual Honours Project and optional study in Game Audio.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing at A Level or level 3 equivalent Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing T Level: Merit overall Accepted subjects: Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Media, Broadcast and Production, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3 with 30 credits at Merit or Distinction Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Computing OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Engineering or Computing NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, Engineering or Computing WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, Engineering or Computing Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS
What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 96%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 97%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 20 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- West Midlands: 75%
- London: 5%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 15%
- Wales: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Digital Audio Fundamentals
- Sound Recording
- Audio Electronics
- Audio Programming
- Live Sound Fundamentals
- Digital Audio Effects
- Embedded Audio Systems
- Acoustic Applications
- Audio Industries
- Recording, Production and Delivery
- Audio Machine Learning
- Advanced Live Sound
- Individual Honours Project
- Game Audio
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Sound Engineering at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £23,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £23,000 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Technology (other).
What do graduates of BSc Sound Engineering at Birmingham City University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Sound Engineering at Birmingham City University?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Sound Engineering at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
Does BSc Sound Engineering at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Sound Engineering at Birmingham City University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.