BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering, an engineering degree focused on the technical design and operation of audio, lighting, and stage systems for live performances. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Circuit Design, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Microelectronics, Control Systems, Engineering Design, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Entrepreneurship. Students can optionally undertake an industrial placement year, study abroad, or begin with a foundation year. The first year covers foundational principles through Engineering Workshop, Electrical Circuits and Devices, Engineering Design 1, Lighting and Video Technology, Live Event Stagecraft, and Audio Technology. The second year advances into Stage and Event Lighting Systems, Electroacoustics, Live Event Techniques, and Computer Systems and Networks, alongside optional modules such as Immersive Audio and Extended Reality, Video Streaming and Visual Technology, Electronic Systems, and Electronic Communication. The final year includes compulsory study in Individual Project and Professional Development (IEng), Live Event Practice, and Applied Professional Practice. Students can also select optional modules covering Sensors and Embedded Systems, Audio Effects Design and DSP, Lighting Design and Show Control, Live Sound System Design and Optimisation, and Sustainable Event Design and Management.
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
UCAS tariff: 104 A level: BCC (At least a grade C in either a Science or Technology related subject (or equivalent qualification)) T Level: Merit in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, Media, Broadcast and Production BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6. Must include passes in compulsory Level 3 subjects English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 70%
- Left higher education: 30%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 100%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 45%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 45 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 50%
- West Midlands: 15%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 5%
- South East: 5%
- Wales: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Applied Professional Practice
- Engineering Workshop
- Electrical Circuits and Devices
- Engineering Design 1
- Lighting and Video Technology
- Live Event Stagecraft
- Audio Technology
- Stage and Event Lighting Systems
- Electroacoustics
- Live Event Techniques
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Immersive Audio and Extended Reality
- Video Streaming and Visual Technology
- Electronic Systems
- Electronic Communication
- Individual Project and Professional Development (IEng)
- Live Event Practice
- Sensors and Embedded Systems
- Audio Effects Design and DSP
- Lighting Design and Show Control
- Live Sound System Design and Optimisation
- Sustainable Event Design and Management
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £40,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Electrical and electronic engineering.
What do graduates of BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering at University of Derby do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering at University of Derby?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 116 UCAS points.
Does BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering at University of Derby?
70% of students continued into their second year, and 30% left higher education.