Audio Engineering Degree
Audio Engineering Degree - Overview
The degree will consolidate the students knowledge already gained during the audio engineering diploma programme and further their academic skills. The degree broadens the learning experience beyond the purely vocational type training, by including a wider knowledge base and research-based educational experience. The Recording Arts Degree programme can only be taken at the various approved SAE degree centres. SAE London is an approved degree center.
Aims
The BA (Honours) Recording Arts degree comprises the audio engineering diploma plus a second year of degree level studies. This degree is taught and administered by SAE and validated by Middlesex University, London. The degree can be taken over a period of two years as an intensive programme. The BA (Honours) degree is a direct path to higher post graduate degrees e.g. masters or the SAE-Tonmeister - the SAE Tonmeister degree is only available at our Oxford or Byron Bay campus.
Course Details
Qualification
BA/BSc (Hons) Audio Production
UCAS information (required for section 3 of the UCAS application form)
Course code: W610
Short form of course: BA/RecArt
Institution code name: SAE
Institution code: S05
Degree Entry Requirements
Note: If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom please contact the SAE College in your country to confirm your equivalent educational standing or contact SAE directly.
- minimum age 18; and
- successful completion of the SAE Diploma; and
- completion of a minimum of two A-Levels at sufficient grades; or
- mature age students over 21 years; or
- on receipt of suitable evidence, SAE shall seek to admit all prospective students (via special entry) who are considered to have a reasonable chance of success in the programme.
Degree Duration
12 months full time (900 clock hours) after successful completion of the SAE Diploma stage
Assessment method and award
Practical
Will involve progressive assessment and the submission of studio logs; and
Theoretical
- all BA (Hons) students must undertake a specialist written
research project; and - pass and complete all individual degree modules
Award
In order to qualify for the Bachelor degree, candidates need to reach an overall mark of 360 Middlesex University credit points.
Second year direct entry
Graduates who have successfully completed the SAE Audio Engineering Diploma from other SAE Colleges can continue with the degree at SAE Oxford. Graduates with similar qualifications from other Institutions can apply for advanced standing in the degree programme.
Credit point notes
- The BA (Hons) degree programme is equivalent to 360 Middlesex University credit points which is equal to: 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit points.
- USA eqivalent: Our Bachelor degree is 1800 clock hours (Diploma 900 hours + Degree 900 hours). Equal to a full 4 year US bachelor degree programme. Our bachelor degree is instructed in an accelerated delivery format over a 2 year period (6 semesters).
The list below shows only the main topics covered during the course. For a complete list please see our curriculums displayed at each SAE location.
RA-203 - Industry Perspectives & Issues
This module focuses on the structure and operation of the music industry. Basic research methodologies are also introduced and contemporary issues are explored in ways which encourage students to take an active part in professional dialogue. As part of this module, students will prepare a proposal for research in RA‑303. This takes the form of a 'Learning Agreement'.
RA-204 - Cultural Perspectives
Using a historical approach, this module begins with an analysis of the social, political, technological and economic changes which have helped to shape entertainment and the entertainment industry over time. This includes a look at historical perspectives of the development of music in general and provides insight into the importance of cross-cultural influences leading up to the 20th Century. The past few years have seen the changing roles of the people 'in charge' of the processes of creative media projects. The impact of technological developments, especially through digital media, has brought about a convergence of opportunities to think and work creatively in a variety of media and this in turn has seen the emergence of a new type of 'Producer' - one skilled and 'literate' in a range of media. This unit explores these various roles and examines the work and practice of a selection of successful artists who have made major contributions in and through their specialised fields.
RA-301 - Business and Legal Studies
In addition to other components, this module focuses on basic management skills with regard to administration, finance, personnel, networking and forward planning. Also dealt with are issues regarding promotion, publicity and marketing and students are given a thorough grounding in the legal aspects of the 'infotainment' industry.
RA-303 - Specialised Research Project
This section of the programme allows students to undertake an approved research project. It is, in effect, a double module worth 60 credit points and is designed to show a student's ability to initiate, implement and evaluate a substantial creative/technical project.
RA-307 - Advanced Practical Production
This module focuses on the advanced operation of various industry standard consoles for both music and film applications. Further topics in this module include: Surround sound theory and practice, film sound mixing, location recording and film sound effects
RA-308 - Studio Acoustic Design
This module specialises in all aspects of acoustic design for the recording studio environment. Topics include: Live space design for various music environments, control room design, speaker design and creating various acoustic climates.
RA-302 - Advanced Industry Applications
This module begins with an examination of specific applications and needs of selected fields within the industry. This is followed by the analysis and practice of basic teaching skills and the development of an understanding of the learning process. One unit within this module will involve a term of professional placement.
