Sound designers that are able to create, manipulate and implement audio are in high demand across the creative industries. That’s why at dBs Institute, we’ve launched a brand new degree programme focussed on equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in this rapidly expanding field. Here are five reasons why we think you should consider it.
1. Diverse career prospects
Our BA (Hons) Sound Design degree will provide you with the skills to compose, programme, transform and integrate audio across a wide range of digital media, enabling you to create bespoke audio for a variety of applications. This is a highly sought-after skill which opens up a diversity of job opportunities. Graduates work regularly in the fields of film and TV production, apps, video game creation, virtual and augmented reality, audiobooks, radio and podcasting – and as the technology continues to grow, so do the opportunities.
With the emergence of virtual, augmented and mixed reality, the creation of immersive 3D sound is a top priority for audio professionals
2. Opportunities for professional development
A degree in Sound Design at dBs is more than just a qualification, it’s an opportunity to establish and market yourself at a professional level. You will study a module in employability, learning how to pitch for and deliver projects before developing your own sustainable enterprise plan for working as an audio professional.
Alongside this, you will have the opportunity to apply for placements with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company, which works on commercial briefs day-in, day-out. dBs Pro strive to push the boundaries of sound and aim to take on a range of innovative projects each year. These have included interactive, narrative-led experiences such as Sherlock and the Vampires of London with CharismaAI, and AR installations such as Between Us with Dr. Jane Grant.
By taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded by dBs Pro, You will finish your degree with an extensive professional portfolio of work examples and experiences to showcase your capabilities to potential clients.
dBs Pro - our in-house creative audio company
3. Connect with a community of sound enthusiasts
Throughout your degree, you will have several opportunities to gain valuable contacts who can help you in your professional career. Studying at a dedicated sound, music and digital technology institute means becoming part of a thriving creative community in which opportunities to meet and collaborate are endless.
You will also gain industry connections through regular guest workshops, industry talks and course-related field trips. Students also have the opportunity to take advantage of Bristol's game scene through game jams, Unity meetups and more - many of which are hosted at our Bristol centre. These sessions offer a great environment where budding creators and professionals from around the world can network and showcase their skills together on fun creative projects.
Game enthusiasts gather at our Bristol centre for Fuse Jam 2019
4. Study at the intersection of art and science
This course is uniquely positioned across the disciplines of art, science, technology and engineering. It takes the most relevant and exciting aspects of these areas and combines them, teaching you to develop products that are both functional and aesthetically engaging. This multi-disciplinary approach will encourage you to combine ideas from different subject areas and identify opportunities to apply your knowledge to new contexts and real-life scenarios.
5. Train at the forefront of your field
Sound design and audio programming is a constantly evolving field. That’s why at dBs, our degree programme focuses on cultivating the skills and knowledge you need to stay current with emerging technologies and expand at the boundaries of your discipline. Our teaching approach places a strong emphasis on exploration, encouraging students to question the status quo and investigate opportunities presented by new technological advancements. Modules in Creative Coding and Innovation in Sound provide opportunities to ‘fail fast’ to determine if ideas have value, rewarding experimentation and risk-taking over a perfect end-result.
FIND OUT MORE
'It sets you up for everything' - Why more producers are specialising in sound design
5 Creative Tips To Level Up Your Sound Design
VIDEO: Bjørn Jacobsen Masterclass | Life as a sound designer for video games
Find out more about our BA (Hons) in Sound Design.
Interested in the career paths linked to this degree? Read our Sound Designer Career Spotlight.