Live Sound
Falmouth University
UCAS Code: W359 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
We welcome A Levels in a wide range of subjects, especially in those relevant to the course for which you apply.
We may consider a standalone AS in a relevant subject, if it is taken along with other A Levels and if an A Level has not been taken in the same subject. However, you will not be disadvantaged if you do not have a standalone AS subject as we will not ordinarily use them in our offers.
60 credits (with a minimum of 45 credits achieved at level 3) in a relevant subject.
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points
T Level
P (Pass) grade must be C or above, not D or E
UCAS Tariff
A typical offer is between 104 and 120 UCAS points, primarily from Level 3 equivalent qualifications, such as A levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma, or current, relevant experience. Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE English Language, or equivalent, is a minimum language requirement for all applicants. Due to the creative nature of our courses, you will be considered on your own individual merit and potential to succeed on your chosen course. Please contact the Applicant Services team for advice if you are predicted UCAS points below this range, or if you have questions about the qualifications or experience you have.
a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points, when combined with a minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points from the Supporting Qualifications
About this course
This Live Sound degree will see you develop in-depth knowledge and the practical skills required to design, build and operate professional sound systems in a range of varied live event situations, such as festivals, small and large scale venues, theatres and other commercial events.
All practical elements of this course take place in our own specially-designed teaching and performance space, which is configured to represent a real working venue. Over the three years you’ll become confident in areas such as Front of House mixing, digital audio networking, advanced system optimisation, audio console operations, and immersive sound installations.
You'll be using professional-grade equipment from respected manufacturers such as LÁcousitcs, Allen & Heath, Martin Audio, Midas, Avid, Yamaha and d&b Audiotechnik, learning from tutors and our impressive roster of guest speakers who are at the very top of the UK’ Live Sound industry. In addition, you’ll have numerous work experience opportunities in a diverse array of live event situations, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world settings while gaining invaluable industry insights and connections.
Alongside these practical skills, you will also learn what it takes to work in the industry. While exploring how to set up your own business and generate self-employment opportunities, we will help nurture your confidence, team working skills and professional communication proficiency to maximise your chances of employment in the industry.
This course is taught by dBs and awarded by Falmouth University.
Modules
YEAR 1
In the first year of your Live Sound degree, you’ll learn about the behaviour of sound and how it is affected by physical environments, develop your live mixing skills and delve into loudspeaker designs. You’ll explore the evolution of sound culture and bring together many aspects of live sound in the planning, production and execution of a live show.
Modules
● Front of House & Signal Flow
● Applied Acoustics
● Sound Culture
● Digital Mixing Techniques
● Loudspeaker Design
● Live Sound & Pre-Production
YEAR 2
You’ll refine your live mixing skills, exploring digital processes and transition protocols, digital audio consoles and associated devices, synchronisation and time-codes and the use of VCAs and snapshots in audio-mixing. You’ll develop the knowledge needed to operate and tune a sound system to a specific environment and discover how technology can be used to deliver live experiences via digital means.
Modules
● Digital Audio Fundamentals
● System Design Theory & Application
● Audio Networking
● Digital Production Implementation
● Advanced Mixing Techniques
● Research Practice
YEAR 3
In the final year of your Live Sound degree, you’ll deepen your understanding of monitoring and learn the skills needed to optimise the tuning of a system to create the best possible experience for an audience. You’ll also study radio frequency theory and operation and complete a research project that looks into your chosen area of the live sound industry.
Modules
● Live Sound Production: Planning
● Live Sound Production: Delivery
● Advanced System Design & Optimisation
● Monitoring
● Investigation
● Research 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.
The Uni
DBS Institute, Bristol
The Academy of Music and Theatre Arts
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Music
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Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Top job areas of graduates
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Music
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£13k
£17k
£21k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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