Sound Design, BA Hons at University of Greenwich

Our degree will develop your creativity, exploring the ideas, techniques and skills needed for work in contemporary Sound Design and the wider creative industries.

Through creative practice and critical thinking, you will discover how to record, edit, critique, generate and compose sound. Moving fluidly between the worlds of music and sound, you will develop a broader understanding of the roles of sound in creative practice and contemporary life. 

Work with fellow students across our creative arts courses to apply your knowledge and share ideas in a supportive environment. In this way, you build the collaboration and teamwork skills that underpin the creative industries.

Popular career options for Sound Design graduates include work in film, television, computer games, music production, advertising, theatre, museums, virtual reality and composition.

What you should know about this course

•  This course has an emphasis on creative practice and critical thinking
•  Gain the skills to access, generate and transform sound
•  Develop the expertise to create sound for film, TV, games, music production and many other creative industries
•  Work collaboratively with students across courses such as film, animation, digital arts, games design and media
•  Expert academics and top industry guests will introduce you to a wide range of sound and music practices to inspire and inform your own creative development.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

You can choose to study the "Working In the Creative Industries" module in your final year, which includes a practical work placement.

You can also register for the degree on 'sandwich mode', which allows you to do a one-year full-time paid placement between your second and final years. Whilst on a sandwich placement, you retain your student status and have full support from the university and your tutors as normal. Students are responsible for finding their own placements, though we will support you through the application process.

How long is my placement?

The 30-credit work placement requires you to gain 150 hours in total.

Sandwich placements must last for a minimum of 36 weeks full-time, though they can be as long as 13 months.

What are the financial arrangements?

Credit-bearing work placements are unpaid. However, sandwich placements are normally paid, full-time positions. The salary should reflect the going rate for an entry level role in the relevant industry.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Sound Design is a significant and expanding sector of the creative industries. Building upon its substantial role in traditional areas (film, television, computer games, radio, music production, etc.), it is increasingly found within interactive museum exhibits, smartphone applications, and product design.

Graduates may go on to work in any one of these areas. They will also be equipped with the skills to work flexibly within a range of contexts should they choose to pursue portfolio careers. There are also opportunities for students to undertake postgraduate study in Sound Design at MA or PhD level.

Are internships available?

Students are encouraged to gain relevant work experience if possible, including internships. Students are responsible for finding their own internships, though we will support you through the application process. You can also gain an internship through the STEPS programme.

Do you provide employability services?

Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and Employability skills workshops. 

Each School also has its own Employability Officer who provides specific opportunities relevant to your own course. They work closely with professionals in industry to ensure you are well-prepared for the workplace and have already begun to build your professional network by the time you graduate.