Sound Design (with a Placement Year)

Whether creating the effect of crunching leaves, composing a soundscape or dubbing new dialogue, you’re using the skills of a sound designer.

Now’s your chance to learn all the key elements that go into a soundtrack by taking our BA (Hons) in Sound Design. The course will prepare you for careers in sound and music, where you could be working for TV, film, animation, theatre, radio or games.

There will be ample opportunity to tailor the modules to your own specific area of interest. And you’ll also produce a practical portfolio in your final year.

Throughout your studies, you will have access to our £11.5 million Cadman Studios. The professional-standard facilities include five fully equipped recording studios, all with surround sound and consoles from SSL, Avid, Audient and API. We also have Avid trainers, enabling you to gain additional qualifications in Pro Tools at a low cost.

The course covers an introduction to studio craft and technical applications. You will learn how to plan a recording session and use DAW (a digital audio workstation) to record, edit and produce audio.

Soundtracks typically involve dialogue, ambience, sound effects, Foley and music.

We have a Foley pit to help students create sound effects, whether using gravel, sand or other textures. There’s also a large TV screen to play back footage so you can see which movements require added sound. It could be anything from creating the rustling of a coat or the jangle of jewellery through to the clicking of heels on a pavement.

On the dialogue side, you will learn about dub mixes and dub recording. We will also delve into music composition, songwriting, acoustics and electronics. Students will get to try out experimental software for more unusual noises and experiment through their own compositions.

Collaboration is another key element of the course. We encourage students to pitch their skills for different projects. It could involve working with students from a range of other courses, including Music Production, Animation and Film Production. For one recent project, a group of students also produced voiceover recordings for a local business.

You’ll be taught by staff who bring a wide range of expertise, including experience working in TV and games. By the time you graduate, you will be industry-ready.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Sound Design

From your first day to your graduation day and beyond, University of Staffordshire will help you build your future career.

Recently named University of the Year (Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute), employability is embedded across the student experience.You’ll be involved in real-world projects and activities that develop your professional practice. You’ll also make connections that open doors through employer partnerships and industry mentoring opportunities.

Expect lots of hands-on learning too. You can travel from crime scene to courtroom in simulation spaces – and bring topics to life with AI and VR-powered technology.

You’ll also get personalised support, with your own academic mentor. Staffordshire prides itself on offering an inclusive, welcoming environment. With more than 70 clubs and societies, and a brand new Student Village, there’s a community waiting for you. Click Call University to secure your place at University of Staffordshire today.