BSc (Hons) Sound Design 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Edinburgh Napier University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

20,310 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

30 Jun, 2026Application Deadline

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - General

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

If you have a passion for sound, and would like to learn how to design it so that it is seamlessly integrated into media, products or environments, then this degree will help you develop an in-depth understanding and the practical skills needed to design and evaluate effective sound for listeners.

This course will teach you the techniques to create new sounds that coexist with dialogue and music to support a wide variety of media and applications. The underlying principles of linear and interactive media are also addressed, as well as products and environments to maximise potential employment.

Throughout your studies you can specialise in your chosen discipline, and then work towards creating an appropriate portfolio, whilst gaining valuable contacts who could help you during your transition from study to a professional career.

A mix of assignments and projects will give you the chance to collaborate with students on Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games Development and Television degrees.

Studying Sound Design will allow you to collaborate with students on Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games, Journalism, Television, UX and Web degrees.

We also have an extensive range of online guest lectures from internationally recognised Sound Designers.

We have an established research record in listening and sound design, which is fully integrated into the teaching and assessment. Students will be actively encouraged to take part in sound research, both in order to develop a greater understanding of listeners’ experiences, and to contribute to new developments within the sound design field.

The course introduces you to the wide range of media that sound designers work in, as well as the underlying principles and techniques suitable for each field. Giving you the opportunity to specialise in your chosen discipline, this programme works towards creating an appropriate portfolio, and establishing contacts to aid your transition from study to a professional career.

During the first year of the course, you will explore the principles of digital media and interaction design.

Second year focuses on the study of the principles of sound and production methods associated with different industries, as well as how to create interactive experiences.

Designing sound to support narratives and engage end users through linear and interactive media, as well as develop collaborative skills is addressed in third year.

In your final year, you will develop major and major projects in your chosen field as well as perfect your portfolio. You can also undertake a suitable internship, or further explore narrative principles.

For students who wish to work as freelancers, the University offers a free incubator space as well as free mentoring and advice. Teaching includes class lectures, laboratory practical sessions, class tutorials, online guest lectures, individual supervision, industrial experience and independent study.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - General

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

If you have a passion for sound, and would like to learn how to design it so that it is seamlessly integrated into media, products or environments, then this degree will help you develop an in-depth understanding and the practical skills needed to design and evaluate effective sound for listeners.

This course will teach you the techniques to create new sounds that coexist with dialogue and music to support a wide variety of media and applications. The underlying principles of linear and interactive media are also addressed, as well as products and environments to maximise potential employment.

Throughout your studies you can specialise in your chosen discipline, and then work towards creating an appropriate portfolio, whilst gaining valuable contacts who could help you during your transition from study to a professional career.

A mix of assignments and projects will give you the chance to collaborate with students on Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games Development and Television degrees.

Studying Sound Design will allow you to collaborate with students on Acting, Digital Media, Film, Games, Journalism, Television, UX and Web degrees.

We also have an extensive range of online guest lectures from internationally recognised Sound Designers.

We have an established research record in listening and sound design, which is fully integrated into the teaching and assessment. Students will be actively encouraged to take part in sound research, both in order to develop a greater understanding of listeners’ experiences, and to contribute to new developments within the sound design field.

The course introduces you to the wide range of media that sound designers work in, as well as the underlying principles and techniques suitable for each field. Giving you the opportunity to specialise in your chosen discipline, this programme works towards creating an appropriate portfolio, and establishing contacts to aid your transition from study to a professional career.

During the first year of the course, you will explore the principles of digital media and interaction design.

Second year focuses on the study of the principles of sound and production methods associated with different industries, as well as how to create interactive experiences.

Designing sound to support narratives and engage end users through linear and interactive media, as well as develop collaborative skills is addressed in third year.

In your final year, you will develop major and major projects in your chosen field as well as perfect your portfolio. You can also undertake a suitable internship, or further explore narrative principles.

For students who wish to work as freelancers, the University offers a free incubator space as well as free mentoring and advice. Teaching includes class lectures, laboratory practical sessions, class tutorials, online guest lectures, individual supervision, industrial experience and independent study.

Admission Requirements

28+
169+
6+
4+
104+
56+
Minimum Year 1
Scottish Higher
Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB National 5 Maths OR Applications of Maths at grade C.   Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC  National 5 grade C in Maths OR Applications of Maths at grade C. You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.
A Level
BCC HNC
HNC in Sound Production, Television, Music or Radio may be considered at C. Irish Leaving Certificate
H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level Ordinary Level Maths at O4 BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3
Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject: Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts. GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3
Minimum grades D*D* (Distinction* Distinction*) in a related subject: Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts. GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths International Baccalaureate Diploma
Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 Grade 4 in SL Maths.  T Levels
T Level at Merit with additional A Level in: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology or Performing Arts grade B  GCSE grade C/4 in Maths.

30 Jun 2026
4 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
1,820 GBP
International
20,310 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

Undergrad Programmes 14171