Audio Engineering BSc (Hons)
Course code H642
What is special about this course?
Unleash your creative potential on Scotland's oldest audio engineering course - where sound meets innovation! With a rich history spanning decades, we offer a unique opportunity to step into the world of audio excellence and dive deep into music production, game audio, sound design, and live sound, all under the guidance of industry veterans in our state-of-the-art recording studios. Whether you aspire to produce music, design captivating audio for games, or engineer unforgettable live performances, our course will provide the foundation you need to succeed in the dynamic world of audio.
Our diverse and comprehensive curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills you need to excel in various audio fields:
- Music production: master the art of producing music across genres. Learn the intricacies of recording, mixing, and mastering to create tracks that resonate
- Game audio: discover the captivating world of interactive sound design. Learn how to create immersive audio experiences that enhance gameplay and engage players
- Sound design: explore the creative process behind sound effects and audio for film and media. Develop your unique sound palette and bring stories to life through audio
- Live sound: gain practical experience in live sound engineering. From festivals to intimate gigs, learn how to manage sound in dynamic environments
Our state-of-the-art recording studios are equipped with the latest technology and vintage gear, which provide the perfect setting for hands-on learning. Experience the thrill of recording live bands, crafting intricate soundscapes, and producing high-quality audio, while honing your technical skills.
Learn from our team of seasoned experts who bring a wealth of industry experience and passion for sound. Our tutors have worked on notable projects and are dedicated to sharing their insights, techniques, and real-world knowledge. They provide personalised mentorship to help you refine your skills and discover your creative voice.
Take the first step in your audio journey with us and benefit from our legacy of excellence and collaborative community, as you join a course with a storied history that has nurtured the talents of countless audio professionals, enabling you to immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for sound and creativity.
Special features
- You will have access to leading-edge equipment and recording studios where you can collaborate with music students. This provides a realistic industry environment in which to learn technical skills.
- As well as academic coursework, you will take part in practical projects such as: recording and producing student bands; creating broadcast content; and working in professional theatres and live venues, as well as our own campus venues and production rooms.
- You will have access to studios outwith class time, enabling you to develop your skills in your own time.
- We encourage you to be active in research and recent graduates have delivered at international conferences on various subjects including virtual reality audio and building acoustics.
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances.
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- Entry to year one, HNC, is 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably including Music, Physics, Maths or English, OR
- 1 A level at grade D or above, preferably including Music, Physics, Maths or English OR
- NC Sound Engineering or NC Music
- Advanced entry to year two, DipHE, is with the HNC Sound Production, or other relevant HNC
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis
- You may be required to attend an interview
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 of this course is HNC Sound Production.
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Creative project
- Creative industries analysis
- Digital theory and applications
- Analogue theory and applications
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- Audio for cinematic and game production 1
- Live audio production
- Multi-track studio techniques
Year 3 - BSc
Core modules are:
- Themed research project
- Entrepreneurship
- Audio systems theory
- Advanced digital audio applications
You will also choose two option modules which may include:
- Live event audio
- Multi-track mixdown techniques
- Audio for cinematic and game production 2
Year 4 - BSc (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Dissertation (double credit) or a research paper
- Personal employability strategy
- Creeative honours project (double credit)
- Creative media applications
If you choose the research paper rather than a dissertation, you will choose one further option module which may include:
- Live production systems
- Music production techniques
- Sound design for film and TV
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures, tutorials and studio work, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 20 hours per week
- Part-time: 6 years @ 10 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) | £1,285 | £86 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) | £1,820 | £305 (per 20 credit module) |
Rest of UK students
For students living in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £7,110 | £474 (per HN credit) | £7,440 | £496 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | £9,250 | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) | free | £1,542 (per 20 credit module) |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year, with the 4th year of study free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £8,775 | £8,775 | £8,925 | £8,925 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | Free | £16,950 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2024-25 Part-time | 2025-26 Full-time | 2025-26 Part-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | HNC | £8,775 | £585 (per HN credit) | £8,925 | £595 (per HN credit) |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £2,666 (per 20 credit module) | £16,950 | £2,825 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £2,666 (per 20 credit module) | £16,950 | £2,825 (per 20 credit module) |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | £2,666 (per 20 credit module) | £16,950 | £2,825 (per 20 credit module) |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK. Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award, including where students are following a recognised ‘top-up’ degree structure where the first year is made up of an HNC award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have completed the BSc (Hons) Audio Engineering course, a range of jobs in sound production within the music and entertainment industry will be open to you. These could include:
- Producing content for television, radio or online broadcast
- Recording and creating sound effects for film
- Working in computer gaming
- Live production audio for concerts, conference, and theatre
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I didn’t consider anywhere else- I'd heard that UHI was one of the best places to study music. My lecturers were all extremely supportive, and my placements on the course were amazing- they developed my skills and opened my eyes to all of the opportunities in the music industry.
The campus is an excellent place to study music- there are lots of rehearsal spaces and the recording studios and production room are great. I really enjoyed going to the café on campus for study breaks as well! I’ve had a great experience studying at UHI. I’ve made great friends, have had so much fun and feel well prepared for a career in the music industry.
Kirsty studied the BA (Hons) Popular Music at UHI Perth.
Apply for Audio Engineering BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.