• Undergraduate

Audio Software Engineering with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London?
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Our Music courses are ranked #2 in London for modern universities* - Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

This degree in audio software engineering will enable you to find work in a range of industry sectors where audio software, coding and development are part of the skillset employers are looking for.

Audio software engineering is a field at the intersection of many disciplines that have boomed over the past few decades.

During the course, you will look at how advances in software to create, manipulate and represent audio in creative ways, have radically changed our approach to and relationship with audio.  

This multidisciplinary degree contains a number of interlocking subject areas that progress through the course allowing you to develop and reinforce your knowledge and skills both collectively and separately.

By the end of the course, you will have a huge array of marketable skills under your belt as an audio software engineer and will be able to apply them for a range of purposes in the industry.

Foundation year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable. 

Student programmes audio

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
Without Foundation Year
Duration: 3 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Audio Software Engineering with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Audio Software Engineering with Foundation Year with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The course helped me critically think what I was doing to sound at all stages of recording in both the analogue and digital domain. This helped me achieve the sounds I wanted to create.

Tom Davis
Next
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
Industry focused teaching
£1m+ investment in the Paragon Annex Studios. Our studio complex is now one of the largest in Europe.
A statistic stating that the University of West London has been ranked 30th overall in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

We live in a fast-paced world where ultra-fast broadband, cloud storage and computing, are widely available. We are consuming media, gaming and using smart devices, all of which require audio.

Through the course study material, you will look at how audio is being produced for music, video, games, broadcast, performance, and many additional areas.

Consumers and producers are demanding more sophisticated and broad-ranging applications that include audio as a component.

Become part of the response to these needs, through developing specialised skills in:

  • coding and software development
  • digital signal processing
  • audio engineering and production
  • artificial intelligence

The course will give you the theoretical underpinning and practical skills so you can work and adapt to changes in technology and the industry.

Explore our Computing Labs and Music Technology Facilities for more information about our exceptional equipment. 

Foundation Year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. 

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Software Development

    This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of software programming using Python.  This module forms the basis of other programming modules you will undertake during the course.

  • Sound Production Workshop

    This module will provide the fundamental skills required to be successful in analogue studio-based work, exploring technique through supported practice. The module will focus on the fundamental skills of signal routing between hardware devices typical in modern studios. 

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Introduction to Web Design and Development

    You will cover the basics of web design and development, learning how to integrate text, graphics and behaviour to create interactive webpages using HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript.

    Other aspects will be covered such as historic development of the web, architecture and basic client server architecture, protocols such as HTTP, issues of accessibility and usability, standards and standardisation organisations (W3C, Internet Working Group) and security (HTTPS, firewalls, certificates). 

  • Analytical Mathematics

    The module provides you with a strong mathematical grounding to prepare you to undertake further mathematics throughout the course.  The module will start by covering essential basis of numbers, the application of algebraic and trigonometric principles, application of differential calculus and complex numbers.  

Compulsory modules

  • Theory of Sound

    The aim of the module is for you to understand the theories and parameters relating to sound engineering that apply to all areas of the course. The main subject areas include; human hearing, physics of sound, sound measurement and decibels, basic room acoustics and digital audio conversion.

  • Engineering Software

    The module will help you develop as programmer using C++ as a toon to build simple applications related to sound engineering. You will learn to specify, develop and test software to specified standards to meet a range of sound engineering needs. 

  • Production and Critical Listening

    The module is designed to introduce you to modern audio production processes and how to listen to sound in an objectively critical manner. You will study relevant hardware, digital audio workstations and MIDI sequencer packages. A programme of ear training will develop your critical listening skills on recorded sound and their musical attributes. 

  • Quantitative Tools for Audio

    In this module, you will cover the essential computational skills necessary for audio software engineering. With an emphasis on digital signal processing, this module delves into crucial mathematical principles including linear algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics.

    You'll explore algorithms and data structures specific to audio applications. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the tools needed to excel in the design and implementation of advanced audio software systems.

  • Algorithms and Data Types

    This module will help you to gain the knowledge and competence to deal with basic data structures and algorithms. You will learn how to specify collections using abstract data types (ADTs) and to implement them using a variety of techniques such as linked lists and trees. You'll also use a range of algorithms, including searching and sorting.

  • Data Communications

    This module adopts a top-down approach to data communication networking, beginning at the application layer and working down towards the physical layer. After completing the five-layer network architecture, the module focuses on wireless network and its security. In summary, the following aspects will be covered:

    • application layer
    • transport layer
    • network layer
    • data link layer
    • 802.11 WIFI protocol
    • principle of cryptography
    • Wireless security: WEP and WPA

Compulsory modules

  • Sound Design and Synthesis

    Sound design is used in many industry sectors, including; film, TV, radio, gaming, advertising, theatre, virtual reality and smart devices.  You will learn how to use synthesisers, samplers, how to record on location and how to creatively process sound files.  You will apply sound design techniques to fulfil specific professional media briefs. 

  • Embedded Systems for Audio Technology

    Embedded systems are those that combine computers and electrical systems, such as an audio interface.  The module provides a background to embedded development, introduces open-source tools and techniques used in the audio industry to programme embedded hardware, and enables the you to gain experience in programming languages and techniques, typically used for mobile and embedded applications.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    In this module you will gain insights into key techniques within the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Aspects of AI you'll cover include agents, environments and learning as well as techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, reinforcement learning, learning recommendation and decision support systems.

  • Mobile Web App Development

    This module will allow you to gain experience in developing mobile web applications, and have an introduction to the tools, languages and design techniques required for building functional applications. During the module you will gain exposure to a programming language that can support native mobile application development, and you will be introduced to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design pattern.

  • Games, Simulations and Virtual Worlds

    This module covers the holistic development of a computer game, simulation or virtual world. Though the assessment brief is negotiable, students will be expected to use an appropriate 3D games engine (e.g. Unreal Engine 4), optionally employing a programming language (C script) to develop an interactive artefact. 

  • Mathematics for Audio and Signal Processing

    The module initially will provide a foundation on the basics of signal theory, including the types of signals, properties and applications of signals, conversion between analogue and digital signals. 

      

    The basic principle of frequency domain will be studied along with the fundamental signal analysis in frequency domain, e.g. complex signal and the Fourier series.   

     

    Through this module, the current software, such as MATLAB, will be used as a tool to explore the various theoretical, analytical and experimental aspects of the syllabus. 

Compulsory modules

  • Audio Digital Signal Processing

    You will be introduced to the fundamentals of digital signal processing. This knowledge will then be applied to audio as both a tool for developing audio effects but also for audio analysis. You will learn how to develop your own adaptive digital audio effect. Additionally, the module will look at convolution, filter design and audio restoration.

  • Artificial Intelligence for Audio

    The module aims to provide you with basic concepts, audio processing methods, and insights into some techniques within the field of artificial intelligence. 

     

    You will learn audio features and how to extract acoustic features from audio streams and theory of audio signal processing, including audio activity detection and audio noise reduction. The basic principle of machine learning approaches to audio recognition will also be studied.   

  • Audio Programming for Games

    Gaming is a fast-growing and lucrative area of the entertainment industry.  By the end of the module, you will have a solid appreciation of the power of audio for games, combined with the skills to develop audio assets and implement them in middleware. This in turn will form the basis of a show-reel which can be used for future promotion and collaboration within the gaming industry.

  • Industry Practice

    This module aims to provide a wider awareness of the key trends and areas of growth in industry to further extend your range of reflective experiences and enhance your academic self-esteem.

    You are required to develop your career management plan by matching job roles to personal skills and interests, plus explore the expectations society and business has of IT professionals. You will prepare for wider IT industry requirements for codes of practice and ethics and develop an understanding of the roles and activities of a modern software engineer, and the wider structure of the supply community. 

  • Audio Software Project

    The aim of the final major project is for you to develop the ability to undertake a large-scale project in audio software engineering, which allows you to apply your knowledge and skills developed throughout the course in an expansive and challenging manner. 

    This is an opportunity for you to showcase your academic as well as practical subject skills in a manner that will help you showcase your abilities to a future employer or academic institution. Ultimately, leading you into your chosen career as an audio software engineer.  

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A-Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A-Levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T-Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Foundation year bursary

If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies. 

To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year*

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Nino Auricchio

Nino Auricchio

I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Engineering, and a composer of electronic music. I also produce funk and soul music, and am involved in mixing production for house and electronic acts. I am a member of the Audio Engineering Society.

I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Engineering, and a composer of electronic music. I also produce funk and soul music, and am involved in mixing production for house and electronic acts. I am a member of the Audio Engineering Society.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Lecturer teaches audio software students

Once you graduate you could go to work in:

  • signal processing for audio 
  • immersive audio (3D) 
  • broadcasting and online delivery 
  • audio for games 
  • audio for telecommunications 
  • audio forensics 
  • audio recording and mastering systems 
  • automotive audio 
  • coding of audio signals 
  • fibre optics for audio 
  • hearing and hearing loss prevention (Audiology) 
  • high-resolution audio for music and server-based audio 
  • network audio systems 
  • semantic audio analysis 
  • archiving, restoration and digital libraries.

 

You may also want to progress your studies to explore a related field or specialise on a postgraduate course.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.