• Undergraduate

Sound and Music for Gaming BA (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024 
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024 
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023** 

BA (Hons) Sound and Music for Gaming will inspire you to become an innovative and creative professional. The games industry is experiencing huge growth.

Based in Ealing, West London, the Sound and Music for Gaming degree combines practical and vocational skills allowing you to develop hands-on approaches and creative enterprise. 

Throughout the course, you will: 

  • Enjoy access to one of the largest audio complexes in Europe 
  • Discover how to capture, manipulate and produce audio for games 
  • Study essential concepts of middleware, studio and game audio production
  • Explore new industry trends and directions

You will also focus on developing a portfolio showcasing a diverse range of skills integrating middleware, sound design, composed music, audio post-production, studio recording skills and Dolby Atmos surround sound mixing.

Additionally, you will learn from a highly experienced lecturing team that has composed for AAA game titles such as Chains of Fury (2023), H1.Jack (2022), Futurust (2022), and on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2021).

Their original sound and music has seen them win a host of accolades for game soundtracks, including Cannes Lion Gold Awards, One Show Awards and BAFTA Nominations.

Sound recording and audio engineering

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.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

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

Why study Sound and Music for Gaming with us?

Why study Sound and Music for Gaming with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The lecturers are fantastic and I don't think I would get as many work experience opportunities at any other university.

Harry Poulter
Next
Graphic stating "Lecturers are active industry practitioners"
Guest speakers and networking opportunities on this UWL course
Graphic stating "Learn the essential skills and disciplines required to enter the gaming industry"
£1m+ investment in the Paragon Annex Studios. Our studio complex is now one of the largest in Europe.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Designed to help you flourish in the exciting games industry, our BA (Hons) Sound and Music for Gaming degree offers a comprehensive grounding in:

  • middleware/DAW implementation
  • creative sound design
  • music for gaming
  • recording studio and mix production skills.

The course modules are designed to nurture your creative potential and individual artistic identity. The course has been designed from the ground up, using industry input to prepare you with the skillset (and mindset) to succeed in this industry. 

You will also benefit from interaction with industry practitioners who have designed BAFTA/Cannes Lion Award/Apple Top Ten award-winning game audio.

Added value collaborations include studying with VFX and Gaming students. At the same time, you will also work closely alongside film and audio post-production, allowing you to develop a portfolio with a range of skills and vocational outputs.

Finally, the course involves a range of guest speakers to offer you invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of London game audio production.

Compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

  • Recording Music

    'Recording music' is an advanced-recording subject designed to develop the required skills to operate both physical and virtual recording technology to a higher standard. Students will engage in a combination of practical and theoretical workshops aimed at developing a fluency in recording planning and practice. The module aims to further develop students’ abilities to critically evaluate, and confidently produce musical recordings in a chosen style.

  • Intro to Audio Post Production

    An overview of audio post-production theory, practice and technologies, their use and applications. The module aims to give students a near real-world experience by carrying out project work in a departmental group situation.

  • The Evolution of Sound for Games

    A historical and contextual overview of game sound and music with an emphasis on a research project.  

  • Sound and Music for Screen

    The module is putting the student in the role of a ‘Sound Designer’ and ‘Composer’, an increasingly important role in the life of the audio post-production and music freelancer. This module should serve as a springboard for students to proactively engage in this field. By the end of the module students will have created a body of sound and music to picture work, which can serve as an industry standard tool to promote their work with other film makers and content producers to work to near professional workflow standards and circumstances, reflective of current industry practice.

  • Creative Sound 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.

  • Soundtrack Composition

    Non-linear sound design, implementation and creative application of audio in a middleware context.  

Compulsory modules

  • Interactive Sound & Music for Gaming

    (immersive audio, surround formats, implementation)  

  • Experimental Sound

    In this module, you will have to design an experiment that generates an audio experience. You will have the freedom to explore and develop individual ideas and abilities in the context of sound, producing a portfolio that shows confident expression and creative risk-taking, but with technical accomplishment. 

  • Non-Linear Soundtrack Production

    Compositional techniques with a focus on interactivity and in game implementation.

  • Mixing for Audio Post & Industry Workflows

    A combination of lectures, workshops and tutorials detailing the necessary processes required to prepare mix and deliver audio-to- picture content for gaming and other contemporary formats such as VR and AR.  

  • Major Project– part 1

    A self-directed research project intended to encapsulate and progress their chosen area of specialism.  

  • Major Project – part 2

    A self-directed research project intended to encapsulate and progress their chosen area of specialism. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112-128 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:      

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above      
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit      
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

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

Candidates without a level 3 Music Technology qualification are required to provide a portfolio. 

Looking for BA (Hons) Sound and Music for Gaming with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year 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.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Sound and Music for Gaming with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year 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.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 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 BA (Hons) Sound and Music for Gaming with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year 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.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Sound and Music for Gaming with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year 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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The fee above is the cost per 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.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

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.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for music students are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

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

The fee above is the cost per 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.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

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

Sam Sutton

Sam Sutton

I am a Senior Lecturer in Music Technology, specialising in sound design and production for media. I compose for advertisements, computer games and film, and bring this experience into my teaching practice at the London College of Music.

I am a Senior Lecturer in Music Technology, specialising in sound design and production for media. I compose for advertisements, computer games and film, and bring this experience into my teaching practice at the London College of Music.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A singer records vocals in a recording studio using a pop shield in front of the mic

This sound design degree course prepares you to enter the gaming industry as a sound designer and/or composer, while also delivering vocational training towards the music, film, and audio post-production industries.

You will develop a wide range of experience working in the studio environment, creating sound and music for AAA video games, and even attempting professional briefs.

There are a range of potential jobs for Sound and Music for Gaming graduates including:

  • composer
  • sound designer
  • mix engineer
  • audio post-production
  • AR/VR audio
  • studio professional
  • mixer/producer.

Additionally, you may wish to continue your studies. Explore our postgraduate courses for more information.

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 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. 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.