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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Sound Arts

Zaron Lane, BA (Hons) Sound Arts, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W382
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

On BA (Hons) Sound Arts you will explore a wide range of sound art and design areas including: fine art, installation and gallery practices, sound design for film, animation, game environments and virtual reality, creative coding, interactive media, and experimental musical work.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • We’ve been nurturing curiosity and experimentation in all things sonic for over 20 years. Taught by internationally recognised artists, composers, performers and writers, you’ll benefit from professional development opportunities such as radio broadcasts, exhibitions, external collaborations, live performances, creative workshops and our Sound Arts Guest Lecture series.
  • Supported by expert technicians, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including a multi-channel Sound Laboratory, Dolby Atmos Composition Studio and 5.1/Stereo Postproduction Studio, along with a high spec Mac Lab and analogue synth studio.
  • Certification in Pro Tools is offered as part of the course, and as the Screen School is an Avid Learning Partner (APL), you’ll have the opportunity to undertake further training.
  • You’ll be encouraged to collaborate across Screen School disciplines such as film, television, animation, games design and virtual reality while developing close links with MA Sound Arts and CRiSAP.
  • You’ll also have opportunities to engage in international exchanges with institutions such as RMIT in Melbourne and UTS in Sydney.
  • Our graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations such as Tate Britain, Warp Records, Venice Biennale, Channel 5, BBC and Red Bull Music Academy.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

On the BA (Hons) Sound Arts course, you’ll explore the many possibilities of sound arts in a well-established and future-facing program of student-centred activity.

You’ll cover the diverse ways that sound is used creatively in the contemporary world and you are taught how to apply your creativity to produce original pieces of work in wide range of professional artistic areas.

The course includes: fine art, sound studies, art installations and gallery practice, audio-visual communication, game environments and virtual reality, community projects, creative coding, soundscape pieces, interactive work and new media, experimental musical work of all genres and more.

As students on the course, you will come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of interests in all things sonic. You will be curious and open-minded and want to develop and expand your potential as a creative artist/practitioner.

Your creative, contextual and technical knowledge will be built throughout the course, as will a consideration for cultural diversity through the lens of gender, race and class alongside climate, ecological and social justice contexts. This mix of practice and critical skills will enable you to face the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary sound arts practitioner.

What to expect

You can expect this course to take you on an exploration of sound arts as a constantly emerging culture to be found in many forms and international contexts, in which your own analysis and evaluation will be central.

You’ll mature and expand your potential in a personal journey through a range of areas including:  

  • Creative practice and production
  • Sound studies – thinking, doing and being in sound
  • Fine art approaches to sound: e.g. sound installations, sound sculpture
  • Studio recording, mixing and mastering
  • Surround sound (games, Virtual Reality (VR), music, installation)
  • Workflows of pre-production, production and post-production
  • Field recording and phonography (including ambisonics)
  • Hardware fabrication and object / interface design
  • Radiophonic work
  • Synthesis (analogue and digital, hardware and software)
  • Digital improvisation
  • Interactive programming
  • Experimental music
  • Game audio, adaptive music and sound for Virtual Reality / Extended Reality (XR)

Your increasing technical, creative and theoretical knowledge will support you in the development of a professional portfolio. You will produce this work within a context of the history, practices and concerns of the sonic arts and of the major theoretical, philosophical and aesthetic issues in the media arts.

Our classes are relatively intimate (20 to 30 students) – this enables us to provide flexible, personal content and orientate our delivery according to the emergent requests of our individual students.

Industry experience and opportunities

You are encouraged to engage in professional sound arts work alongside your studies and many students participate in activities with creative spaces and groups such as The Laptop Orchestra, IKLETIK, Corsica Studios, Resonance FM, Gallery 46, The Economist and London Sinfonietta.

You have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Mode of Study

BA (Hons) Sound Arts runs for 93 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Course units

In response to the Climate Emergency, UAL has embedded responsible practices within the curriculum. We shaped our courses around principles of social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values for ethical practice and empower you to work towards an equitable future.

In common with all courses at the University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Sound Arts qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

The first year of the course establishes a foundation of creative approaches, technical skills, contextual and critical knowledge and communication skills associated with contemporary sound art.

This year is focused on enabling you to create innovative, relevant and personal sound art, guided by your tutors and allowing you to gain confidence in presenting your work to your peers.

Introduction to Sound Arts (20 credits)

This unit introduces historic and contemporary trends in sound arts. In addition, it orientates you within the course, the College and University, introducing the learning skills and requirements of effective studentship.         

Sonic Doing and Thinking (40 credits)   

Introduces the critical, creative and technical fundamentals that underpin sound arts through a series of lectures, performances and workshops.

Global Sound Cultures (20 credits)                     

You will be introduced to 21st century sound art and experimental music, the practitioners involved, the historic and geographic background and the issues that arise from their work.

Creative Sound Project (40 credits)        

Developing further skills for making contemporary sound art using a range of relevant materials, techniques and strategies. It builds upon the previous unit Sonic Doing and Thinking.

Year 2

Having completed Year 1, you choose to develop specific skills in greater depth during Year 2. The capacity for creative practice and critical thinking is enabled during practical projects, informed by the Specialising and Exhibiting unit. You will also undertake individual sound studies research and professional opportunities for public-facing collaborative sound art production.

Sound Studies and Aural Cultures (20 credits)

This unit develops critical awareness of the primary themes which emerge from sound art culture in the 21st century. You will be introduced to the audio paper as a critical sonic tool in relation to the UAL principles on climate, social and racial justice.

Specialising and Exhibiting (40 credits)   

This unit offers you the opportunity to specialise developing critical, creative and technical excellence in specific areas of sound art practice. These specialisms may include: Advanced Recording Techniques, Game Audio, Improvisation, Instrument Design and Fabrication, Modular Electronics, Multichannel and Spatial Sound, Sound and Interactive Media, and Sound for Screen. This unit also explores sound installation and more broadly the position of sound in a gallery, museum or other public art contexts.

Contemporary Issues in Sound Art (40 credits)

This unit allows you to develop a major piece of written and practical work, and prepares you for the final year research project and portfolio. It builds upon previous learning and encourages critical and creative consideration for cultural diversity through the lens of gender, race and class, alongside climate, ecological and social justice contexts within sound arts.

Collaborating (20 credits) 

This unit offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other courses and disciplines, and more widely with external collaborators. In addition, the unit focuses on enterprise, employability, professional ethics.

Year 3                       

Year 3 develops those skills learnt in previous years by immersing students in their chosen specialist areas. This is accompanied by a written dissertation or audio paper. An important part of Year 3 prepares you for professional life and helps you to define and explore potential career paths following graduation. These include working for production houses, creative agencies, record labels, festivals, arts organisations and games companies or working independently as a freelance sound artist. Students may also progress onto a master’s program, either at LCC (e.g. MA Sound Arts) or elsewhere.      

Research Project (40 credits)      

This unit allows you to develop extended knowledge of a specific topic of your choice within sound arts through either text (dissertation) or an equivalent audio paper (soundwork) with supporting text.     

Portfolio (60 credits)

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the opportunity to research, develop, produce and present a substantial portfolio of original creative work which integrates the techniques, practices, aesthetics, contextual and cultural backgrounds provided by the other units of the course.

Professional Futures (20 credits)     

Building a professional development pack comprising of online presence, CV, show reel (or equivalent), you will generate a critical appraisal of your learning journey as well as research into employment progression opportunities.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Sound Arts (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Creative workshops
  • Lectures
  • Seminars and tutorials
  • Peer critique
  • Independent and collaborative working practices
  • Site visits and events

Graduate showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

Student work


  • Year 1 Playlist  

    See work from first year students on BA (Hons) Sound Arts and Design.

  • Milo Thesiger-Meacham student work as part of LCC Degree Shows 2019
    Student Work: Milo Thesiger-Meacham - Danger De Mort.

    Year 2 Playlist  

    See work from 2nd year students on BA (Hons) Sound Arts and Design.

  • Ed Waller student work as part of LCC Degree Shows 2019.
    Student Work: Ed Waller - noise/alternative

    Year 3 Playlist  

    See work from 3rd year students graduating from BA (Hons) Sound Arts.

Student voices

Kiro Baker

Kiro's project 'Multiplicity' is the construction of a musical instrument inspired by different places in the world.

Cally Spence

Cally's talks through her Final Project, Trans Maps, an interactive map that allows you to discover trans stories from around the world.

Carla Geronimi

Here Carla talks through her video projection, exploring gender stereotypes and wanting those who experience her work to understand the struggles that a woman can experience.

Chiara Meadows

Chiara is a recent graduate of the course and talks through the themes of her dissertation and degree show installation, both focusing on the exploration of objects and bodies.

Course stories

Facilities

  • The mixing board in the Composition Studio.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Sound and Music

    Find out about the range of facilities on offer to students studying Sound Arts and Music Production.

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-based and Audio-visual

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-based and Audio-visual practice.

  • Students using the computers in the Digital Space
    Student in Creative Technology Lab, 2020. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Tim Boddy

    Creative Technology Hub

    A multi-purpose space that supports students with: Creative Coding, Physical Computing, Projection Mapping, Games, and Virtual Reality.

Staff

Tutors on this course are respected practising sound artists, composers and musicians. You will also benefit from a programme of visiting performers and speakers from all areas of contemporary sound practice, from wildlife recording to plunderphonics.

Associate Lecturers

Gareth Mitchell
Jessica Marlowe
Jose Macabre

Visiting Practitioners

The Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice and LCC's Sound Arts department co-run a Sound Arts Guest Lecture series of weekly talks at the College, exploring the diverse field of sound arts practice. Each term a number of sound practitioners are invited in to share their work.

Previous guest lecturers include:

Paul Purgas, Jennifer Walshe, Evan Ifekoya, Darsha Hewitt, Janine Francois,Robert Henke, Madison Moore, AGF, Annea Lockwood, Pamela Z, Adam Basanta

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

96 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences)
  • Merit at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Merit, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing, Music and Performing Arts)
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production, Computing)
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum

And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • Related academic or work experience;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our  English language requirements.

Selection criteria

The details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Demonstration of an appreciation of the specialist nature of sound arts and design.
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach (through research and practice) to this area of study.
  • Evidence of research and development of ideas through practice to achieve specific outcomes.
  • Quality of ideas and thought processes in the production of your work.

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W382

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W382

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

The field of sound arts is a diverse and growing discipline. Graduates often choose to become freelance sound designers and artists; others work as sound specialists on professional film and media projects.

Some recent graduates work in music studios or as sound designers and composers for television. Others have pursued careers in sound art and installation including as performers in experimental sound and music.

Graduates have gone on to work in diverse areas including film sound, experimental music, theatre sound design, advertising and solo performance work.

Some are pursuing careers as independent sound artists, play and perform at venues across the UK as well as internationally, while others have set up their own companies or gone on to study at postgraduate level.