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 knowledge and communication skills associated with contemporary sound art.
This year is focused on enabling you to create innovative, relevant and personal sound art and design, 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 orientates you within the Sound Arts 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 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 and develop specific skills in greater depth during Year 2. The capacity for creative practice and critical thinking is developed during practical projects, informed by the Specialising Options Unit. You will also undertake individual sound studies research and 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.
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 practical work and prepares you for the final year research and creative portfolio. It builds upon previous learning and enables you to combine new strategies when creating contemporary sound art practice.
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 accompanied by a written dissertation or alternatively by other modes of critical reflection (i.e. an extensive audio documentary / podcast).
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 / designer. 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 study and develop extended knowledge of a specific topic of your choice within sound arts through either text or an equivalent audio paper 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 and contextual background 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), critical appraisal of learning journey, 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).
