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Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video: Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a successful candidate will need to show a good understanding of the physics of sound, technical aptitude (including an awareness of current sound technology and equipment), good aural skills, excellent communication skills and acute attention to detail.

A good general education will be useful. GCSEs or A-levels in maths and physics and qualifications in electronics will be particularly beneficial. The following degree/HND subjects may increase your chances of success:

music technology;
sound engineering;
media technology and/or production;
technical theatre.

Check the Association of Professional Recording Services , the governing body for accredited courses, for the current list of accredited courses.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

excellent aural skills;
scrupulous attention to detail;
general technical ability, dexterity and agility;
good sense of timing and swift reactions.

Practical experience is usually a pre-requisite to securing work as a sound technician. There are a range of places where you can volunteer, including a recording or editing studio; student or community/hospital based film or radio project; doing the rigging and sound for amateur theatre or local musicians; working for equipment manufacturers.

You can contact Skillset Careers for advice about finding relevant work experience. A code of practice for work experience is available from the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) website.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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