Sound Design

Entry requirements

Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Music Production, Film Production or Audio Technology, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.

You should include reference to the following areas in your supporting statement:

• Why you want to study MA Sound Design at Leeds Beckett University
• What film and television (and/or radio and podcasts) inspire you to want to work in the industry and why
• Talk about a recent example of your work that shows how passionate you are about sound design for film and television (and/or radio and podcasts) – so the design of all elements of a soundtrack except music
• Talk about a book or article you have recently read that gave you a real insight into sound for film and television (and/or radio and podcasts)

All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please include in your supporting information a link for us to download the following: a showreel of around two minutes in length that evidences your skills as a sound designer for film, TV, radio and/or other media forms. Using film as an example, your showreel could contain clips from films you have been part of the production of and/or pre-existing films you have re-soundtracked. You should accompany this showreel with a pdf document that details what each of the works presented in the showreel are and what your contribution to them has been.

Months of entry

September

Course content

With a focus on sound design for film and television, this course will allow you to explore the capture of on-location production sound and studio-based post-production activity.

As part of this course, you’ll:

• Create soundtracks for live action film and animation for a variety of platforms and contexts
• Engage with film and sound studies theory
• Develop technical and practical skills in the area of composition and post-production
• Collaborate and negotiate with fellow music students as well as with peers in the wider school including film, dance and performance
• Have the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to sound production for radio and podcasting

Hands-on experience
You’ll be guided by a highly skilled teaching team as well as visiting professionals with extensive industry experience. Through close ties with the university’s Northern Film School, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow students at all stages of the filmmaking process – including shooting, editing and post-production.

This hands-on experience will be complemented by academic and practical studies in sound design.

Creative exploration

The brand-new Leeds School of Arts building features a wealth of outstanding specialist facilities. You’ll have use of professional-grade studios dedicated to foley and surround mixing including Dolby Atmos. You’ll also have access to:

• A suite of high quality, professional music studios, filled with the latest industry-standard equipment
• A 220-seat Dolby Atmos-accredited cinema
• Additional performance spaces

Access to these spaces plus links with local and national music, arts and festival organisations, will provide you with plenty of opportunities to share your work with audiences.