Bachelor of Audio Production
The degree will consolidate the students knowledge already gained during the Audio Production diploma programme and further their academic skills. The degree broadens the learning experience beyond the purely vocational type training, by including a wider knowledge base and research-based educational experience. The Recording Arts Degree programme can only be taken at the various approved SAE degree centres.
Aims
The BA Audio Production degree comprises the Audio Production diploma plus a second year of degree level studies. This degree is taught and administered by SAE Institute. The degree can be taken over a period of two years as an intensive programme. The BA degree is a direct path to higher post graduate degrees e.g. masters or the SAE-Tonmeister - the SAE Tonmeister degree is only available at our Oxford or Byron Bay campus.
Qualification
- Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production
- Higher Education (Australian government accredited)
Degree Entry Requirements
Note: If you are applying from outside the UAE please contact the SAE Institute in your country to confirm your equivalent educational standing or contact SAE directly.
- minimum age 17;
- completion of year 12 high school certificate (HSC) or its equivalent ; or
- mature age students over 21 years; or
- on receipt of suitable evidence, SAE shall seek to admit all prospective students (via special entry) who are considered to have a reasonable chance of success in the programme.
Degree Duration
24 months full-time (accelerated learning)
Assessment method and award
Practical
Will involve progressive assessment and the submission of studio logs; and
Theoretical
- All BA students must undertake a specialist written
research project; and - Pass and complete all individual degree modules
Award
In order to qualify for the Bachelor degree, candidates need to reach an overall mark of 240 credit points.
Career Options:
- Assistant sound engineer
- Studio sound recordist/engineer
- Mix engineer
- ProTools operator
- Live sound engineer
- Mastering engineer
- Broadcast engineer
- Audio post-production
- Music and dialogue editor
- Location recordist
- Music producer
- Electronic musician
- Sales and installation
- Consultancy, education and associated careers
- Studio manager
- A&R executive
- Digital media entrepreneu
More Information
Other Courses
| Boot Camp | Certificate | Diploma/Degree |
|---|---|---|
Course Content
1st Year Bachelor of Audio Production
The list below shows only the main topics covered during the course in alphabetical order. For a complete list please see our curriculums displayed at each SAE location.
TRIMESTER 1 - First Year
BCM100: Communications & Computer Technologies
A foundation unit in digital communications theory, computing and society, preparing students for the creative media industry. Hands-on experience with computers, digital research and principles of critical analysis and reporting styles are explored.
BCM110: Introduction to Digital Imaging
This unit introduces two dimensional (2D) digital image manipulation in the context of contemporary culture, media industries and the arts. Practical skills in graphic design are studied and the integration of digital images into musical works across the spectrum of creative media including CD, DVD, web and print media are applied.
BAP180: Introduction to Audio Technology
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of recording & mixdown of music in a small recording studio environment. Theories of audio recording technologies are taught combined with practical music and vocals compilation using a digital audio workstation (DAW) to produce a basic recorded work. Studio roles & processes of the recording studio, recording console signal flow diagrams and the application of different microphone types in a variety of common studio settings are studied.
BAP100: Principles of Sound and Sound Production
The unit introduces fundamental principles of audio technologies used for sound recording and reproduction. The science of sound is examined, including the basic physical, mathematical principles & electronic concepts and theories that relate to the propagation sound in the recording process and human auditory perception.
TRIMESTER 2 - First Year
BCM130: Web Technologies
Students are provided with a range of skills and theoretical knowledge fundamental to publishing for the Web. This includes tracing a history of digital
technologies, principles of human-computer interaction, design concepts & information architecture, online communities & resources for the creative media industry.BAP110: Applied Music Theory
Contemporary music language is examined in relation to song structure, arrangement, music composition and basic score reading skills. Students learn appreciation of the elements of music, through directed listening and through the application of music fundamentals to a creative project.
BAP120: Signal Processing & Aural Perception
The unit examines common signal processing techniques that are commonly applied using hardware and digital emulations. Deconstructing a variety of musical performances, analysing the various kinds of processing used to within a mix, students are encouraged to explore creative uses of these technologies when recording or mixing a musical performance.
BAP130: Digital Audio Production
Theories of digital audio in audio production are explored. Students learn the practical preparation of a digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording and mixdown of a multi-tracked musical performance. Professional practice with respect to the management of performers and the media created during the recording session and basic editing and processing techniques is demonstrated.
TRIMESTER 3 - First Year
BAP140: Music Styles 1
Musical styles & movements from the late Renaissance period to circa 1900, and key technological developments shaping the music industry are studies. Key styles, genres and leading figures expanding the music art form as a means of expression are explored. The unit examines social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced music and the music industry.
BAP150: MIDI and Electronic Music Production
The art and craft of electronic music production (EMP) using a digital audio workstation is the focus of this unit. The history of sound synthesis and its influence on the popular musical landscape is analysed and the contribution of synthesized instruments/ sounds to different musical genres is considered.
BAP160: Studio Production
This unit builds on foundation recording studio production skills to an intermediate level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment, & to handle the psychological pressure of a recording session in a competent manner. A variety of recording and mixdown techniques are considered in order to improve
thinking and practical skills for studio recording sessions.BAP170: Creative Project 1
This unit is the culmination of Year 1 audio production studies in the realisation of a creative audio project as a means of artistic expression. The project requires students to plan, manage and complete a creative work within a specialised area of audio production, demonstrating technical & creative abilities, with a written report documenting process,
Exit Point after 3 Trimesters with a Diploma of Audio Production
2nd Year Bachelor of Audio Production
TRIMESTER 4 - Second Year
BCM200: Research and Project Models
A unit focused on creative project development
in the creative media industry. The combines theoretical and practical approaches to the production process. Students are introduced to research and writing strategies for documenting creative media practice.
BCM210: Audio Post Production
Students are introduced to key elements of sound in audio post production. A history of sound for motion picture & television is studied, reviewing a variety of audio post technologies past and present and techniques & methods used by engineers and sound designers.
BAP200: Acoustics and Live Sound Production
Understanding of acoustics, with emphasis on sound behaviour in enclosed spaces & small live venues is studied in this unit. Acoustic issues, the designs and construction techniques used in modern recording studios, budget considerations relating to common studio designs are examined. A comprehensive understanding of sound reinforcement techniques are developed, in theory & in practice.
BAP210: The Role of Producers
This unit explores the various roles of the music/record producer & examines the work and practice of a selection of successful artists who have made major contributions in and through their specialised fields. A historical overview of milestone record productions
are discussed & analysed. Students critically reflect on these to develop strategies for self-development as producers.
TRIMESTER 5 - Second Year
BCM220: Business and Legal Studies
The unit establishes fundamental principles of business planning and matters regarding intellectual property & law for creative media practitioners. The unit navigates principles of copyright & intellectual property law for cultural producers.
BAP220: Music Styles 2
This unit builds on BAP140: Music Styles 1 and focuses on key technological developments shaping the music industry. Key styles, genres and leading figures expanding
the music art form as a means of expression are explored. The unit examines social, cultural, and political forces that have influenced music and the music industry.
BAP230: Advanced Audio Post Production
This unit builds on BAP210 in advanced audio and sound design techniques utilised in post production and creative solutions in the application of sound effects, automated dialogue replacement, Foley techniques and advanced mixing techniques in the creation of soundscapes for moving image (stereo & multi-channel).
BAP240: Advanced Studio Production
This unit builds on BAP160 recording studio production skills to an advanced level. Students learn professional project management of the audio environment, & to handle the psychological pressure of a recording session in a competent manner. A variety of recording and mixdown techniques are considered in order to improve thinking and practical skills for studio recording sessions. The psychology of studio craft are examined from multiple perspectives.
TRIMESTER 6 - Second Year
BCM230: Marketing and Promotions
Students are exposed to the fundamental principles of marketing, promotions and publicity. A variety of marketing strategies are examined, including an outline of the historical developments in media based advertising. Students are encouraged to think critically about the role of advertising in society.
BAP250: Mastering and Media Preparation
Examines a range of tools and practices used in compilation and mastering of media for platforms: CD, DVD & the Internet. An historical perspective to media management, technical & aesthetic influences from vinyl to digital media and final audio masters for delivery systems such as radio. Students apply these techniques to a portfolio (master) of their recordings.
BAP260: Creative Project 2
This double unit is the culmination of the degree program, enabling students to demonstrate the full range of their technical, creative & academic skills and abilities. It provides an opportunity to undertake a large-scale creative project that displays the depth & breadth of their work. The project may involve the development & testing of a media product or the exploration of a particular production method or approach, which may take the form of a style analysis. The practical work will include an appropriate analytical critique and production logbook development.
