Audio and Music Technology

Our Audio & Music Technology course equips you with a balanced, blended skillset, paving the way into a wide range of career destinations.

Our graduates enjoy successful careers in the music industry and beyond: from recording and mixing engineers, front-of-house engineers for live events, audio specialists and acoustic consultants through to educators and technicians, the choice is yours.

Here's what two industry figures say about our course’s applied STE(A)M approach:

"From an employer point of view [BSc Audio & Music Technology is the] type of course we need as a feeder for our industry … the BSc approach doesn’t preclude being involved in the creative side of audio but gives you that solid backstop which … is more dependable and robust."
Dr Nick Durup, Director, Sharps Redmore Acoustic Consultants

"In my experience pursuing a career more focused on the STE(A)M aspects of audio engineering is generally more stable and better compensated than creative roles."
James Cook, Product Marketing Manager, dCS Audio

Entry-level employment roles that our graduates have assumed and the current starting salaries (annual gross income, as of May 2024) include:

• Audio Electronics Technician at studio-technology manufacturer (£21,000)
• Production Technician at hi-fi technology manufacturer (£28,000)
• Technical Sales Support Specialist at loudspeaker manufacturer (£31,000)
• Audio-visual Engineer at educational institution (£27,000)
• Graduate Acoustic Consultant (£25,000 plus benefits)
• Junior Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer at audio-technology manufacturer (£25,000)
• Junior Software QA Engineer at audio-technology manufacturer (£27,000)
• Junior Software Developer in Test at audio-technology manufacturer (£27,000)

As a JAMES-accredited graduate, you can join the JAMES Graduate Database after completing the course to promote your skills and portfolio to potential employers.

During your studies, you can develop your skills further by getting involved in the vibrant, collaborative community of students across the Cambridge School of Creative Industries (CSCI). For example, you might join the cross-disciplinary ARU CSCI Podcast team, or our in-house recording label across the music-related courses.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Music Therapy. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.