Introduction
Discover how sound works and how technology can help you to master it with our industry-accredited Audio & Music Technology degree.
With our BSc (Hons) Audio & Music Technology degree, you’ll integrate theories of sound into your audio projects, as you build a portfolio for a future career in the creative industries, including live sound, gaming, broadcast and film.
Under the guidance of experienced academic staff and industry-active practitioners, you will spend time developing a broad, balanced skill set, acquiring proficiencies in the design, integration, and operation of the technologies and techniques that will underpin your future career.
Course options
Key facts
Student experience
Which ARU music course is right for you?
Find out which ARU music course best suits your interests and ambitions with this handy video guide from Dr Chanan Hanspal, Senior Lecturer in Music.
Develop
Build your skill set and portfolio using the latest studio equipment.
Experiment
Try out different styles and techniques using industry-standard hardware and software.
Expertise
Our expert lecturers and technicians are here to help you get the most from your course.
Mark Pickering
Technical Officer and Lecturer Mark talks about his work in the music industry and changing trends and attitudes in the music scene.
ARU Spotlight Podcast: Mark PickeringEntry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Professional facilities
As part of your Audio & Music Technology studies at ARU, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including:
- Five climate-controlled recording studios featuring analogue-digital hybrid studio set ups and two mixing suites, all equipped with Pro Tools, Logic and plenty of outboard hardware recording equipment (Neve, Universal Audio, Audient, SSL)
- Audio-visual studio
- A spacious recital hall, band rooms and practice rooms
- Five grand pianos, including a Steinway Model D
- Many orchestral instruments, including a range of synthesisers; traditional instruments from India, China and Africa; and a Balinese Gamelan
- An impressive inventory of professionally rated microphones and recording equipment.
Futures Lab and workshop equipment
Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:
- 3D printers and scanners - FDM printers; material-specific extruders; SLA Formlabs printers; SLS Formlabs Fuse1; structured light 3D scanners
- 2D printing and cutting machines - laser cutters; Roland BN20 vinyl printer & cutter; Gerber substrate cutter; Mimaki TX300P sublimation printer.
Exciting opportunities
During your Audio and Music Technology studies, you’ll be able to take advantage of:
- links with local networks such as Cambridge Arts Network and Cambridge Live
- a diverse music scene in Cambridge ranging from classical to UK rap
- an optional placement year where you can put your learning into practice, gain valuable experience and make useful contacts.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Accreditation
JAMES
Our Audio & Music Technology course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support). Their trained assessors and accreditation panel members are working professionals with extensive knowledge and experience of today’s music and audio industry - so you can be sure our course will give you all the relevant skills you need for a successful career.
Lecturers
William Campbell
Deputy Head, Music and Music Technology
Douglas Nunn
Senior Lecturer
Mark Pickering
Technical Officer/Associate Lecturer
Tim Webster
Lecturer
Richard Edwards
Course Leader, BA Electronic Music Production; Senior Lecturer, Music and Music Production
Nikki Sheth
Associate Lecturer, Music
Careers
Our Audio & Music Technology course focuses heavily on the science and technology that underpins the subject area – the aim being that you'll have a wide range of career paths open to you once you graduate.
Many of our past students now enjoy successful careers in the music industry and beyond – from recording and mix engineers and acoustic consultants through to lecturers and technicians, the choice is yours.
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.
Clare
“Lecturers encourage and support cross-faculty communication so everyone can produce the best portfolio possible.”
ClareBSc (Hons) Audio & Music Technology
Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgePlacement year available
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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