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    Degrees in Sound Engineering

    Why should I study sound engineering abroad?

    Sound engineering, also known as recording or audio engineering, involves recording, mixing, and reproducing sound and music. Unlike producers, performers, and songwriters, sound engineers work exclusively with the technical aspects of sound production, such as editing, equalizing, and optimizing the electronic effects of both live and recorded audio. In addition to solid aural and technical skills, sound engineers need to have a working knowledge of audio equipment and technologies. 

    Sound engineering is an important function of media industries around the world, from film-making and radio broadcasting to game development and televised sports. If you have a musical ear, a passion for sound, and envision yourself in a career that mixes creativity with technical know-how, then studying for a sound engineering degree abroad, whether it's in the United Kingdom, United States, or Australia, could be the next step in your educational journey. Keep on reading to learn more about the study of sound engineering, and find the sound engineering degree program that's right for you!

    Person mixing music in recording studio


    What will I learn in a sound engineering program?

    Studying for a degree in sound engineering will prepare you for a successful career in audio production. You’ll get hands-on experience, hone new technical and listening skills, develop your creativity, and gain valuable insights into the business side of producing media.

    Sound engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines music with science, technology, and business. In sound engineering programs, students split their time between the studio and the classroom, starting off with introductory courses in audiology and audio engineering, recording and producing music, audio post-production, and music theory. Depending on the program, courses may cover the basics of acoustics, light and sound, or electricity and circuitry. Students can also expect to become well-versed in audio engineering software and learn about when, where, and how to apply different production techniques. 

    Besides equipping you with valuable tools for your future career, studying for a sound engineering degree will enable you to develop a set of soft skills in communication, active listening, critical thinking, and problem solving. Although many occupations don’t have any degree requirements, most sound engineers have attended a diploma or certificate program at minimum, which typically involves 1-2 years of study. Some sound engineers also hold a bachelor’s degree, but holding a master’s degree is more rare. 

    Regardless of your academic or career goals, there are many options available if you want to study sound engineering abroad: 


    What types of jobs are there for sound engineering graduates?

    Once you've earned a degree in sound engineering, there will be plenty of rewarding career paths for you to choose from. Many graduates will become sound engineering technicians, who are responsible for assembling, operating, and maintaining audio equipment for the radio, film, music, and television industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians is projected to grow 8 percent by 2026, with the addition of 10,700 new jobs.

    There are also various subfields of sound engineering you’ll have the opportunity to explore, which include studio, recording, live sound, and systems engineering. And studying sound engineering doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be tethered to a job in audio production. Some graduates choose to go into related fields, such as acoustic consultancy, architectural acoustic design, or sound system design. 

    Below, you can take a peek at some average salary statistics for jobs in sound engineering, obtained from PayScale: 

    Job Role & Average Graduate Salary

    • Audio Engineer - $48,589
    • Sound Engineering Technician - $35,000
    • Acoustical Engineer - $69,966
    • Audio Equipment Technician - $49,644
    • Recording Engineer - $49,473