B.A. Audio Design

1. Semester

Basics - Theory & Practice I 30 ECTS

In the first semester, you will immerse yourself in the world of Audio Design. You will learn basic techniques of audio engineering, miking, and recording. You'll also learn about the physics of acoustics and you'll be introduced to common DAW systems (Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live). In your first practical projects, you will learn how to dramaturgically build up your own pieces, implement them compositionally and technically, and change their effect through sound design. In addition to a first excursion into popular music history, you will receive piano lessons to improve your routine on the instrument for your own compositional work.

2. Semester

Basics - Theory & Practice II 30 ECTS

• Music Design II
• Lab II - Sound & Music Design
• Elective I
• Practical Project II
• Digital Signal Processing – Sound Synthesis & Effects
• Sound Studies

In the second semester, you will deepen your knowledge of music theory and practice. In the Sound Studies module, you will analyze sound design, musical concepts, and pieces and receive an introduction to scientific work. You will learn the basics of digital signal processing and apply your knowledge in first sound synthesis procedures. In the second semester, you will also carry out a practical project (e.g. with students of the BA Audiovisual and Interactive Media).

3. Semester

Applied Basics I 30 ECTS

• Composition I - Electronic Music
• Lab III - Audio design
• Studio II - Editing & Mixing
• Practical Project III
• Music Informatics
• Media Law (Music & Sound)

In the third semester, you will develop your own compositions and analyze current works. You will deal with the basics of music production and get to know the everyday studio life of an audio designer, design software-based musical instruments and interfaces. The Media Law module also teaches copyright law, trademark law, and licensing.

4. Semester

Applied Basics II 30 ECTS

• Digital Scoring
• Studio III - Mastering & Mixing
• Elective II
• Practical Project IV
• Sound Agency
• Language OR Physiology / Prevention

In the fourth semester, you will learn the basics of arranging and hone your compositional skills. Also on the timetable: mastering, audio mixing, and post-production in the studio.

5. Semester

Internship or Study Abroad 30 ECTS

In the fifth semester, you can take an internship at home or abroad or study abroad. The scope corresponds to a student workload of 750 hours each and is credited with 30 credit points.

6. Semester

Specialization & Practice I 30 ECTS

• Lab IV - Sound & Space
• Instruments, Interfaces & Installations
• Elective III - Dept. Music & Sound
• Practical Project IV
• Focus Project I – Interdisciplinary
• Creative Strategies & Project Organisation

In the sixth semester, you decide on a project from the fields of music technology & art, music production, sound design, or composition and thus choose your individual focus. Your focus project will be carried out in cooperation with the degree programs BA Audiovisual and Interactive Media and BA Creative Industries Management. You will learn to develop instruments and interfaces and dive into production techniques for 3D audio mixes and multi-channel systems. Building on this, you will consolidate your knowledge in a self-chosen module from the field of sound: music technology or sound design. Accompanying guest lectures and field trips will give you important stimuli from the industry and the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.

7. Semester

Specialization & Practice II 30 ECTS

• Game Audio / Film Music
• Elective IV - Dept. Music & Sound
• Focus Project II – Individual
• Competence Transfer
• Bachelor's Thesis

Again, you choose a focus project, but now you carry it out independently as an individual project. Further specialization in the areas of game audio, film music & dramaturgy is possible. In addition, you will pass on your knowledge to younger semesters: in self-led basic courses, you will train your didactic and pedagogical skills. At the end of the semester, you will write your bachelor thesis.

Innovative audio design pays off

Audio designers compose music of various genres, create digital sound designs and acoustic special effects, realize speech productions, and manage sound recordings with bands and ensembles. They write songs, orchestrate their own arrangements, and develop digital musical instruments and apps. Audio designers work either freelance or are employed in a variety of industries.

The B.A. Audio Design offers excellent career opportunities in industries such as:

• Phono industry, labels, studios
• Advertising, media, and design agencies
• Audio software companies
• Production companies, TV and radio stations, radio play publishers
• Game producers

They work, for example, as:

• Sound designers
• Music producers
• Audio engineers
• Film musicians
• Composers
• Software developers
• Product managers