Enjoy collaborative projects, working closely with other students specialising in subjects such as music technology, music, electronics and theatre
Look forward to excellent employment prospects: the majority of our students go into employment, freelancing or further study after graduating
Follow in the footsteps of our high-achieving graduates who have gone on to work internationally on everything from James Bond film premières to star-studded concerts
Find out more about the exciting projects being undertaken by staff and students in our Entertainment Engineering specialist subject group.
2ndin the UK for student satisfaction with the course**The Guardian University Guide 2021, Engineering: Electronic and Electrical subject area
No.1in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching and feedback**The Guardian University Guide 2021, Engineering: Electronic and Electrical subject area
100%overall satisfaction - BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology**National Student Survey 2020
Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
Our BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology is an engineering centred but practical-based course for anyone keen to embark on a career in the events industry. It is also ideal for professionals who have experience in the sector but want a deeper understanding of the theory, along with a recognised qualification.
An impressive skills portfolio
This degree covers a broad range of subjects – from lighting technology, audio engineering, video systems, power distribution and rigging to electronics, computing, acoustics, computer aided design and simulation.
You will learn both the theory and practice relating to the underlying technologies and will develop hands-on skills by planning and delivering real live events.
We offer an optional industrial year as part of this degree to give you further practical experience and to strengthen your CV.
The ideal learning environment
As this is an engineering course, you will study 'how it works' – learning about the underlying mathematics and electronics in our electronics and computing laboratories.
You will also learn ‘how to work it’ - developing professional skills in lighting design, sound engineering and event management, with practice in our dedicated production space and in venues around the city.
We offer industry-standard equipment and you can get to grips with the latest technology, thanks to our links with AC Entertainment Technology Ltd.
Head for a high-profile career
Our Sound and Light graduates are highly sought-after in the events industry. The careful blend of theory and practice underpinning this degree will boost your employability and professional status.
In one of many success stories, the World Premiere of the James Bond film, Spectre, saw no fewer than eight Sound, Light and Live Event Technology graduates working on the production at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Tom Denny and Alex Huggins worked on lighting for the Limited Edition production company. Impact Production Services provided the staging and structures, with graduates Ben Hawkes, Ian Brown, Ben Coxon and James Coghlan on their team. Meanwhile Anna Valley displays had George Easey and Ben Thurston working on video wall systems.
Another high-flying graduate is Tom Ralston, who has worked as Project Manager for many international events involving stars such as Justin Bieber, One Direction and Lionel Ritchie in the Middle East. Tom also won a major award in the Middle East's premiere event industry show in Dubai.
Want to know more? Read our blog for all the latest news and views.
All professionals working in technical and event based areas require an understanding of a broad range of fundamental concepts, techniques and methods required to put on an event. This module seeks to introduce these fundamental concepts embodied in Mechanical, Electronic and Electrical Systems and develop a quantitative, qualitative and descriptive approach to the understanding of these subjects. This module provides you with an insight into the different uses of certain branches of technology, especially those which have media applications. While the module is of direct interest to those going on to study event and media technology further, it also provides essential material for those whose interests lie in other technical fields.
This module aims to introduce knowledge and understanding of electrical principles, theory and circuits, and to develop practical skills in experimentation and measurements. The module begins with analysing DC circuits with resistors in series and parallel configuration. The module then moves on to introduce capacitors and inductors before analysing ac circuits including reactance impedance and phasor diagrams.
This module is an introduction to Mathematics in an engineering/technical context. It will concentrate on the principal mathematical tools of Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry and Calculus and will introduce you to the fundamental use of Maths in understanding and predicting the behaviour of engineering and technical processes and systems work.
A crucial stage in the development of the student is in the assumption of responsibility for learning. The student must be self-motivated, organised and independent. The development of critical thinking and meticulousness is fundamental to university study. This module provides the student with a variety of scholarly and communication competencies necessary for a successful career in the engineering and technology fields. The module aims to develop the ability of the student to investigate, analyse and communicate technologic concepts effectively.
The module will develop your ability to work independently and safely, to carry out effective investigation within this technical field, and to apply relevant practical techniques.
Electronics pervades almost every aspect of our society today, and is an essential aspect of the industrial, music and stage technology worlds. This module aims to introduce and develop knowledge and understanding of analogue and digital electronic principles and their application in a variety of industrially relevant circuits enabling you to predict and analyse the performance and function of both analogue and digital circuits. Analogue and digital circuit design techniques will be investigated resulting in you being able to design circuits to a given specification and function.
Music and media technologies have been enabled by the application of electronics which, if to be understood and experimented with fully, require an underlying knowledge and appreciation of electronic and mathematical fundamentals. This module aims to give students who are non-specialist in the module topic a non-threatening introduction to basic electrical and electronic concepts and systems. Students will assess the qualities and operation of filters and amplifiers with the use of basic electronic test equipment such as signal generators and oscilloscopes. Also basic electronic build and repair skills are introduced and enhanced by the build, commission and test of a simple audio device such as a headphone amplifier. In all aspects the module carries a bias towards audio applications. This module gives the student a good grounding in the technology used within music and media applications.
This module gives an introduction to the design, fabrication and commissioning processes of a basic electrical/ electronic engineering product. Basic electronic engineering skills such as soldering, wiring and use of electronic test gear are practiced leading on to printed circuit board (pcb) design, build and commission. These skills will then be used throughout your later studies culminating in the Independent Engineering Project in the final year.
One of the main strands of Live Event and Multimedia Technology is lighting. A detailed knowledge of the physical properties of light and how it is produced and controlled by modern luminaires is valuable to the modern lighting practitioner. Moreover, video is an increasingly important aspect of the live event and an understanding of how to capture, manipulate and display it is of great benefit. In this module students will analyse the operational and functional features of luminaires and control systems used for live events, film, video and multimedia. Video, display and projection technology is examined and its utilisation within the industry sector is assessed.
The properties of light will be explored including waves, particles, reflection, refraction etc. Human visual perception will be discussed including colour perception and classification. These studies will lead on to investigation into artificial light sources and their application in luminaires; in particular those used in entertainment industry applications.
Perception of moving images will be discussed, leading onto topics in moving image capture, reproduction and storage. The emphasis will be on video technology including video standards and formats, camera technology and display systems. Study and report writing skills will be further developed.
This module aims to give students a clear introduction to the nature and behaviour of sound and the main principles of audio equipment design and operation. A technical approach is used, encouraging students to question ‘how does it work’. Audio specifications and calculations are considered to help make sense of datasheets and product specifications. Lectures will present theory supported by practical demonstrations. The practical sessions will allow students to explore how audio transducers work and assess their performance.
Regardless of the specific area of the Live Event Industry one chooses to work in there are a number of key skills that are invaluable. In this module, students will receive an introduction to a variety of practical skills and best practice required for the assembly and operation of sound, lighting and staging systems. Students will be given an awareness of basic Health and Safety principles. Personal Development Planning will be introduced. A combination of lectures, practical sessions and seminars will be used with an emphasis on the development of practical skills and safe working practices. Assessment will be by a combination of written reports and practical assessment.
The entertainment industry relies heavily upon computing and communication technologies, and as technology professionals it is vital we understand the basic principles of computing, networking and communication systems.
This module aims to develop such knowledge and understanding. The student will be able to discuss and compare the various solutions to a number of computing and networking problems and be able to write short computer programs. Furthermore, the principles of analogue and digital signal description, transmission and reception will be studied, with an emphasis on the application of such principles in live events. Lectures will be used to introduce and explore theory and application. Practical sessions will allow students to devise simple computer programmes and perform analytical investigations on communication systems.
As the size and popularity of festivals, concerts and similar events has grown, there has been a significant increase in the technical, logistical, regulatory and management requirements facing stakeholders.
This module introduces students to the design and management of temporary and one-off events. The technical and general infrastructure systems needed to facilitate temporary large indoor and outdoor events will be studied. Relevant health and safety legislation will be examined together with the role of the local and statutory authorities within the planning process. The impact of events on the environment will be considered. The structure, development and management of business within the event sector will be studied, together with guidance for self employment and small business start-ups. Personal Development Planning will be continued.
The module builds upon the practical work carried out in the previous stage to consider the planning aspects of mounting an event. The knowledge gained will help to prepare the student for the real-world events carried out at later stages. Real-life events will by analysed alongside the theoretical content.
Modern entertainment lighting equipment utilises both well established technical principles and the latest in hardware and software technology. Increasingly the boundaries between different strands of entertainment technology (such as lighting and video) are becoming blurred. A thorough understanding of the basic methods and techniques utilised in contemporary lighting equipment and entertainment control protocols is invaluable to anyone working in the live event industry.
Building on the prerequisite module, students will analyse the operational and functional features of lighting desks, control protocols, dimmer technology, projection equipment and show control systems. The application of modern networking technology to lighting and show control systems will be explored.
Emphasis will be placed on the application of theoretical and working knowledge, enabling students to design, assemble and control lighting and projection systems for a variety of real world scenarios. These skills will help to prepare students for further studies at the next stage.
The increasing complexity of live event systems means that there is a requirement for technicians, designers and operators to possess strong theoretical knowledge coupled with a commensurate professional, practical ability. In this module, students will gain a number of practical skills in the design, assembly, optimisation and operation of sound and lighting systems. Importance will be placed on problem solving and the interpretation of artistic and technical requirements for live event systems.
Lectures will provide a means to introduce and explore the theoretical aspects of the module material, but the emphasis is upon the practical and transferable skills in lighting design and techniques for engineering live event systems.
In addition, you will engage with work experience opportunities to relate your academic knowledge and vocational skills to the professional work environment.
Professional sound systems are used in a wide range of applications and utilise increasingly complex technology to optimise performance and improve functionality. This module provides students with a good understanding of the operational and functional features of a range of audio hardware, which is then applied to the design and engineering aspects of sound systems. Students will analyse the characteristics of system components, compare the performance of different audio system designs and recognise the constraints caused by various acoustic environments. Factors which determine speech intelligibility are investigated, and system measurement and optimisation methods are examined. Some emphasis is placed on the characteristics and performance of systems for sound reinforcement purposes.
The module will use lectures as a means of introducing theory and concepts and investigating how these apply in practice. Practical sessions will incorporate both measurement based investigations and optimisation of simple sound systems.
The application of music and audio technology for concerts, public address, sound reinforcement and in sound studios requires a good understanding of acoustics. This module addresses this need by considering the nature of sound and applying this to the specification, design and control of acoustic instruments, systems and environments. It considers theory but also studies real world applications such as noise legislation, noise control and perception of sound.
The module builds on the acoustics and sound material delivered in the Level 4 Sound Technology module and provides a suitable foundation for a number of Level 6 sound, auditory perception and venue design based Level 6 modules. The module will use lectures to introduce and discuss theory, case studies and applications. Practical sessions will allow you to practically explore sound behaviour and measurement. Assessment is through a coursework portfolio submission and a closed book examination.
Electronics pervades almost every aspect of our society today, and is an essential aspect of the industrial, music and stage technology worlds. With the widespread availability of sophisticated and customisable integrated circuits, most electronic design is now done at the system, rather than the component level. This module aims to give you the ability to recognise and apply important electronic sub-systems, and to combine them together to create useful and effective electronic systems.
The module aims to build from a clear understanding of electronic principles, showing how these are implemented in current electronic technology. There will be a high dependence on exploring circuit characteristics through simulation. You will however also experience the building and configuring of physical circuits.
This module provides a framework for the development of “lifelong learning” skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice; including objective setting, planning, negotiating, implementing, demonstrating and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation.
This module also gives students an opportunity to relate their academic knowledge to the work environment.
Students need to be aware of the commercial realities and external factors that influence the success of an organisation. This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of contemporary issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline. During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.
In the Live Event Industry the ability to interpret correctly a client’s needs and deliver an event that satisfies those needs is paramount. Many aspects of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and resource management must be applied, usually in the context of limited resources.
Building upon the knowledge and skills gained in the prerequisite module, along with others, in this module students progress beyond theoretical knowledge and practical skills, to the management, design and production of live events to professional standards. These events will be real, high-stakes productions with paying customers in a variety of locations.
The synthesis of new design concepts and objectives will be fostered through the interpretation and outworking of performance scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on individual and group evaluation and appraisal, and the ability to justify and defend technical and artistic choices will be encouraged. Consideration will be given to employability and career progression post graduation.
The Independent Project is a major element of accredited engineering or technical degree. It provides the necessary evidence that you are technically competent and capable of entering the world of work as a professional technologist.
The aim is to develop your ability to work independently, in a chosen topic, using relevant technical design and development concepts, and analytical, test, measurement and evaluation techniques, in order to produce a finished artefact or product.
You will be expected not merely to apply technical expertise, but also to exhibit other skills such as the ability to plan, manage and produce a significant technical piece of work.
Digital audio effects and processing are now commonplace in the studio and live event arena. If near-zero latency and hard real-time operation is required, then a dedicated DSP based implementation is necessary. This module aims to develop in you a high level of competence in advanced audio DSP system knowledge and audio algorithm development. The mathematical content will be limited to the essential and useful, reflecting current trends in algorithm and system development as appropriate to professionals in this field. Although focused on audio applications, most of the algorithmic building blocks used are equally applicable in other electrical engineering applications (for example, visual, RF and medical applications).
In this module, students will further build on their knowledge, understanding and practical experience of sound system design and implementation and lighting technology and design to produce, implement and evaluate projects in electroacoustics, lighting design and show control. Advanced software tools and techniques will be used to support and inform the technical and artistic design process, and teaching will be augmented through such activities as case studies, site visits, and student led presentation or performance.
Lectures will provide an environment to introduce, investigate and discuss theory, application, and current issues in the module material. Practical sessions will allow students to develop skills in the application and evaluation of live event technologies.
‘Space’ is increasingly required as a controllable audio parameter. Ultimately, the benefits extend far beyond the particular application of enjoyable home cinema with surround-sound, into fields as diverse as hearing-disability research, neurological disorder, environment acoustics and a host of audio-information displays in the workplace.
This module aims to provide a new generation of sound engineers and audio equipment designers with the necessary understanding of multi-channel audio techniques and concomitant perceptual effects. Presenting immersive, multi-channel audio in the live arena isn’t just a case of replaying an event through the same amount of, bigger, speakers. Techniques will be discussed for addressing more than the standard 5 or 7 speakers used in the home environment with the analogue and digital modular design of multi-channel audio systems explored and utilised.
You will be designing, simulating, constructing and quantifying the performance of a multi-channel decoder progressing to the conceptual design and realisation of a novel, multi-channel auditory display.
Streaming media adds a dynamic aspect to a web page that communicates information through moving images and sounds, providing a richer learning environment than just text and pictures alone. Streaming allows media to be delivered via the web in such a way, that streamed data resides on the provider's server and not on the user's hard drive. It can be delivered as a continuous broadcast or can be a single data file. This module addresses the application of streaming technology including the design and implementation of a streamed broadcast. As part of the display technology aspect this module addresses the emerging areas of advanced projection technology and video wall set up, design and operation.
Embedded Systems are products or sub-systems in which tiny computers are hidden in order to undertake a control function. They appear in a wide variety of forms today, including the motorcar, domestic appliances, stage, office and medical equipment, the sound studio, and industrial machinery. Embedded systems often exist in networked configurations and are a key feature of the Internet of Things phenomenon.
This module teaches the main elements of embedded systems hardware and software, using a current commercially available microcontroller as a focus of study. Industrially relevant hardware and software design skills are developed, including the use of C programming. A major practical assignment adopts a Problem Based Learning approach, with student teams being required to develop an embedded system to meet a given design requirement. A taught introduction is given to some of the wider contexts with which embedded devices are developed, for example relating to real time, low power, or high reliability.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Campus Tours
Campus Tours are a great way to explore our campuses, facilities and halls of residence. We’ll be running the tours in two-hour timeslots, giving you the best possible experience while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Delve deeper into the course with our Virtual Open Day, packed with subject and course information to help you make your choice, including tours of facilities, 360° views of award-winning accommodation plus advice and insight from students and academics.
You will have the opportunity to take an optional work placement between stages two and three, during which you will gain an additional qualification, the Diploma in Professional Practice.
In addition, you will benefit from guest lectures, product demonstrations and venue visits. Many of our students also take on casual work with production and hire companies in the area, adding a new dimension to their real world learning experiences.
How you are assessed
You will be assessed through laboratory and practical exercises, written reports and exams. You will also work on group projects, including venue and event evaluations, and will be assessed on the concerts and productions you manage and create.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification
IELTS
6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - MPP
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
We have an excellent employment track record and our graduates work in all areas of the entertainment industry. You could work as an engineer at a hire or production company - specifying, designing and operating sound, lighting, staging and video systems - or as a theatre technical manager. Many of our graduates work as a freelance engineers or set up their own businesses.
Some graduates also progress to roles in design and manufacturing, media, broadcasting, acoustics, technical sales and support, education and event technology. There are opportunities to advance to postgraduate studies too.
The foundations drilled into me throughout the programme are the cornerstone of my career. Now, more than ever it is critical to be a generalist, and I constantly draw on the wide range of topics that we covered.
Tom Bland
BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology graduate
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
Basic starter kit of CDs etc.
Use of resources
Extra-curricular activities
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Purchase of small toolkit approx. £5
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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