Sound, Light and Live Event Technology with foundation year
BSc (Hons)

One of the leading courses of its kind in the country, this degree prepares you for a technical career in the pulsating world of live events. Our foundation year route is a smart move if you feel you are not quite ready to join the honours degree directly.

• Embark on your studies at foundation year level if you want a solid platform of skills and knowledge for success on the honours degree  
• Gain a head start in a high-tech industry where there is an urgent demand for more skilled engineers and technicians
• Study in a challenging, stimulating and creative learning environment – harnessing world-class equipment in our dedicated facilities
• Learn from inspirational tutors who have vast experience in the industry and are experts in their fields
• Cover fascinating aspects of electronics, optics, acoustics, computer aided design, simulation and control, and electrical power distribution
• Plan and deliver real live events as part of your studies
• Take the chance to go on an optional industrial year to strengthen your practical skills further still
• Boost your professional credibility on a course accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• 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.

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.

Gain the ideal preparation on a foundation year

An excellent choice for anyone who lacks the entry requirements to join the full honours degree immediately, the BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology with Foundation Year will help you build your skills, knowledge and confidence.  Taking a foundation year first is also a great option if you have changed your mind about your career since you chose your A-levels or BTECs and need to improve your skills in a different subject area.

The foundation year gives you a solid introduction to subjects such as electrical and electronic principles and event and media technology. You will also gain the scholarship skills for technologists that you need to study at honours degree level. From day one, you will enjoy all the benefits of being a University of Derby student, plus extra support to help you make a smooth transition to the first stage of the honours degree.

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  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.

Real world learning

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. 

September 2019 typical entry requirements

Alternative entry qualifications:

• BTEC - MPP
• Pass Access to HE Diploma 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.

2019/20 Fees

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

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.

Where are they now? Find out where our graduates’ careers have taken them. 

Programme leader

Ben Sams

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.

† Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

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, state-of-the-art 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.

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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