This module introduces essential in-depth technical skills and knowledge that a sound designer must possess. It will provide students with software training in the use of game audio middleware. Students will become acquainted with the essential skills of game audio workflow and implementation, including asset management, memory budgets and version control.

There will be an introduction to the major game engines. Game audio technology is not without its limitations; therefore, it is important that students are aware of what is and is not possible. This is a constantly evolving and fast-moving area of professional practice where, through independent research, students will be equipped with the skills to comfortably progress to more advanced technical aspects in later modules.

Students will learn techniques on how to create interactive sound for a variety of common game situations. They will create suitable sound and implement the audio within middleware or other appropriate technologies. You will examine the challenges of creating audio for use in audio middleware and learn possible workflow strategies in a contextual project-based environment.

While embracing new ideas, they will continue to develop skills like understanding the game aesthetic and creating a sound world to a brief, further working on developing a distinctive sound signature of their own and improving their sound design and production skills.

This module will include:

• An introduction to game engines.
• Look into audio recording and sound design techniques.
• Delve deeper into mixing and profiling.

Both professional and academic research gathers relevant information from a wide range of sources before analysing, evaluating, synthesising, and drawing reasonable conclusions on the basis of that information. The research will be evaluated on the basis of its originality, depth of insight, and the quality of the supporting argument.

Research can constitute:

• Professional research (i.e. further understanding gained from examining the professional output of other practitioners)
• Academic research (i.e. further understanding gained from theoretical/historical/analytical activities)

We expect students to:

• Analyse, synthesise, critically reflect, and build an argument
• Use academic writing, including referencing and a bibliography

This module explores knowledge previously built on in the course and engages the students to research ways to combine previous techniques creatively in more detailed developing audio. At this stage, students are encouraged to develop a distinctive interpretative style of their own.

Developing their sounds to be subtler, more artistic, and interpretative to the game by an effective and well thought out score. Students at this stage will also be expected to accept and implement notes on their work quickly and effectively, a key personal and professional skill.

This module covers:

• Recording vehicle sounds and creating audio for racing games.
• Case study examples of working in racing games
• Learn more about advanced loop editing.

Building on previous techniques, students will look at deeper challenges inside interactive audio. Students will engage in more elaborate and demanding projects, particularly exploring sound in 3D worlds, while continuing to learn to create audio that fits the requirements and demands of producers and developers.

Students are expected to implement their audio into a game project using audio middleware or appropriate technologies, while continuing to develop strategies to enhance interactivity.

The module will also look at the emerging world of VR and AR audio and how sound designers are responding to this rapidly evolving market.

This module will include:

• A guide to the mixing in a game audio context.
• Learn how to create convincing audio environments which respond to the player’s movement and location.
• Deep-dive into dynamic mixing.

Here students will have the option of tailoring the course to their own needs. You can pick one module from the following:

• FMOD
• Unreal & Blueprint
• Musical Sound Design
• Audio Post-Production
• Career Development for Sound Designers

For more information on these modules, click the button to download the Course Handbooks. Please note, the availability of MA elective modules may be subject to a minimum enrolment. The choice of electives is provisional and may be subject to change.

The final major project is a major piece of work that will take 12 weeks to complete. It represents the culmination of creative, technical, and research skills acquired during the rest of the course. Students will be required to create sound design for a substantial project. Either picking from the provided projects or delivering their own functional project, that has been approved by the course manager. This is a substantially longer piece of work than any other so far. It requires both solid technical skills and a much broader and deeper creative insight into the source material.

Students will be expected to research their chosen genre, developing a critical awareness of creative and technical problems faced by sound designers at the forefront of professional practice. Students will be supported by formative assessment from their tutor at points throughout the dissertation. The final dissertation will be graded by at least two tutors. If students decide to deliver their own project, they are responsible for its functionality and the delivery of the project.

You also have the option of completing a written dissertation if you prefer. The dissertation will represent your research into an area of game audio intended for, or in relation to, games. The dissertation is an extended piece of scholarly written work.

You will be asked to write an essay of 12,000 words (+/- 10%), including footnotes, but excluding bibliography. This is substantially longer than any of your other work so far. You will undertake the work as an individual, under the guidance of a supervisor, with whom you will meet regularly in one-to-one sessions.