Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
FM30820
Module Title
Sound Design
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay reflecting on practice  (1,500 words)  30%
Semester Assessment Practical Work  Practice sound design film  70%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  2000 word essay detailing how the student would plan and execute a sound design project, drawing upon relevant theories and methodologies 1500 Words  30%
Supplementary Assessment Practical Work  students complete an exercise testing their ability to place and mix clips in Pro Tools  70%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key processes in sound design.

Demonstrate an understanding of how choices in sound effect the visual expressivity and clarity of storytelling images.

Demonstrate dexterity and technical understanding in the use of pro tools and Icon mixing desks.

To develop an understanding of content, form and critical theory and an appreciation of how this relates to the aesthetic of the finished production.

Brief description

Students will study the basic fundamentals, science and physical properties of sound, sound design acquisition, mixing and mastering, and understand sound design and how it encompasses the traditional processes of both editing and mixing. The Sound Designer has responsibility over a range of areas from the overall conception of the sound track and its role in the film, to the making of specialized complex sound effects. The student will learn what choices can be made, and how, throughout the production and post production those choices will have an effect on the finished product.

Content

Sound Editing
Dialogue Editing
Digital Audio Workstations for Multitrack laying and compositing
ADR
Using and creating sound effects – Foley
Adding and recording Music
Layers and stages of a soundscape
Pre Mix
Music and Effects Mix
Final Dub

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Students will be tested on this individually and as part of a teamWritten communication as well as the process of communicating a concept through a particular medium is directly assessed. Oral communication skills are developed through exercises, seminars and feedback on creative concepts for effects.
Improving own Learning and Performance Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module which will help students to improve their own learning and performance.
Information Technology As part of the module Students will required to use industry standard software involved in Sound Design work.
Personal Development and Career planning The skills gained from this module will enhance the employability of film students.
Problem solving Sound design is a continuous process of problem solving and creative decision making. Students will be tested on this individually and as part of a team
Research skills Students will be expected to research the variety of effects technologies used to resolve issues that arise in real life situations and will be assessed on their ability to evaluate and effectively use their knowledge to apply these skills to the issues that arise.
Subject Specific Skills Sound Design skills will be developed throughout the module.
Team work Interaction of the sound effects components of the module will require students to work effectively as a team to deliver media content by specific deadlines

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6