Advanced Sound Engineering and Production (Media Production)

Level 6 QQI Award - Media Production 6M5130

Duration

This is a Full-time One Year course which runs from Sept. to May. Exact details of the timetable will be given out to students during the induction process prior to class commencement in September.

Overview

This new one-year Level 6 course gives students the opportunity to further develop and enhance their skills in music and sound production. It is an ideal add-on for our Level 5 students, for students from other Level 5 courses, and for mature applicants (over 21) with relevant experience. Taught by professionals working in the industry, this course will prepare students for both further academic progression, and careers in the media, entertainment and music fields. Students will work with performers and musicians in a purpose built industry standard professional recording studio. Editing, mixing and production take place in a state-of-the-art all iMac digital sound production facility. All workstations are equipped with software including Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Logic Pro.

 

Click here to APPLY Directly for this course

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

  • Relevant QQI Level 5 Award such as Sound Production 5M2149
  • For Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) - appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. Note: Mature applicants may be entitled to VTOS funding. For details about VTOS, please contact the college.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English require level B1 competency on the CEFR language framework. Applicants may be required to undergo English language testing to establish their language competency.

Course Modules

  • Sound Engineering and Music Technology
  • Studio and Location Sound Production
  • Media Ethics and Legal Framework
  • Media Industry Awareness
  • Multimedia Sound
  • Communications
  • Personal and Professional Development
  • Musicianship
Module Information

Module Information

Sound Engineering/Sound Production

Level 6 QQI Award: Media Production (6M5130)

Course Content (Module Names and Codes)

 

Sound Engineering and Music Technology (6N4981)

This module aims to give the students experience and skills in creating electronic music, as well as developing their ability to create soundtracks for film and TV.  Learn the skills of audio post-production including scoring, foley sound and the use of sound libraries.  Learn how to program beats, control synthesizers, edit audio and manipulate samples within software.

Assessment: Project (60%), Assignments (x2) (40%).

Studio and Location Sound Production (6N4981)

This module covers various aspects of sound recording, both in the studio and on location.  Gain the knowledge, skill and competence to record and mix a song using the college's recording studio.  In addition, students will learn how to record sound on location.

Assessment: Skills Demonstration (30%), Project (50%), Examination - Theory (20%).

Media Ethics and Legal Framework (6N5453)

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with an in-depth understanding of the ethical guidelines and legislation which apply to print, broadcast and online media industries.

Assessment: Project (60%), Examination - Theory (40%.

Multimedia Sound (6N4514)

In this module, learn how to produce podcasts and soundscapes.  Students will gain an understanding of scientific theory underpinning room acoustics and sound transmission, as well as practical skills of audio recording, editing and mixing.

Assessment: Project (60%), Collection of Work (40%).

Media Industry Awareness (6N5505)

This programme module aims to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to evaluate old and new media formats to include production and post-production values, audience theory and the regulation of new media.

Assessment: Assignment (2) (60%). Examination - Theory (40%).

Communications (6N1950)

Level 6 Communications builds on the knowledge and skills gained in level 5 Communications. The learner is facilitated to gain the knowledge and skills to exercise personal autonomy in communicating verbally and nonverbally. There is an emphasis on understanding the requirements of the workplace and using excellent communication skills to maximise participation in personal and vocational life.

Assessment: Portfolio/Collection of Work (50%), Skills Demonstration (50%).

Personal and Professional Development (6N1949)

This is not life coaching! However it is an opportunity to take stock and to evaluate your personal and professional goals. Through humorous workshops, lively group discussions and practical exercises we will shine a light on the following techniques: Stress Management, Conflict Management, Managing Change, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Delegation and Team Working.

Assessment: Portfolio/Collection of Work (50%), Skills Demonstration (50%).

Musicianship (5N4845)

This module is all about developing a deeper understanding of music. Through listening to a wide range of songs and styles, you will learn how to identify and describe key musical elements such as rhythm, pitch, key, harmony, timbre and tonality. You’ll also learn how to apply this knowledge to your own compositions and productions.

Assessment: Assignment (20%), Examination – Theory (50%), Aural Examination (30%).

Certification

  • Level 6 QQI Award Media Production (6M5130)

Special Features

This is a highly practical course and students will get hands-on experience of a wide range of industry-specific skills including: studio recording; location sound recording; electronic music composition and production; audio post-production for film and tv; organising and running live events; and podcast production.

 

Specialist resources include:

Industry-Standard Sound Production Studio with Audient ASP8024HE Edition console, full set of instruments and assorted hardware effects.

iMac Digital Sound Studio.  Our new iMac Lab replicates real-life industry experience.

DJ Room equipped with the most up to date industry-standard Pioneer DJ equipment including CDJ 3000s and DJM A9, as well as XDJs, and vinyl turntables.

Digital Radio Studio with Adobe Audition.

Internal live venue with stage and sound booth.

Free full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud Software for all students on this course for one year to facilitate assessment work.

All DFEi students are provided with a M365 account, which gives them access to the tools and resources needed to deliver assessment work while attending their course. M365 Apps include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, outlook and OneDrive.

Additional Information

Assessment

Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:

  • Student Record
  • Portfolio/Collection of Work
  • Assignments
  • Examinations - Written or Practical
  • Project

All assignments are submitted electronically.  Therefore all students need access to a device such as a computer/laptop.

A full major award is granted on passing the relevant eight components.  On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a pass, a merit or a distinction grade. See www.qqi.ie for more details

Progression Opportunities

Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities using their full QQI Level 5 and Level 6 major award. Places are not guaranteed and are subject to students meeting certain criteria.  It is the students' responsibility to consult with the relevant HEI for information on the admissions process, especially if a student is looking for advanced entry into third level and any specific entry requirements. Students may also refer to the individual HEI prospectus or may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website. www.cao.ie

Progression Examples

BA Arts (DN520)

BA Humanities (DN530)

University College Dublin - www.ucd.ie

BA Creative Music Production (DL838)  There is an option to do QQI Level 5 Mathematics module if a student does not have the LCE Mathematics requirement.

IADT, Dún Laoghaire - www.iadt.ie

BA Commercial Modern Music (BIMM assessment/audition) (TU961)

Bachelor of Music (audition) (TU963)

BA Media Production and Digital Arts (TU982)

BA Creative Digital Media (TU981)

Technological University Dublin - www.tud.ie

BA Music (audition) (DK860)

BA Audio and Music Production (DK865)

Dundalk Institute of Technology - www.dkit.ie

BA in Music Technology (MH101). There is an option to do QQI Level 5 Mathematics module if a student does not have the LCE Mathematics requirement.

BA Arts (MH101)

BA Media Studies (MH109)

BA Psychology (MH106)

Maynooth University - www.nuimaynooth.ie

Higher Certificate Music and Instrument Technology (AL605)

BEng Music and Sound Engineering (AL718)

Athlone Institute of Technology - www.ait.ie

BSc Music Technology and Production (LC270)

Limerick Institute of Technology - www.lit.ie

Career Paths

Most graduates will opt to advance to further studies, while others will be able to progress to work in recording studios, live sound, conference services, broadcasters, film and TV companies and web content related employment.

Thank You

we will be in touch shortly

Charlie Lane

Class of 2025
Sound Engineer – Newstalk Radio 

Coming to DFEI changed my life. The big thing for me was the connections I made and the use of the facilities. You were encouraged to do your own stuff as well as following the course. I. The…

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Charlie Lane

Class of 2025
Sound Engineer – Newstalk Radio 

Coming to DFEI changed my life. The big thing for me was the connections I made and the use of the facilities. You were encouraged to do your own stuff as well as following the course. I. The teachers really wanted to see you succeed. In fact it was through DFEi I got the opportunity to work for Newstalk. I am now the sound engineer for Off the Ball. 
My advice to students doing the course is work hard, do things without being asked, take advantage of all the facilities on offer. Dedicate yourself. 
Someday I would like to own my own recording studio. 
 

Course Coordinator

Patrick Wall

Patrick Wall

Thank You

we will be in touch shortly