University of Derby United Kingdom

Sound, Light and Live and Event Engineering with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Sound, Light and Live and Event Engineering with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at the University of Derby is your gateway to a dynamic career in the technical production and engineering behind live events and entertainment. This course is ideal if you are passionate about the intricate interplay of audio, lighting, and visual systems that bring performances and events to life. You will develop a robust understanding of electrical principles, engineering design, and the specific technologies used in stagecraft, audio, and video, preparing you to innovate and excel in this exciting field. This undergraduate degree offers a comprehensive introduction to electroacoustics and engineering workshop practices.

This full-time, four-year degree, studied on campus, begins with a foundational year to build your essential knowledge before progressing into specialised modules in areas like stage and event lighting, and live event techniques. You will gain hands-on experience through practical workshops, project-based learning, and the opportunity to work on real-world event briefs. Throughout your studies, you will develop critical skills in computer systems and networks, culminating in a significant individual project. You will graduate prepared for diverse roles in event production, technical theatre, and live entertainment engineering.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) program provides a comprehensive education in sound, light, and live event engineering, beginning with a foundational year covering essential technological and mathematical principles. Subsequent years delve into practical applications, including engineering workshop skills, electrical circuits, lighting and video technology, live event stagecraft, and audio technology. The curriculum progresses to advanced topics such as stage and event lighting systems, electroacoustics, immersive audio, video streaming, and sustainable event design, culminating in a significant individual project and professional development.

1 Foundation Year

Event and Media Technology
Foundation Electrical and Electronic Principles
Preliminary Mathematics
Scholarship for Technologists
Technology Project

2 Year One

Engineering Workshop
Electrical Circuits and Devices
Engineering Design 1
Lighting and Video Technology
Live Event Stagecraft
Audio Technology

3 Year Two

Stage and Event Lighting Systems
Electroacoustics
Live Event Techniques
Computer Systems and Networks

4 Year Two

Immersive Audio and Extended Reality
Video Streaming and Visual Technology
Electronic Systems
Electronic Communication

5 Optional Placement Year

Applied Professional Practice

6 Year Three

Individual Project and Professional Development (IEng)
Live Event Practice

7 Year Three

Sensors and Embedded Systems
Audio Effects Design and DSP
Lighting Design and Show Control
Live Sound System Design and Optimisation
Sustainable Event Design and Management

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

12% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,160.00 USD 22,843.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 22,843.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 88,691.00 USD 91,374.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 8,200.00
Transport USD 903.00 - USD 935.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,093.00 - USD 2,616.00
Estimated Total USD 6,218.00 - USD 11,228.00

Living cost estimates are based on Derby Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agricultural Research & DevelopmentAgricultural Technology & Precision FarmingCoal & Energy MineralsEnergy Engineering & InfrastructureIndustrial & Offshore ConstructionMaritime & ShippingMuseums & Cultural HeritageOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionRail & Mass TransitRefining & Petrochemicals

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AQA

BP Plc

Bentley Motors

Debswana Diamond Company

Derby Theatre

JCB

Jaguar Land Rover

National Grid

Why Study Sound, Light and Live and Event Engineering with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at University of Derby

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Derby in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sound, Light and Live and Event Engineering with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at University of Derby

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you'll need an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as sound engineer, lighting technician, event coordinator, technical director, or production manager.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on the technical production of live events, covering audio, lighting, and visual systems. You'll also learn about electroacoustics and engineering design, which are crucial for a career in this field.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The course begins in September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
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