Advanced Cert in Sound Engineering and Production – Level 6

Duration
This is a Full-time one-year course, which runs from September 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. 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.

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
• Applicants whose first language is not English require level B2 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
• Arts Event Management
• Musicianship

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 with full Pioneer DJ setups, including club-standard Pioneer CDJs, XDJs, Mixers 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 an 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

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:

Although Level 6 is directed more at employment whereas Level 5 is the primary CAO route, 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 student’s 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

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.