Audio-, Sounddesign (grundständig)

The studies take place at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and universities of art and music. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar rooms, sound studios, and libraries. At home, activities such as preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses are also part of the learning process.

This is a foundational degree program (grundständiges Studium). Study options are available at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), and universities of art and music. Degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), or Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) can be obtained. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate program in Audio-, Sounddesign provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in sound design, electroacoustics, composition, music informatics, and media law. Possible undergraduate programs include Audiodesign or Tonmeister/in for audiovisual media. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife); for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), at least the Fachhochschulreife is required. Additionally, passing an internal university selection process and sometimes proficiency in a musical instrument may be necessary. In cases of exceptional artistic talent, studies may be possible even without a higher education entrance qualification. Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, Statistischer Bericht - Statistik der Prüfungen an deutschen Hochschulen - Prüfungsjahr 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student body, semester ticket). Depending on the situation, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. For information on funding opportunities, please check Deutsches Studierendenwerk and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Modules include Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Film and Media History, Fundamentals of Sound Design, Harmony Theory, Mathematics, Media Law, Multimedia Technology, Music Informatics, Music Theory, Signal Transmission and Signal Processing, Sound and Music Design, and Sound Recording. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in media companies), and potentially international internships or semesters abroad.

Universities conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews, or require work samples.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: attend lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; possibly participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises include, for example, making music recordings of bands in sound studios. Independent work involves preparing and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing term papers (also during the semester break). Students must independently plan their studies within the given curriculum, adhere to submission deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Vocational preparation may include completing internships (e.g., in media companies) and preparing for career entry.

The following study programs can be alternatives to Audio-, Sounddesign (grundständig) (undergraduate): In the field of Music, programs like Ton-, Bildtechnik (grundständig) (Sound and Image Technology) and Komposition (grundständig) (Composition) provide knowledge in acoustics, music, sound production, and sound studio technology. In the field of Design and Art, Mediendesign, -kunst (grundständig) (Media Design, Art) and Design (grundständig) (Design) involve developing and implementing design concepts. In the field of Print and Media, Medien-, Multimediatechnik (grundständig) (Media, Multimedia Technology) and Medienproduktion (grundständig) (Media Production) offer knowledge in areas such as computer science, media conception, and technology.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium (university degree): Physics (e.g., knowledge of electricity and acoustics), Music (e.g., music history and music theory), Computer Science (to facilitate access to music informatics), and English (to read and understand foreign-language technical literature).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful Berufseinstieg (career entry). For example, intercultural competencies are relevant. Elective modules like project organization can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in media companies, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

The undergraduate program Audio-, Sounddesign (grundständig) provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in sound design, electroacoustics, composition, music informatics, and media law. It leads to a first university degree. Additionally, there is the option to complete a schulische Ausbildung (school-based vocational training) to become an Audiodesigner (audio designer).

Examples: Audiodesign (Bachelor), Tonmeister/in für audiovisuelle Medien (Bachelor)

For Bachelor graduates in Audio and Sound Design (grundständig), various career fields are available in the private sector, such as media production (print, online, multimedia) or music, singing, and composition.

The 1920s saw the release of the first sound films. From the beginning of the 20th century, there was a continuous development from mono to stereo sound, to multichannel systems, and today's surround sound. From the 1970s onwards, independent study programs were established. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including the creation of a unified European higher education area, harmonization of study programs and degrees (introduction of Bachelor and Master programs), and improvement of mobility for students and lecturers.

Depending on the study program, degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), or Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) can be obtained.

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives to this study program: In the field of Music, Audiodesigner/Audiodesignerin - Musik (Ausbildung), with commonalities in sound design, sound editing, acoustics, and music production. In the field of Event Technology, Audio-Engineer or Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik, with commonalities in sound reinforcement technology, sound studio technology, and acoustics. In the field of Film, Radio, and Television, Mediengestalter/Mediengestalterin - Bild und Ton, with commonalities in sound reinforcement technology, sound technology, and media production. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of a study program, visit 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the study program. Compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases.

At the federal level, the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) as amended on 19.01.1999 (BGBl. I S. 18), most recently amended by Article 1 of the Act of 15.11.2019 (BGBl. I S. 1622), applies. There are also joint structural guidelines of the states (Bundesland) for the accreditation of Bachelor and Master study programs (resolution of the KMK of 10.10.2003 as amended on 04.02.2010) and the Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and adopted by the KMK on 16.02.2017). At the state (Bundesland) level, Higher Education Acts in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs, apply. Qualification or Higher Education Entrance Ordinances are also relevant. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs apply.

For Studium (university studies) at universities and equivalent institutions, the general or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification) is required. For Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences), at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the Bundesland (federal state) (e.g., Ministry of Culture) is needed. In most Bundesländer, it is also possible to study without a Hochschulreife if a special artistic talent can be proven. For information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals: University access in the individual Bundesländer. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. If necessary, practical professional experience, proficiency in a musical instrument, and intact hearing must be demonstrated.

Bachelor graduates in Audio-, Sounddesign can continue their Studium in an advanced field, such as Audio-, Sounddesign, Media Production, or Sound and Image Technology, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Advanced Studium is possible in Audio-, Sounddesign, Composition, Media and Multimedia Technology, Media Production, or Sound and Image Technology.