Audio-, Sounddesign (weiterführend)

This degree program is offered at universities, music academies, and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, sound studios, and libraries at the university. Additionally, students work at home, preparing for lectures, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

The standard duration of the degree program is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student union, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after exhausting a set amount of study credits. There are also expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Modules may include: Acoustic Simulation and Measurement Technology, Applied Acoustics, Curating Diversity and Inclusion in Music and Sound Art, Film Sound Practice, Gender Perspectives on Sound Art, Gesture-Sound Interaction and Embodied Music Cognition, Immersive Audio-Visual Design, Introduction to Machine Learning and Computational Aesthetics, Music and Sound Dramaturgy, Psychoacoustics, Sound Creation and Coding, Sound Design (Production/Postproduction), Sound Studies, The Infinite Spectrum of Noise - Deep Listening with Noise and Drones. Practical study content may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in multimedia agencies), depending on the university.

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars take place in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; online courses may be attended from home if applicable. For part-time students, professional activities occur during the day on weekdays, with university attendance in the evenings or on weekends. Practical exercises include, for example, making recordings in a sound studio. Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Scientific research aims to deepen skills in academic work. Organization and planning require independently planning studies, adhering to given study periods, and submitting study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Professional preparation may involve completing internships (e.g., at advertising and multimedia agencies).

The following study programs can be alternatives for Audio-, Sounddesign (advanced): In the field of Music, Sound and Image Technology (advanced) and Composition (advanced) programs provide knowledge in acoustics, music, sound production, and studio technology. In the field of Design and Art, Media Design, -Art (advanced) and Design (advanced) programs teach how to develop and implement design concepts. In the field of Print and Media, Media, Multimedia Technology (advanced) and Media Production (advanced) programs provide knowledge in areas such as informatics, media conception, and technology.

Universities typically require the following undergraduate degrees: Audio-, Sounddesign (basic), Media, Multimedia Technology (basic), Media Production (basic), Sound and Image Technology (basic).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as foreign languages and rhetoric are important. Elective modules like Auditive Design can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in advertising and multimedia agencies or with game software manufacturers, specifically prepare students for professional life. Offers for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university): Universities in Germany - University Search of the Hochschulkompass.

This advanced study program deepens knowledge from the basic undergraduate program and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, which can be technical or creative. This program leads to a second university degree. Audio-, Sounddesign is also available as a part-time study program (Teilzeitstudiengang).

Examples: Music Acoustics (Master), Sound Studies and Sonic Arts (Master), Sound Engineer for Audiovisual Media (Master).

For Master's graduates in Audio-, Sounddesign, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, e.g., media production (print, online, multimedia) or music, singing, composition. Those aiming for an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to senior professional positions in the private sector and research.

The development of the study field began in the 1920s with the release of the first sound films. From the beginning of the 20th century, there was a continuous evolution from mono to stereo sound, leading to multichannel systems and today's surround sound. By the 1970s, independent study programs (Studium) were established in this field. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, reformed the European higher education landscape with goals such as creating a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonizing study programs (Studium) and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

The degrees awarded depend on the specific Master's study program (Studium) and include Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), and Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during the study program (Studium). However, compensation can be arranged for practical phases.

Legal regulations for the study program (Studium) are set at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG). Joint structural guidelines from the federal states (Bundesland) apply to the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs. The qualifications framework for German higher education degrees was developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference and the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws and administrative regulations, such as those concerning the accreditation of study programs, are in place. At the university (Hochschule) level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs apply.

The prerequisite for the study program (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying university degree, usually an undergraduate degree in Audio and Sound Design. For continuing education study programs (Studium), at least one year of professional experience is required. Depending on the university (Hochschule), an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include performance in the first professionally qualifying study program. English language proficiency may also need to be demonstrated.