BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering Bachelor's degree at West London
BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering at West London combines software engineering principles with audio technology, preparing you for roles in audio development, digital media, and related technical fields.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at West London, based in Ealing / Brentford. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 6 modules
- Theory of SoundCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is for you to understand the theories and parameters relating to sound engineering that apply to all areas of the course. The main subject areas include: human hearing, physics of sound, sound measurement and decibels, basic room acoustics and digital audio conversion.
- Engineering SoftwareCompulsory
Module details
The module will help you develop as programmer using C++ as a tool to build simple applications related to sound engineering. You will learn to specify, develop and test software to specified standards to meet a range of sound engineering needs.
- Production and Critical ListeningCompulsory
Module details
The module is designed to introduce you to modern audio production processes and how to listen to sound in an objectively critical manner. You will study relevant hardware, digital audio workstations and MIDI sequencer packages. A programme of ear training will develop your critical listening skills on recorded sound and their musical attributes.
- Quantitative Tools for AudioCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you will cover the essential computational skills necessary for audio software engineering. With an emphasis on digital signal processing, this module delves into crucial mathematical principles including linear algebra, calculus and discrete mathematics. You'll explore algorithms and data structures specific to audio applications. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the tools needed to excel in the design and implementation of advanced audio software systems.
- Algorithms and Data TypesCompulsory
Module details
This module will help you to gain the knowledge and competence to deal with basic data structures and algorithms. You will learn how to specify collections using abstract data types (ADTs) and to implement them using a variety of techniques such as linked lists and trees. You'll also use a range of algorithms, including searching and sorting.
- Data CommunicationsCompulsory
Module details
This module adopts a top-down approach to data communication networking, beginning at the application layer and working down towards the physical layer. After completing the five-layer network architecture, the module focuses on the wireless network and its security. The following aspects will be covered: application layer transport layer network layer data link layer 802.11 Wi-Fi protocol principle of cryptography Wireless security: WEP and WPA.
Level 5 6 modules
- Sound Design and SynthesisCompulsory
Module details
Sound design is used in many industry sectors, including film, TV, radio, gaming, advertising, theatre, virtual reality and smart devices. You will learn how to use synthesisers, samplers, how to record on location and how to creatively process sound files. You will apply sound design techniques to fulfil specific professional media briefs.
- Embedded Systems for Audio TechnologyCompulsory
Module details
Embedded systems are those that combine computers and electrical systems, such as an audio interface. This module provides a background to embedded development, introduces open-source tools and techniques used in the audio industry to programme embedded hardware, and enables you to gain experience in programming languages and techniques, typically used for mobile and embedded applications.
- Artificial IntelligenceCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you will gain insights into key techniques within the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Aspects of AI you will cover include agents, environments and learning as well as techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, reinforcement learning, learning recommendation and decision support systems.
- Mobile Web App DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
This module will allow you to gain experience in developing mobile web applications and have an introduction to the tools, languages and design techniques required for building functional applications. During the module, you will gain exposure to a programming language that can support native mobile application development, and you will be introduced to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design pattern.
- Games, Simulations and Virtual WorldsCompulsory
Module details
This module covers the holistic development of a computer game, simulation or virtual world. You will learn to use an appropriate 3D games engine (e.g. Unreal Engine 4), optionally employing a programming language (C script) to develop an interactive artefact.
- Mathematics for Audio and Signal ProcessingCompulsory
Module details
The module initially will provide a foundation on the basics of signal theory, including the types of signals, properties and applications of signals, conversion between analogue and digital signals. You will study the basic principle of frequency domain, along with the fundamental signal analysis in frequency domain (e.g. complex signal and the Fourier series). You will use software such as MATLAB as a tool to explore the various theoretical, analytical and experimental aspects of the syllabus.
Level 6 5 modules
- Audio Digital Signal ProcessingCompulsory
Module details
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of digital signal processing. You will apply this knowledge to sound as both a tool for developing audio effects but also for audio analysis. You will learn how to develop your own adaptive digital audio effect. Additionally, the module will look at convolution, filter design and audio restoration.
- Artificial Intelligence for AudioCompulsory
Module details
The module aims to provide you with basic concepts, audio processing methods and insights into some techniques within the field of artificial intelligence. You will learn audio features and how to extract acoustic features from audio streams and theory of audio signal processing, including audio activity detection and audio noise reduction. The basic principle of machine learning approaches to audio recognition will also be studied.
- Audio Programming for GamesCompulsory
Module details
Gaming is a fast-growing and lucrative area of the entertainment industry. By the end of this module, you will have a solid appreciation of the power of audio for games, combined with the skills to develop audio assets and implement them in middleware. This in turn will form the basis of a show-reel which can be used for future promotion and collaboration within the gaming industry.
- Industry PracticeCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide a wider awareness of the key trends and areas of growth in industry to further extend your range of reflective experiences and enhance your academic self-esteem. You are required to develop your career management plan by matching job roles to personal skills and interests, plus explore the expectations society and business has of IT professionals. You will prepare for wider IT industry requirements for codes of practice and ethics and develop an understanding of the r
- Audio Software ProjectCompulsory
Module details
The aim of the final major project is for you to develop the ability to undertake a large-scale project in audio software engineering, which allows you to apply your knowledge and skills developed throughout the course in an expansive and challenging manner. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your academic as well as practical subject skills in a manner that will help you showcase your abilities to a future employer or academic institution. Ultimately, this aims to lead you into your cho
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the design, development and deployment of audio software systems. A course like this typically begins with programming foundations in imperative and object-oriented languages, alongside computer systems architecture and discrete mathematics. In the second stage, you'll progress to algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering practice, then explore artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year 3 moves toward specialisation and capstone work: you'll usually choose from options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, and human-computer interaction. A substantial individual project concludes your studies, where you'll design, build and evaluate a software system under supervision.
Who it's for
This course suits those with an interest in audio technology and software development who prefer to study part-time. You might be working professionals seeking to formalise technical skills, career-changers moving into audio engineering, or students balancing study with other commitments. Prior experience in programming or audio production is helpful but not essential; the course builds from foundational computer science principles.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. National earnings data shows Computer Science graduates earning £25,000–£35,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. Audio software engineering opens paths in audio development, games audio, music technology, broadcast, and software companies. Specialisations such as Software Engineering, AI & Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, and Games provide additional career flexibility.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Audio Software Engineering is delivered part-time at The University of West London, located in Ealing and Brentford. Teaching is in English. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree is nationally recognised. It holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code I301). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at West London →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of West London
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Ealing / Brentford
2,092 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to West London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by West London; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check West London’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with West London and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
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