Sound Engineering

Start Date: September 2024

MATURE STUDENTS SUPPORT
The college welcomes adults over 23 who wish to return to education and who wish to retrain in new skills and technologies. Our mature learners enjoy the following supports in addition to the overall supports provided to all students:

• Mature student meet and greet before the college year begins.
• A dedicated mature student room where mature students can meet and work with fellow mature students.
• Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the Mature Student room daily.
• A mature student officer available for guidance and support.
• Academic support tailored to ensuring the smooth transition to DCFE.
• Coffee Mornings in the mature student room.
• Guest speakers from past mature learners.
• Career guidance talks tailored to mature links.
• A dedicated induction process for mature entry.
• Workshops in exam study, time management, presentation skills, IT skills, referring and research techniques, etc.
• Basic computer skills workshops.
• Organised social events for mature learners.
• We look forward to welcoming our future mature learners to Dunboyne College.

For all courses in 2024/25, course fees are now a non-refundable €30 administration fee. The course fee must be paid to secure your place, you can pay this fee through our website. More information can be found here.

You can access your application details via the Dunboyne College website (click Login/Pay Fees in the menu at the top of the page) using your ID number and password.

No cash will be accepted at the office. Payments can be made online or by cheque (payable to Dunboyne College of Further Education), by bank draft or by postal order only.

https://ams.enrol.ie/DunboyneCollege/2024/ApplicationForm.aspx

https://dunboynecollege.ie/about-us/fees/

SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students for level 5 and level 6 courses in Dunboyne College of Further Education. For more information visit www.susi.ie

Application Procedure

1. Applications can be made online at www.dunboynecollege.ie. from November 2023 to September 2024.

2. After registering online, students will receive a text and email to notify them they have pre-registered and can log in to view and track their application.

Applications now open
Apply online www.dunboynecollege.ie
Once we receive your application we will email you requesting:
Photograph Reference Interviews
Recent academic results Personal Statement
Interview
All applicants will be interviewed. Some additional requirements may apply depending on your course choice.
When you receive an offer please confirm it by the deadline.

3. Applicants will be notifi ed by text and email of a request to upload further information for their application:
(i). Copy of most recent school report or examination results
(ii). Reference from teacher, employer or coach.
(iii). 100-word personal statement on
“Why this course is right for me,” which should outline reasons for choosing the course.
(iv) Photograph

4. Interviews will take place for all courses.

5. Successful applicants will then be able to complete the registration process.

6. Late applicants can apply online for vacant places at any time until the end of September 2024.

7. A grant can be applied for from www.susi.ie.

8. A separate process for applicants to the Early Learning and Care courses (formerly Childcare courses) applies. Other courses may have additional entry requirements including auditions etc, please refer to the entry requirements for the courses of your choice.

9. Applicants for the Apprenticeships in Hairdressing and Accounting Technician should note that there is a difference system for applying. Please refer to the information listed for these apprenticeships.

10. Applications will be processed in line with DCFE Admission Policy.

Are you passionate about music and sound? Do you want to develop the technical skills and knowledge required to succeed in the exciting world of sound engineering? Look no further than our HND in Sound Engineering. This comprehensive course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the ever-evolving audio industry.

Our practical course is designed to give you hands-on experience in a range of audio engineering disciplines, including recording technology, live sound techniques, and sound design for interactive media. With classes based out of professional recording studios, live music venues, and specialist computer labs on campus, you’ll have the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment and gain real-world experience in a range of settings.

Graduates from our HND can take advantage of a variety of potential career pathways, including roles as recording engineers, live sound engineers, sound designers, audio post-production engineers, and more.

Course Structure

Year One
In the first year, students will gain a solid foundation in essential sound principles, acoustics, studio design, recording technology, and sound engineering fundamentals through practical classes in dedicated computer labs and professional recording studios.

Additionally, they will explore the use of creative software techniques, live sound techniques, and marketing and promotion strategies, ensuring you are well-rounded and prepared for the demands of the industry.

The first year also includes modules on professional development and an overview of the music industry, setting the stage for a successful career in sound engineering.

WHY STUDY HIGHER NATIONALS IN SOUND AT DCFE?
Our Higher National Diploma in Sound Engineering is the perfect choice for aspiring audio professionals, offering a unique blend of comprehensive curriculum, practical learning, and industry-relevant skills. Dive deep into the world of sound engineering, mastering everything from fundamentals to advanced music production and sound design, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the audio industry.

Experience hands-on learning through real-world projects that simulate industry scenarios, preparing you for a smooth transition into the professional world. Our course is designed to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, equipping you with skills that are highly sought-after by employers. The Sound Engineering HND course allows you to focus on your specific interests and career goals within the audio industry, tailoring your learning experience to suit your individual needs.

Collaboration and networking play a vital role in our program, fostering teamwork skills and providing valuable opportunities to connect with peers and professionals in the music and audio industry. The course paves the way for a diverse range of exciting career paths, including live sound engineering, studio sound engineering, music production, sound design, and more.

In addition to immediate employment opportunities, the Higher National Diploma serves as a stepping stone for further education, such as pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sound engineering or a related field.

YEAR ONE MODULES
Applied Sound Principles
Creative Software Techniques
Live Sound Techniques
Marketing and Promotion
Professional Development
Recording Technology
Sound Engineering Fundamentals
The Music Industry

YEAR TWO MODULES
Advanced Music Production
Advanced Sound Design for Interactive Media
Advanced Sound Engineering
Creative Portfolio
Creative Research Project
Live Mixing
Mixing and Mastering

Please note that all the modules listed are subject to change due to availability and demand.

Assessment
Most courses will be assessed through continuous assessment. This means that modules are assessed with a combination of exams and assignments. Assignments can take various forms, including written projects, reports, essays, skills demonstrations, oral presentations or electronic work. Results for exams and assignments are combined to give the overall result for the module.

Certification: BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Sound Engineering), with optional Higher National Certificate after year one.

Level: Level 6 Higher Certificate (HNC/D)

Course Code: SND

Certification:
Being a two-year course, we know how important flexibility is. This is why we offer our students the option of an exit award after successfully completing the first year. This can suit those who wish to take a break from study or progress onto a different course in DCFE or elsewhere.

Year One
– Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Music (Technology)

Year Two
– Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Music (Sound Engineering)

Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, A86 FH01

Phone: (01) 8026577
Email: DunboyneCollege@LMETB.ie
www.dunboynecollege.ie