Sound, Music and Production BA

Sound is a dynamic and exciting field that is constantly evolving. Immersive formats, in particular, have been driving the world of audio forward in recent years. With our support, you will acquire the knowledge you need to play an active role in shaping this transformation. Our graduates are in high demand on the job market. Companies and institutions specifically seek our collaboration on practical projects. The study programme is also unique in Germany and offers you numerous opportunities to shape your individual profile through optional modules.

Our study programme combines a solid academic foundation with practical experience. The focus is on project-based learning in workshops and exciting projects in practical laboratories, where you will work on real-world projects. In the past, for example, we have carried out exciting projects such as live television shows, a jazz festival on campus and recording projects abroad. Our students regularly showcase their work to the public through exhibitions of the interactive workshop outcomes.

At the Media Campus of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, you can look forward to an exceptional learning environment offering a dozen Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in the media sector. Over 50 professors and more than 200 lecturers with industry experience create a learning environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, enabling a close integration of theory and practice in small study groups. A particular advantage for you is that there are regular cross-programme opportunities, such as campus radio, usability, broadcast electives or event management, which you are also welcome to attend.

More than a dozen professors and lecturers teach on the Sound, Music and Production BA study programme, covering all key subject areas, from speech and music recording through to mathematics and physics, and right through to synthesiser development. Experienced professionals from studios and the broadcasting industry complement the team, bringing the latest industry knowledge to the classroom.

You can find the key people here:

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Yes, in the 5th semester you will undertake a full practical semester (at least 18 weeks), during which you can put your knowledge into practice and build valuable contacts for your bachelor’s degree and your career start.

In addition, a six-week introductory work placement in a field related to the media sector is compulsory before you start your study programme.

The practical semester can easily be undertaken abroad. The International Office provides support in finding international work placement opportunities and potential funding. Furthermore, the sixth semester is designated as a ‘Window of Mobility’ for studying abroad, and, subject to agreement, the practical semester can also be swapped for a semester abroad as part of an exchange programme.

Advice and further information are available from the International Office at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.

You enjoy using your ears. You take pleasure in listening actively and with dedication. The world of sounds, the spoken word and tone fascinates you and inspires you to create your own auditory imagery. Curiosity and flexibility are also essential.

You are interested in literature, music and contemporary developments in media, art and culture. You listen to radio plays, audiobooks, radio documentaries or audio collages, and possess a vivid imagination for telling stories through sound or creating a mood. You take a critical approach to the spectrum of musical expression and imagine what the music of the future might sound like.

You listen consciously to the noises and sounds of everyday life and imagine what would change if these sounds were enhanced and redesigned. You are passionate about bringing worlds to life through sound: using sound alone, or within films, games or websites.

It is not essential that you play an instrument yourself or already have prior knowledge of Computer Science. However, both can be to your advantage, both in your application and during your study programme.

We cater to ‘audio enthusiasts’ who are curious and open-minded, and who wish to understand audio technology so that they can apply it creatively and artistically, develop new ideas and critically examine their own work from a scientific perspective.

Be curious every day: experiment with new tools, get to know the dynamics of sound design. Try out new things, step out of your comfort zone and discover the diversity of sound. Just record a choir, a band or a voice-over and compare it with what’s out there in the media. And most importantly: have fun with it!

No, there is no requirement to take an English test. The language of instruction is German; in rare cases, English may be used for electives.

You can find all the information about the application process here.

At Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, every study programme has a two-part examination regulations document: the General Provisions of the Examination Regulations (ABPO) apply across the university and govern, amongst other things, the responsibilities of committees and the examination system. The specific regulations for a study programme can be found in the Special Provisions for the Study Programme (BBPO, PDF download). Another important resource for your study programme is the module handbook (PDF). This sets out, for example, which compulsory and optional modules are available, how many credit points are awarded for each, and, of course, the respective learning objectives, course coordinators and examination formats.

SMP sees itself as a vibrant audio community. You’ll start to feel this even before your studies begin, when the mentoring programme led by students from higher semesters gets underway. This not only helps you get to know one another, but also makes it easier for you to settle into the study programme. Particularly in the first few semesters, alongside the key introductory sessions, there are also practical sessions with lecturers, laboratory engineers and tutors. In addition, there are contacts available for various concerns and difficult situations, whom you can contact in confidence if necessary.

You should definitely have a laptop or desktop computer so that you can create your own linear and interactive audio projects.

In rare exceptional cases, we may be able to provide a laptop.

We’re very proud of our technical facilities, which include numerous modern laboratories, control rooms and mobile equipment – all of which enable industry-oriented work in the field of sound and give you the chance to try your hand at many different areas within the audio sector.

If you have any questions regarding applications, entry requirements or funding, the Student Service Centre (SSC) is here to help. Our student study advisers are also happy to give you an insight into everyday student life. You can find their contacts on the first SMP page of this website. You can also meet us in person at various university information days, such as hobit, or, if you’re interested, arrange a visit to the Media Campus.