Performing arts

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by private training providers

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• sound engineering and production
• audio engineering
• music production
• electrical and electronics engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course like:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship to start training in this job. These include:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Assistant Recording Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• BBC apprenticeships|https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships

Work

You could start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and work your way up.

Volunteering and work experience

You can work on community music events, DJ projects, hospital or community radio, or mix and record music in a home studio and post your work online.

Other routes

You could do short courses offered by private training providers to build up your skills and knowledge.

More information

Career tips

This is a job where getting experience and making contacts is important to help you to find work.

You'll need a good knowledge of music and recording technology. You may also find it useful to understand physics and electronics.

Further information

You can find out more about working in sound engineering from Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES).

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, many studio sound engineers go freelance. You could specialise in a particular technical skill, become a music producer, studio manager, or even start your own recording studio.

You can find out more about working in sound engineering from Joint Audio Media Education Support and Creative Choices.