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dBs Institute is one of the UK’s leading specialists in music technology and games development degrees. This cutting-edge education hub is an environment where musicians, sound engineers, producers, programmers, and digital creatives are given the practical means to challenge industry conventions and break new creative boundaries. Located across campuses in desirable locations such as Manchester, Bristol and Plymouth, dBs is an innovative educational pioneer that specialises in both hands-on and research-driven approaches to sound and digital technology career pathways.
At dBs Institute, the student experience is tailored to suit the complex needs of young creative professionals by tutors with years of expertise in the ever-shifting worlds of music technology and games development. dBs empowers students to turn their personal passions into thriving careers, counting numerous successful creative professionals amongst its alumni.
Established in 1998, dBs Institute has been at the forefront of sound and audio education for more than 20 years. dBs’ commitment to new emerging technologies is complemented by a diverse and flexible range of sound, audio, and game development undergraduate degrees, with further options for postgraduate study. dBs is dedicated, first and foremost, to helping students build meaningful careers in the sound, music and gaming industry. Experienced tutors and staff help students to unlock their individual potential in a highly competitive industry.
Reviews:
1) “I think the course is fantastic and has provided so many professional opportunities, support and learning. The course leaders are extremely informative and helpful. The university is a great place to be with loads going on and there are so many interesting musicians everywhere.”
2) “The course is intense but it really feels like the tutors are really preparing you for the real world and providing you with the skills to increase your employability after the course.”
3) “Genuinely love it here - the facilities are great, staff are wholeheartedly passionate about their subjects and they're all involved in the industry.”
Courses at dBs are split across three core departments:
BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering is aimed at students who aspire to work as producers or engineers in a studio-based environment. The course fosters a deep understanding of working in a studio environment and provides students with an advanced set of skills for audio recording and production.
BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production equips students with the skill set needed to create, produce and perform in the field of electronic music. An intensely industry-focused study experience, students explore innovative practices of sound creation, advanced composition, and production techniques.
Courses in the Sound & Audio Specialism are made for the practical application of creative sound design, composition, and communication. BA (Hons) in Sound Design and BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV courses bring together exciting aspects of art, science, technology, and engineering to create innovative new approaches to composition and creative audio production for students to study.
Practical approaches to live sound courses are also at the core of the dBs syllabus, with a BSc (Hons) Live Sound challenging students to develop listening skills and hone professional practices in working environments.
Game and Digital Technologies courses offer industry pathways that focus on the development of game art and programming. Courses include BA (Hons) Game Development: Art and BA (Hons) Game Development: Programming. Experienced tutors lead a syllabus focusing on transferable and creative skill sets, which are a fundamental asset for future careers in the game and digital technologies sector.
Reviews:
1) “Superb facilities, attentive lecturers and a supportive atmosphere.”
2) “The best bit is the tutors are all excellent and really knowledgeable and go the extra mile to help you if you are struggling.”
3) “Quite a niche subject, but the lecturers we have know the industry well - prestigious guest speakers, always give you feedback, reply quickly, teach you about all areas (including freelance and how to deal with that).”
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSThe dBs Institute considers all applications on their own individual merit and unique potential. As a guide, typical offers at undergraduate level are offered to prospective students with 104-120 UCAS Tariff points. These points are expected to primarily be drawn from Level 3 qualifications such as (but not limited to): A-levels, BTEC/UAL Extended Diplomas or a Foundation Diploma. Applications are welcome from all subject backgrounds, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as the arts and humanities.
All students applying for courses at dBs are invited to an interview day or audition to demonstrate their skill sets and show what motivates or inspires them in their field. Prospective students are also offered the opportunity to show their portfolio and give a performance where relevant, depending on the course applied for.
If applicants do not hold the minimum entry requirements listed above but are able to demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation for studies at dBs they will be considered on an individual basis. Prospective students are encouraged to make contact with the admissions department to discuss their applications.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONStudents at dBs Institute can choose from a range of private accommodation options. Different living arrangements may suit students based on their budgets, desired lifestyles or additional needs. The university can provide advice and support to students in their search for accommodation.
Private student halls are available in the centre of the city and provide a range of living options, including shared flat and studio apartment rooms. They come fully furnished and have access to common areas and a gym. A sociable atmosphere and bills included in the rental rate make it a great, stress-free option for students.
It’s also possible to rent private accommodation through a landlord or letting agent. This is a good choice for groups of students who want to get a house or apartment together.
Students can also utilise dBs’ in-house Accommodation Support Officer, who provides support and guidance on how to secure housing.
dBs Institute is equipped with modern industry-standard facilities, as well as ground-breaking new technologies which can be found throughout its three well-equipped campuses.
In central Bristol, dBs’ state-of-the-art facility is equipped with 11 recording and production studios in addition to live rooms, a surround sound studio, a VR Lab, a mastering suite, and a Foley room. The site also boasts top-of-the-range mac suites and a large lecture theatre for teaching.
The original dBs campus is located in Plymouth. The campus is a hub for music production, performance, innovation and forward-thinking creative excellence. The world-class audio facility houses 7 recording studios, 7 DJ suites and 150 iMacs equipped with cutting-edge creative software.
dBs also has a new campus site in the NOMA neighbourhood of Manchester. The Manchester campus at New Century Hall is home to 4 production rooms, 4 recording studios, 2 booths and a sizable live room for performance and recording. There are purpose-built game development design studios and a multi-functional Pro Suite, which is perfect for critical listening, recording and mixing workshops.
Reviews:
1) “The state of art studios provide everything and more than a student and professional need. There's a variety of consoles to work with and plenty of outboard gear and instruments, synths and mic sets to explore.”
2) “Our equipment is top range and all industry-standard so when we go out to get jobs we already know how to operate the equipment.”
3) “The facilities are unmatched with massive studios with top-of-the-range equipment.”
Find out more about the accommodations and facilities in person at the uni.
BOOK OPEN DAYWhat's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 201 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWM Martin Reviewed 10 Mar 23 BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Students and Staff dedicated for their common pasion for music. They do listen student's feedback, which i find positively surprising. From adquiring material that will improve our workflow to fixing hardware needed for frequent use and a clear communication of the process.... READ FULL REVIEW
R Reuben Reviewed 09 Mar 23 BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV There is a great feel about dBs Institute. The staff are all very friendly and enthusiastic about music and others. The facilities are brilliant. The reason I marked them as a 4 instead of 5 is due to availability during certain times of the semester (e.g., when studios are booked out), and it... READ FULL REVIEW
dBs Institute is committed to providing an empowering educational experience for students of the creative industries, working to cultivate a supportive environment where the student experience is personalised.
From experienced tutors to support with student finance or admissions issues, as well as advice on finding suitable accommodation, students will be able to find all the help they need during their studies.
Student reviewers frequently praise the quality of support from tutors, course leaders and administrative teams.
Reviews:
1) “Very diverse and inclusive environment making anyone and everyone feel comfortable.”
2) “Being in a small class allows for lots of extra 1-2-1 time and is really helpful.”
3) “Their industry experience, contacts and willingness to go above and beyond in order to support and give you the best possible entrance into the live events industry.”
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEdBs Institute is known professionally in the music technology and games development industry as a respected educational institution, which actively prepares graduates for future careers in a wide variety of creative careers. It is a learning environment where students are encouraged to collectively challenge industry conventions and break new boundaries. Knitting together a comprehensive array of sound and digital technology specialisms across the arts and sciences, dBs is a pioneer in technological education and research that seeks to actively improve the social sector. Since 1998, dBs have focused on changing the way audio technology education is taught, with a focus on transforming lives and uniting communities.
dBs empower students to turn their personal passions into professional careers. In April 2022, for example, dBs reported that 100% of their most recent cohort of ‘Innovation in Sound’ postgraduate students progressed from graduation into further education, employment in the creative industries or their own notable creative projects.
dBs also carry out an innovative research programme called dbs-i. This ground-breaking research project seeks to initiate and develop cutting-edge research. The research and innovation lab for sound and music is designed to explore, create, and deliver modern and unique sound-based solutions that elevate and evolve the quality of life.
University isn’t just about studying. It’s about forming lifelong friendships and sharing passions and interests with like-minded individuals. That’s where societies come in. At dBs, students take the lead on founding and developing a range of societies, which have included Womxn of dBs, Gaming Society, Ableton Push Society, Film Society, LGBTQ+ Society and many more.
dBs Institute provides industry-leading education in music technology and games production across three locations in Bristol, Manchester and Plymouth.
In central Bristol, students are at the heart of a vibrant music and creative scene. The city has a rich cultural history with bands such as Portishead and Massive Attack honing their sounds in the vicinity, and it continues to support an eclectic selection of venues, festivals and a rich creative industry.
dBs Institute’s first campus is located in Plymouth, a buzzing student town on Britain’s stunning south-west coast. The centre is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the bustling commercial centre on one side and nestled close to the coastline of the historic Barbican and Hoe Foreshore on the other. This prime location offers students all the cultural and social benefits of city life, alongside the lifestyle benefits of living by the coast and the surrounding countryside.
dBs has recently also opened a third campus located in Manchester’s up-and-coming NOMA district. NOMA is an ambitious mixed-use redevelopment scheme in the city’s north, revitalising an area of the city with a rich and varied cultural history. Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city which is world renowned for culture, sport and research. The city has seen extensive redevelopment and investment into its media and creative communities over the course of the past ten years, and as a result, currently functions as the beating heart of the UK’s world-renowned communications industry while boasting unparalleled access to arts, culture, and nightlife.
Reviews:
1) “The location is great right near the town centre so easy to get to.”
2) “The uni itself is in a quiet and convenient location.”
3) “To be honest, it is in the heart of Bristol. Right in the middle of the music scene which I would say is perfect for a music degree.”
See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.
BOOK OPEN DAYdBs Institute equips students with a wide skill set and professional level experience to ensure graduates can pursue the creative careers they aspire towards. dBs teaches for professional success in music technologies and games development, offering personalised career support throughout its students’ programme of study. As a career-focused learning institution, all of the courses are designed to equip students with the skills and experiences they need to build relevant creative careers once they have graduated. Moreover, an extensive alumni network offers continued community support following the completion of studies.
Some of the careers past graduates have moved on to include:
dBs offers a comprehensive ‘Career Spotlight’ to illustrate the diversity and prestige of roles achieved by past graduates. Here prospective students can find potential salary guides, what working hours to expect, typical job satisfaction ratings and the expected growth in particular industries.
Reviews:
1) “The institute offers a lot of work opportunities in the industry and the module's content are very practical.”
2) “The success rate for getting work before even graduating is very high.”
3) “The Course is great. Job boards are emailed straight to us. The in-house professional studio DBS Pro is always giving students jobs in the real world.”
At dBs Institute, students will have access to a variety of financial support initiatives and assistance. More information can be found on the dBs website.
UK/Home full-time tuition fees for the 2023/2024 academic year are £9,250.
UK students may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course via Student Finance. Additional loans are also available to assist students in covering their costs of living.
dBs Institute recognises that navigating student finance can be a daunting prospect, and as such encourages prospective students to get in contact with their friendly and attentive admissions department where required.
dBs Institute also estimates that students should budget for possible additional course costs such as optional study visits, certifications and placements while studying. They advise that this may come to an extra £550.
Whilst students have access to all the software they require through dBs’ fantastic onsite facilities, students may wish to budget for their own personal software also.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTION
17 St Thomas Street,
BS1 6JS
dBs Institute
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As well as a wide range of courses, studying at dBs Institute offers you loads of opportunities to boost your CV thanks to the careers department. You might even have the chance to do a work placement or sandwich year during your degree.
As well as providing you with opportunities to develop academically and professionally, you'll have a wide range of clubs and societies to join. You'll be able to pick up a new hobby and make loads of new friends by joining some of the clubs and societies on offer at dBs Institute.
The world is your oyster! Of course, the exact options open to you will depend on which subject you choose to study. Employers often look to hire graduates, so you can be sure that your degree will give you a wider range of employment opportunities.
No matter what degree you choose, however, you'll have option of going on to further study. If you want to keep studying, your undergraduate degree will enable you to go on to a master's degree or even a PhD.
If you opt to live in uni halls, you'll benefit from free WiFi and all-inclusive rent. Rent for uni halls also includes security and maintenance, so you can be sure you'll be well-looked after. There are several accessible rooms available, which are adapted for disabled students.
Halls also have communal areas such as kitchen facilities where you can meet your flatmates over a cup of tea. You'll also have access to dining facilities where you can share a meal with other students in your accommodation.
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