Our collection of real, honest student reviews of unis and courses is the largest in the UK, and help you make well-informed decisions about your future. Student reviews also form the basis of our annual Whatuni Student Choice Awards(WUSCAs), which highlight great work carried out by institutions for their students.
2023 WUSCA winners
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.
Having professional individuals as lecturers with tons of experience in the music industry. That facilitates the link between uni and the industry. Some module deliveries could benefit from a better balance from theory and practice. Ideally, i would like to have more practical situations where I can apply the concepts Im learning.
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 would be nice to have practice rooms, etc. This is, of course, just a limitation due to it being a smaller university, and the benefits of this, to me, far outweigh the negatives - with smaller classes and more engagement on an individual level for the students. The facilities that are there are fantastic, and generally pretty available - though sometimes one has to book ahead to guarantee availability...
The teaching is very thorough and engaging. There are subjects that could, simply based on my personal preference, that could be explored more, but overall the things taught feel valuable. It is easy to contact tutors and technicians about course or technical related issues, and they are happy to help. I would like to spend more time exploring arranging and music composition techniques, which is of course a highly valuable skill as a film composer - this is something the course went over, but only scratched the surface. Career prospects; who are we kidding? This is the film and music industry after all... But on a serious note, I feel that it has set me up with a good variety of skills, and plenty of opportunities to work on projects from students of other universities. The course goes over various different was inwhich we can earn a living as composers. Having a degree at the end of the course, too, will make finding work somewhat easier.
The Uni facilities are great with high quality equipment and good technicians that are really good help when you get stuck on how to use something. The lectures are really good and have lots of industry experience and are very clear with the subjects and provide good directions on where to take projects.
Lecturers are generally very good with contact outside of lectures. All lectures are back to being in person now which is great as it allows for better discussion on the subjects. Student support are really helpful and provide good support for your studies. There is also great mental health help if needed.
The teachers are amazing, very attentive and passionate. Sometimes the organisation of the studios is not very good, there are empty studios at some points while it says there are bookings which make it frustra for us who want to use them.
The content is very good, I really like how they progress through the assignments. I would appreciate more class hours, 11h a week for a £10k course is too little in my opinion.
The tailored support from the university has truly been my saving grace.
My lecturers have been the foundation of my learning, wether it's emotional support to academic support, my needs have always been met and I am regularly checked up on and kept on track. This has provided structure and support in areas I have lacked in the past.
Plymouth is better than Exeter, but still lacking in terms of a city. Mainstream sources of entertainment are prevalent but the more niche avantgarde interests are lacking from the city. It lacks its own sense of culture but conforms to the rigid monotony that the south west of England provides. No development in terms of entertainment, unless you like drinking, football, and awful club music
Excellent facilities, inspirational and very helpful tutors and resources. Surrounded with like minded people and great vibes.
Facilities are generally excellent and accommodate the course. However some of the courses could be done with larger facilities to accommodate the use of multiple students.
Very pleased with the lecturers I have. Their background is industry based so it contributes to a nice teaching dynamic as it makes everything we are being taught feel more real. Extremely nice people too! I can’t comment on my worst experiences at uni as I haven’t experienced anything bad.
I really enjoy how hands on the course is as I’m very much a kinaesthetic learner. I’m still lacking in some confidence but throughout the last 3 years that has improved thanks to the practical nature of the course. My lecturers are all very nice which also helps!
Amazing lecturers with a plethora of knowledge in the industry. Very good relationship with all of them which aids in question answering and general enquiries. Facilities are very good with industry standard equipment including up to date mixing consoles and speaker systems. Opportunities extend beyond that of my expectations with placements at a variety of events and festivals further aiding my knowledge of the field. High levels of student-to-work success for getting leaving students into work in he industry with a good foothold. Very diverse and inclusive environment making anyone and everyone feel comfortable.
As much In person time as was feasibly possible especially during covid maintaining our hands on time with equipment. Despite this, any online learning was also to a very high standard.
Amazing, diverse city with opportunities for all walks of life with a vibrant range of people living in the centre and towards the outskirts. Very good housing opportunities for students and young professionals
Top quality halls with a range of people from all over the country making it easy to make friends. Property management are frequently on top of maintenance issues and also available for any questions you may have. Would recommend.
Working with tutors which are industry professionals really helps get a grasp in how the environment outside of university operates.
Working with a range of equipment which is standard in the live sound environment within uni means that already know how to work bits of equipment when jobs and opportunities present themselves
Worst bits: don't have a student union Best bits: relationships with teaching staff, personal support by teaching staff, equipment, work opportunities
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