BSc (Hons) Game & Interactive Audio
BUILD AUDIO THAT REACTS TO GAMEPLAY
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£9,535 per year
The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£9,000 per year
You may also be eligible for a bursary or discount, please enquire with our friendly Admissions Team.
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£7,500 per year
You may also be eligible for a bursary or discount, please enquire with our friendly Admissions Team.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£9,535 per year
The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£9,535 per year
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
£11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
£9,535 per year
The annual tuition fee is fully funded via Student Finance England for eligible home-fee students.
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
TWO-YEAR ACCELERATED DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £17,000 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £11,440 per year
THREE-YEAR DEGREE:
International students (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)*: £16,250 per year
EU/EEA/Swiss students*: £9,535 per year
*Student visa required
September 2026
September 2026
September 2026
September 2026
September 2026
Offers will be made to applicants who are expected to meet, or exceed the entry requirements below, in addition to supplying a personal statement:
SAE Institute will accept non-standard entry applications, which do not meet the 72 UCAS points or equivalent, and/or maths/English at level 2 or equivalent as required:
Students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, equivalent to UK GCSE (Level 2) grade 4 (c) or above.
Equivalent qualifications can be accepted, where these qualifications have been verified by ENIC and are adopted widely within the UK Higher Education sector, including:
- International ESOL C1 Expert – pass in all four components
- International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – minimum 33 in all components
- ESOL Integrated Skills in English II – pass in all components
*Accepted on exceptional basis for the applicants whose local test centres are affected by closures due to Covid-19
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Learn interactive audio, adaptive sound and middleware integration
- Build systems where audio responds in real time to gameplay
- Use Unreal Engine, FMOD and Wwise from day one
- Learn Dolby Atmos spatial audio pipelines in real studios
- Work on briefs that simulate actual studio hiring tasks
- Create a strong audio-for-games showreel and implementation portfolio
- Position yourself for Technical Sound Designer jobs, it’s one of the industry’s fastest-growing specialisms.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?
- Use Unreal Engine to build audio-driven game experiences
- Implement real-time audio systems using FMOD and Wwise
- Design reactive, adaptive and procedural audio
- Compose music that changes with player behaviour
- Create audio content in Pro Tools and Ableton Live
- Produce Dolby Atmos spatial mixes on campus
- Build audio installations using sensors and interactivity
- Live coding, algorithmic composition and audio logic design
- Record Foley, dialogue and SFX at professional quality
YOUR GAME & INTERACTIVE AUDIO JOURNEY BEGINS TODAY
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR GAME AND INTERACTIVE AUDIO DEGREE
As games, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR) continue to advance, so too does the demand for specialists who can create immersive, responsive and dynamic audio experiences. SAE’s BSc (Hons) Game and Interactive Audio course has been built for the next generation of sound designers and audio developers, equipping you with the creative mindset, industry connections and technical know-how to meet that demand.
Whether your goal is to work on games, immersive installations or experimental interactive experiences, this course is your launchpad. During your time at SAE, you’ll dive into every aspect of interactive audio – from sound design and game engines to audio middleware, adaptive music systems and real-time implementation. You’ll also explore industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine, FMOD and Wwise, while working with DAWs such as Reaper and Ableton Live.
With guidance from SAE’s expert tutors, plus a host of real-world industry input, you’ll gain vital industry knowledge and experience across team-based projects on this game and interactive audio course. Through a series of hands-on, interdisciplinary projects in modules including Creative Studio 1 and 2, you’ll collaborate regularly with your fellow course mates, as well as SAE and ICMP students from other creative disciplines like Audio Software Engineering, Games Programming, Film, Animation and Music Production. You’ll compose audio across rich, multimedia environments as you turn theory into practice and take your creative experimentation to new levels.
By the time you complete your Major Project in an area of your choosing – which could involve building an audio plugin, games soundtrack, music app or something else entirely – you’ll have compiled a compelling portfolio to present to industry for the next stage of your audio for games career. Upon graduation, you’ll have discovered your own unique voice in the world of interactive sound, as well as the skills and confidence to launch a long and sustainable career in game audio or interactive sound design. Whichever creative path you choose next, you’ll have the connections and motivation to make it a success – as you hit the ground running to shape the future of sound.
START MY GAME & INTERACTIVE AUDIO JOURNEY
Course FAQs
What is the Games & Interactive Audio degree at SAE?
A practical degree that teaches you how to design and implement audio systems for games, VR, interactive experiences and responsive media, combining creative sound design with technical middleware and engine integration.
Is this course creative or technical?
Both. You learn creative audio design, recording and mixing, and also technical integration using tools like FMOD, Wwise, Unreal Engine and interactive systems logic.
Do I need experience to apply?
No, you do not need prior audio or programming experience. The course builds foundational skills and advances from there.
How is the course taught?
Through hands-on, project-based learning that mirrors real studio pipelines, with practical implementation tasks, audio logic development and interactive production.
Which study routes are available?
- Two year accelerated degree, UCAS code W803
- Three year standard degree, UCAS code W800
You choose your preferred duration when you apply.
- Year 1
Audio fundamentals, recording techniques, signal flow, immersive audio concepts, introduction to middleware (FMOD/Wwise) and basic engine integration. - Year 2
Advanced interactive audio, adaptive audio design, engine implementation (Unreal), AI audio workflows, real-time audio systems, optimisation and a Final Major Project.
This route is fast-paced and ideal if you want to graduate and enter industry sooner.
- Year 1
Foundations in audio capture, mixing, digital audio workstations, introduction to interactive audio principles. - Year 2
Intermediate middleware workflows, adaptive design, game engine basics, collaboration with designers and developers. - Year 3
Advanced interactive audio systems, optimisation, portfolio projects and a Final Major Project that showcases your work across real interactive builds.
This route gives more time for experimentation, refinement and confidence building.
- Graduate a full year earlier
- Save £7,000 in tuition fees
- Enter the audio industry sooner
- Maintain momentum across three trimesters per year
- Build a professional portfolio in less time
This route suits students ready for intensive, practical study and early career progression.
- Study at a more measured pace
- More time for creative experimentation
- Learn through multiple projects across studios
- Build confidence in both technical and creative workflows
This route suits students who want depth and flexibility in their production learning.
What equipment do students use?
Dolby Atmos studios, professional recording rooms, dynamic mix rooms, game audio labs, live sound setups and interactive test environments.
Do I need my own equipment?
No, SAE provides studio facilities and interactive labs. Many students choose to bring personal headphones or audio interfaces, but it is not required.
What software do students use?
Pro Tools, Ableton Live, DAW Logic, FMOD, Wwise, Unreal Engine, Reaper, and industry plug-ins and tools.
Will I have access to DAW software outside of campus?
Yes. You can access DAW software for free on campus. When working off campus, you’ll also be able to take advantage of student discounts to purchase or subscribe to DAW software for personal use.
Do students get access to discounts?
Yes, SAE students receive exclusive educational licences and industry software deals, which provide key creative and production tools at reduced or free student rates.
Students receive academic mentoring, technical workshops, wellbeing services, mental health support and careers guidance throughout their studies.
Domestic Students
- Level 3 qualification or equivalent
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grades A to C, or 9 to 4, or equivalent
- Personal statement
- No portfolio required
Non-standard entry may include:
- A creative or technical portfolio
- An academic essay
- Relevant experience
International Students
Entry requirements vary by country and include English language proficiency where applicable.
To view our full entry requirements, please click here.
Is Student Finance available?
Yes, for both the two year and three year degrees.
How are fees paid?
Through Student Finance, direct payment or approved funding routes.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships and bursaries may be available, and the best way to access these is to apply for the course first. Even after you apply, you can still apply for scholarships.
Are there extra costs?
Optional costs may include personal equipment, software bundles, external storage or travel for industry events.
Graduates progress into roles such as: Technical Sound Designer, Interactive Audio Programmer, Game Audio Integrator, Sound Designer for Games & Media, Dialogue Audio Engineer, Spatial Audio Specialist, FMOD/Wwise Implementation Engineer and VR/AR Audio Designer.
Audio skills also transfer into broadcast, immersive media, events, VR/AR and installation work.
- Visit the UCAS website
- Search for Games & Interactive Audio at SAE Institute
- Use UCAS code W803 for the two year accelerated route
- Use UCAS code W800 for the three year standard route
- Upload your qualifications and personal statement
- Submit your application
- Receive your offer
- Accept your place through UCAS
(Institution code: S05 applies for all SAE courses.)
- Go to the SAE application form:
https://www.sae.edu/gbr/form/application-form/ - Complete the online application form and submit your details.
- Once your application is received, a member of the SAE admissions team will contact you to discuss your application and next steps.
- If your application is successful, you will be offered a place on the course.
- Accept your offer and complete enrolment, with the SAE team supporting you throughout the process and staying in contact with you right up until your start date.
- Start your course and begin learning, collaborating and taking the next step in your Game and Interactive Audio career.
Top tip: For peace of mind, applying directly to SAE is often faster than applying through UCAS and is ideal for international or late applicants.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply for our Game and Interactive Audio degree at SAE, please contact our Enquiries Team on 03330 112 315 or email ukadmissions@sae.edu.
