Sound Design in Visual Media

Level(s) of Study: Short course
Course Fee:
£395
Start Date(s): 13 July 2026, 30 November 2026
Duration: Monday to Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm, three days
Study Mode(s): Part-time
Campus: City Campus
Entry Requirements: More information

Introduction:

Course dates:

13 – 15 July 2026, Monday to Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm, three days.

30 November - 2 December 2026, Monday to Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm, three days

Discover how sound transforms moving images in this practical introduction to sound design for games, film, and animation.

This course offers an accessible introduction to the core principles of audio for games and visual storytelling, exploring how sound shapes mood, emotion, and the senses.

Aimed at beginners, it is ideal for those curious about a career in Sound Design or as a Foley Artist but are unsure where to start. You will explore how sound shapes narrative and consumer experiences, learning the fundamentals of Audio theory, Foley recording, and Sound manipulation.

Working in our specialist Foley Studio and using Logic Pro software, you’ll learn how to create, record, and manipulate sounds to bring visual media to life.

Be part of a creative studio community that promotes discussion and collaboration, encouraging experimentation and the constant exchange of ideas.
With a limited class size, you’ll benefit from one‑to‑one, hands‑on support in the studio, ensuring you leave with the knowledge and confidence to continue developing your skills.
Develop a well‑rounded understanding of sound design by combining both theoretical insight and practical skills.
Focus on sound for visual media, learning how audio enhances storytelling in games and animation, with hands‑on experience creating sound in our Foley studio.

What you’ll study

You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience, working in a Foley Studio and Logic Pro software to create sound effects that can be used in visual media.

During this course, you will:

learn the fundamentals of sound design theory and how sound supports visual storytelling
gain hands-on experience recording in a professional Foley Studio and record your own sounds
capture and manipulate sounds using Logic Pro and digital editing tools
explore the creative and emotional impact of audio in games, film, and animation
build a personal Sound Library to showcase in your portfolio
develop confidence in using sound as a tool for narrative and atmosphere.

By the end of the course, you will have produced a Sound Library to showcase in a portfolio, along with the ability to explain your creative process using industry-standard terminology.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course:

Gain an understanding of how sound interacts with moving image and visual storytelling. Explore the studio setup and learn about professional equipment, microphones, and recording environments.

You’ll begin analysing examples of sound design in games and animation, learning to identify different audio layers and effects.

Experiment with recording everyday objects and materials to recreate real-world sounds. Learn how to capture footsteps, weather, and movement effects that enhance storytelling.

You’ll explore creative Foley techniques, experimenting with microphone placement, timing, and texture to achieve the most authentic results.

Use Logic Pro to edit, mix, and process your recorded audio. Learn how to layer, stretch, and enhance sounds using EQ, reverb, and effects.

This session will focus on building atmosphere and emotion, considering how subtle sound choices can dramatically change how a scene is experienced.

How you’re taught

You will be taught industry-standard terminology and theory, alongside a mix of demonstrations, guided studio practice, and short creative tasks, all designed to help you develop practical skills and confidence in sound design.

Contact hours

You will receive 15 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

Tutor profile:

Dr Lars Koens is an experienced sound designer working across film, performance, and installation art. His sound design has featured in films screened at major international festivals, including Cannes, and his work sits at the intersection of experimental practice and contemporary cinema.

Alongside his creative practice, Lars brings extensive teaching and academic leadership experience. He teaches undergraduate modules in sound art and experimental film and is currently Course Leader for the MFA Fine Art, where he supports students in developing ambitious, interdisciplinary practices that bridge theory and experimentation.

Careers and employability

This course will give you the foundation to begin exploring careers in audio production, game sound design, Foley artistry, and film post-production.

You’ll leave with the technical knowledge, creative insight, and practical experience to continue developing your sound design skills independently.

Certificate of attendance and digital badge

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.

Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.

They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.

Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.

Campus and facilities

You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You’ll work in fully equipped IT suites with industry-standard software and our specialist Foley Studio.

You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Entry requirements

No software experience is required, although you must have basic computer skills and be familiar with Windows operating systems and file management.

You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £395.

Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

You will also need to bring with you a USB stick for saving your own work.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

Looking for accommodation for a summer course?

You can read about short-stay options on the Visit Notts website:

Where to Stay - Visit Nottinghamshire