Performing Art Department

This course trains students to design, record, edit, and mix ambient and background sound for film, television, and digital media. Through practical projects and professional workflows, learners gain the creative and technical skills to build realistic and emotionally rich sound environments.

Course Syllabus

Program Title: Sound Design for Film & Media: Creating Immersive Ambient and Background Soundscapes

Duration: 16 Weeks

Language: English

Target Audience: Early-career students in sound, media, or film

Course Overview

This 16-week professional training course develops creative and technical skills for designing, recording, editing, and mixing ambient and background sounds for film and media. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools while building a professional sound design portfolio.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the role of sound in cinematic storytelling.
• Capture and manipulate ambient sounds using professional equipment.
• Edit, layer, and mix ambient audio in sync with visuals.
• Apply creative techniques to construct immersive sound environments.
• Produce a professional demo reel showcasing original sound design work.

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Film Sound & Storytelling

Weeks 2–3: Field Recording Techniques & Sound Libraries

Weeks 4–6: Sound Editing & Layering

Weeks 7–9: Creative Sound Design & Foley

Weeks 10–12: Mixing & Mastering for Film

Weeks 13–14: Portfolio Development & Project Work

Weeks 15–16: Final Project & Presentation

Assessment & Certification

• Weekly assignments and mini-projects – 40%
• Final short film sound design project – 40%
• Participation and professionalism – 20%

Upon successful completion, students will be awarded the Cavendish International Education Certificate in Sound Design for Film & Media.

Recommended Software & Tools

• DAWs: Pro Tools, Reaper, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro X
• Plugins: iZotope RX, Waves, Soundtoys, FabFilter, Kontakt
• Sound Libraries: BBC, Boom Library, Sonniss, Soundly
• Equipment: Zoom H6 or Tascam DR-40X recorders, Rode NTG5 mic, Sony MDR-7506 headphones

Resources & References

• The Sound Effects Bible – Ric Viers
• Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Effects in Cinema – David Sonnenschein
• Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound – David Lewis Yewdall
• YouTube: SoundWorks Collection, Pro Sound Effects, Curtis Judd