Bachelor of Audio
Make serious noise in the audio industry
With a Bachelor of Audio, you’ll be ready for cutting-edge industry roles using modern creative business concepts and strategies. You’ll learn and apply theoretical knowledge and best practices while accessing studios to amplify your talents on cutting-edge equipment like the Neve, or an SSL, or an Audient console.
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
Complete your course faster by studying units across 2 years (6 trimesters).
Complete the study units across 2.5 years (8 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete course units over a 3 year period (9 trimesters).
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
Complete your course faster by studying units over 15 months (4 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying units over 15 months (4 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the units over two years (6 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying units across 2 years (6 trimesters).
Complete the study units across 2.5 years (8 trimesters).
Complete the course over six trimesters (160 CP ; 2 years).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete course units over a 3 year period (9 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the course units over one year (3 trimesters).
Complete the course over four, 40-credit-point trimesters (approximately 15 months).
Complete the course in one, 40-credit point trimester (approximately 3 months).
Complete the course in two, 20-credit point trimesters.
Complete the course over two, 40-credit point trimesters (approximately 7 months).
Complete the course units in under 3 months.
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
*FEE-HELP Available
Units x Costs ($AUD)
16 x $2,999
4 x $5,998
Annual Course Fee (Indicative)*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL**)
$23,992 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Annual Course Fee (Indicative) is charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives.
** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student’s study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at SAE is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
16 x $3,495
4 x $6,990
Annual Course Fee (Indicative)*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL**)
$27,960 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Annual Course Fee (Indicative) is charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives.
** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student’s study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at SAE is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Your creative career starts with SAE
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Audio is broken up into three distinct stages, each designed to develop different skills.
Learn using Industry Tools & Software
BACHELOR OF AUDIO
At SAE we can offer small classes and one-on-one mentoring opportunities you may not find in a larger university. You’ll apply theoretical knowledge and best practices while accessing studios to amplify your talents on cutting-edge equipment like the Neve, or an SSL, or an Audient console. All the while you will gain proficiencies on software like Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live.
Your growth and development as a creative practitioner will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects. This will ultimately help you build up a body of work and portfolio to share with potential employers or your first client.
In preparation for an industry that commands agility and adaptability, you’ll cut your creative teeth on projects initially in partnership with your course peers. As your skills develop and you work on more dynamic projects, you’ll apply your capabilities to cross-discipline projects in games, film, music, and animation. By the end of your course, you could be collaborating with fellow students across all SAE disciplines.
Ultimately, this is all about a qualification that will expand your career. There is work placement as part of your course, to provide practical experience and build your network. We’ll also equip you with employability skills, giving you professional strategies in communication and self-promotion.
With a Bachelor of Audio, you’ll be ready for cutting-edge industry roles using modern creative business concepts and strategies. Career options include Studio Producer, Sound Designer, Sound Editor in film, live music, broadcast media, or games development.
Enjoy the benefits of being SAE trained – our audio students have achieved great success in the creative industries. SAE graduates are known within the industry for their high-level skills and are in demand.
Meet your audio mentors
Meet your audio mentors
Gain insider knowledge from trusted experts shaping today’s audio landscape.
Nick Harrison - Senior Lecturer and Unit Coordinator, Audio
Nick brings nearly three decades of professional audio expertise to the classroom, specialising in game sound design and production. With 14 years in higher education, he combines cutting-edge industry knowledge with educational excellence to prepare students for successful careers in the evolving audio landscape.
Multiple professional certifications including Avid Certified Pro Tools Instructor, Pro Tools Game Audio Instructor, and Unity Certified Professional Programmer
Fellow of Higher Education Academy, recognising excellence in teaching and learning
Published research on new technology and approaches for audio education in response to COVID-19
Meet your audio mentors
Gain insider knowledge from trusted experts shaping today’s audio landscape.
Ryan Brennan - Audio and Music Lecturer
Ryan combines academic knowledge with practical industry expertise to prepare the next generation of audio professionals. His experience spans live sound, studio production, and performance, giving students comprehensive insights into multiple career pathways.
Master of Design Science in Audio and Acoustics, blending technical knowledge with creative application
Tour manager and front-of-house operator for acts including South Summit and Julia Jacklin
Studio collaborations with renowned artists including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Pete Murray, and Montaigne
Meet your audio mentors
Gain insider knowledge from trusted experts shaping today’s audio landscape.
Nick Metcalfe - Audio and Music Lecturer
Nick shares his extensive game audio and post-production expertise with SAE students, drawing on leadership roles at major studios including Sony Europe, EA Games, and THQ Australia. His academic research explores the intersection of audio and education, bringing theoretical depth to practical instruction.
Lead Sound Designer on major franchises including Harry Potter, Burnout, and Battlefield
Former writer for Sound on Sound magazine, bridging industry and education
Completing PhD research in audio education with contributions to forthcoming academic publications
CAREER OUTCOMES
What jobs will this course lead me into?
- Studio Engineer
- Music Producer
- Game Audio Specialist
- Sound Editor
- Staging Crew
- Audio/Visual Technician
- Sound Designer
- Live Sound Engineer/Operator
- Radio Broadcasting
What our students say about SAE
Sophie Ryder
Bachelor of Audio, graduated 2022 Aldo Arechar
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Hans Zimmer's Remote Control Productions company in LA Charles Inopiquez
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Signed Music Producer Expert Spotlight: Stephane Elmosnino
Stephane Elmosnino | Postgraduate & Audio / Music LecturerSAE Bachelor of Audio offers:
A chance to master your craft on small and large format consoles and record the music genres you're interested in.
Practical experience in live sound, electronic music, audio post-production and audio for the big screen.
A range of approaches to learning and teaching - virtual and on-campus - to provide flexibility and real-world application.
YOUR CAREER IN AUDIO BEGINS NOW
This Audio Engineering & Sound Production course covers:
You can learn audio engineering through a combination of formal education, self-study and hands-on industry experience. Studying an SAE audio course gives you access to professional studios, expert mentors and real-world projects to help you build the skills and confidence needed for the industry.
Audio engineering is both technical and creative, requiring an understanding of sound principles, equipment and software. While it can be challenging (like learning any new skill!), hands-on practice and the right training can make mastering it much easier and more enjoyable, too!
Sure, you can teach yourself the basics of audio engineering through online tutorials, books and hands-on practice. However, SAE’s professional training allows you to jumpstart your career with invaluable connections, audio industry experience, access to professional equipment and structured learning to help you score your dream role faster.
While there’s no doubt AI is transforming the audio industry by automating certain tasks, creativity, critical listening and human intuition are still essential in audio engineering – and that’s something that AI can’t replicate. Skilled professionals will always be needed to bring their unique artistry and technical expertise to audio production.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
SAE courses are structured in an integrated course framework.
This means that when you complete an SAE Bachelor Degree you will be awarded the maximum credit points available, providing you with the opportunity to seamlessly transition into the higher-level postgraduate qualification if you choose to do so.
