Creative Audio Production & Sound Engineering
Overview
Become a sonic visionary and learn how to put your own creative fingerprint on a range of music and sound. Walking the line between vocational technical training, creative practice and critical thinking, you’ll develop a personal approach and a unique sound as a music producer or sound engineer.
You’ll be immersed in a learning experience that equips you with the latest knowledge and technical skills in sound production. You’ll learn through first-hand experience using our industry-standard studios, workshops led by practising industry professionals, solo endeavours to master every step of the audio journey from ideation to release, and collaborative projects that reach across the spectrum of creative production. You’ll make singles, EPs, music for film, a variety of engineering projects, a studio album and much more.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a wealth of experience and the confidence to bring your own ventures as well as projects set by others to fruition. This hard work will form a solid portfolio, setting you up to make waves in your chosen slice of the audio industry.
You can study this programme either as a full three-year BA degree or the first year only as a one-year HE Certificate.
“The best three years of my life. This place is magic! Tutors are always there to help – the school is full of inspiring and supportive people. It helps you to understand who you are as an artist or sound engineer, teaches you how to be systematic, how to work with other artists and how to become a professional.”
– Anita Wenglorz, music producer and CAP alumnus
Course structure
Year 1 (HE Certificate)
For a more detailed plan please download the Course Guide.
Building Your Foundation in Studio Production
In your first year, you’ll learn to record, mix and produce music through hands-on, real-world projects that mirror professional industry scenarios. You’ll gain practical experience with the tools, techniques and workflows used by producers and sound engineers worldwide. The body of work you create will form the foundation of your professional portfolio and prepare you for further study or work in the music industry. Students can also take this year as a standalone HE Certificate, equivalent to the first year of the BA.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Year 1, you will:
- Master essential recording, mixing and production techniques through extensive studio practice.
- Apply creative and technical skills to complete professional-quality projects.
- Use psychoacoustics and acoustics to shape distinctive sound aesthetics.
- Work confidently across multiple DAWs and hardware systems.
- Begin developing your professional identity as an artist, producer or engineer.
Year 2 (BA)
For a more detailed plan please download the Course Guide.
Refining Your Sound and Professional Practice
In your second year, you’ll deepen the skills gained in Year 1, advancing your technical expertise and creative confidence across mixing, mastering and studio production. You’ll take on larger, more complex projects while exploring emerging technologies and industry developments. This year strengthens your artistic identity, critical listening, and readiness for professional work in contemporary audio and music production.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Year 2, you will be able to:
- Apply advanced recording, mixing and mastering techniques to professional-level projects.
- Work confidently in large-scale studio environments with bands and collaborators.
- Combine creative production, sequencing, synthesis and sampling across media formats.
- Use advanced DAW tools and emerging technologies, including AI in production.
- Define your role and identity as a creative practitioner within today’s music industry.
Year 3 (BA)
For a more detailed plan please download the Course Guide.
Defining Your Vision and Launching Your Career
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your creative, technical and professional skills while defining your unique production identity. You’ll take full creative ownership by designing and managing your own project from concept to public release, collaborating with other artists and professionals. This year is about refining your artistic direction, building confidence as a creator and producer, and preparing to launch your work and career in the wider music industry.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Year 3, you will be able to:
- Define and execute your own creative brief from concept to realisation.
- Manage full production workflows independently and collaboratively.
- Develop creative strategies for ideation, development and completion.
- Apply professional studio and production expertise in leadership roles.
- Position your work within today’s creative and industry landscape.
Your technological playground
Get hands-on access to industry-standard facilities and tons of bookable gear
Is Creative Audio Production & Sound Engineering for me?
This course is for you if:
- You want to produce professional studio recordings, albums or mix projects.
- You’re ready to work hands-on with industry-standard gear and software.
- You’re keen to master recording, mixing, mastering and sound design.
- You’re interested in managing full production workflows from start to finish.
- You enjoy working across genres and collaborative settings.
- You want a solid foundation in both creative and commercial audio practices.
- You’re driven to grow as a future-facing producer or engineer in a changing industry.
Progression & Career
Graduates from the course are equipped with a versatile and in-demand skillset for music, sound and media industries. Roles include:
- Studio engineers for recording, mixing or mastering
- Live sound engineers for concerts, events or touring
- Independent artists, producers or performers
- Songwriters, arrangers or composers for media
- Audio specialists in acoustics, studio design or immersive sound
- Content creators for sample packs, branding or advertising
- Software developers or plug-in designers
- Media artists working with interactive, audiovisual or spatial installations
The one-year HE Certificate prepares you for freelance engineering roles, while the full BA opens the door to long-term careers across the creative industries.
A future-proof audio toolkit
Creative Audio Production is about more than mastering the studio – it’s about becoming a confident, adaptable audio professional. Alongside technical skills in recording, mixing and production, you’ll develop:
- Creative resilience and self-direction
- Collaboration and cross-disciplinary teamwork
- Critical listening and artistic risk-taking
- Communication and project planning
Whether you’re engineering live shows, producing records or exploring immersive sound, you’ll graduate with a professional portfolio and the mindset to grow with an ever-evolving industry.
Creative futures, real-world skills
Success means different things for different creatives – whether it’s completing a powerful project, building an audience or making a living from your art. Alongside your main studies, you’ll have access to extra opportunities for growth, like our Self-Development & Creative Leadership course – designed to help you build clarity, confidence and creative momentum.
You’ll explore how to take action, lead projects, communicate your vision and overcome personal blocks. And beyond that, you’ll find wellbeing resources and personalised support to help you stay grounded and thrive – in your practice and beyond.
Access a world of musical possibilities
The studio is just the beginning. You’ll learn to record, mix and master with precision, shape visions as a producer, and compose through hands-on experimentation – skills you can take into studios, live events, installations and beyond.
We’ve built a space where you’re free to take creative risks, break boundaries and develop your artistry without fitting into a box. Whether diving into DAWs, exploring acoustics or building your network, you’ll learn by doing and carve your own identity in sound.
Admissions
Entry requirements
All applicants will be asked to provide: personal and educational information, documentation of their education experience, a portfolio and a personal introduction (which can be submitted as a written statement of motivation or a video/audio clip). Visit our How To Apply page for more detail.
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Standard entry: graduation from high school at a level which would normally permit entry to university in the country where it was gained. This would be A-Levels in the UK and the Abitur in Germany, for example.
- Non-standard entry: We recognise that not all education happens in the classroom and it may be possible to admit you through a non-standard access route. If you do not possess the required formal qualification, but have acquired relevant professional or life experience, please contact our Admissions team.
If neither of the two categories above describe your situation, you'll most likely need to complete a short course to gain access to our 1 and 3-year HE degree courses.
- Language: The language of instruction in all our courses is English and applicants must demonstrate a level equal to IELTS 6. We do not ask for official exam results, but we will assess the standard of English in your application and support materials.
For more information, please contact our Admissions team and we’d be happy to discuss your opportunities to come study with us.
Course dates and application deadlines
Course start: Mid-September 2026
Applications open: Mid-October 2025
Application deadlines
Visa-required applicants
Applicants from countries requiring a visa before entering Germany:
- Priority deadline: 28 February 2026 (includes early enrolment bonus and visa support)
- General deadline: 30 April 2026 (subject to visa processing time)
EU/visa-exempt or post-arrival applicants:
Applicants from EU/EEA, Switzerland, or countries allowing visa-free entry (e.g. USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea):
- Priority deadline: 31 March 2026 (includes early enrolment bonus & guaranteed spot)
- General deadline: 5 June 2026
- Late applications: Until 28 August 2026 (subject to availability)
Priority deadlines & early enrolment bonus
Apply by the priority deadline to secure your place and receive a €3,000 discount on your total tuition.
Early enrolment gives you early access to our visa support service and allows us to plan group sizes and resources in advance.
What does “visa” or “visa-exempt” mean?
Tuition fees - from €5,528 per semester
Payment options*
- Per semester: €5,528
- Annual payment: €10,723 per year (3% discount)
- Flexible plans: Monthly and extended payment options available
- Upfront discount: Save 8% on total tuition when paying in full
- For detailed payment payment plans please download the Course Guide
*Enrolment fee: €895 per study year (non-refundable, due before each academic year begins). Visa support is included as part of the enrolment fee.
Scholarships & financial support
- Eligible for BAföG and other national funding schemes you can check here.
- €6,000 scholarships available – applied across all three years (€2,000/year)
- With scholarships and extended payment plans, tuition can be reduced to as low as €670/month, spread across four years (including one year post-graduation)
Early enrolment bonus - apply early to save €3,000 off your total tuition
Early enrolment secures your place, helps us plan group sizes and facilities, and gives you more time to prepare for your move to Berlin. You’ll benefit from a €1,000 tuition reduction each year.
- Visa-required students: Apply by 28 February 2026
- EU & visa-exempt students: Apply by 31 March 2026
Note: early enrolment bonuses cannot be combined with scholarships.
Multiple-course bonus:
If you decide to enrol in both a 4-week Summer Short Course and a degree course with us in within two years, you will receive a discount of 500€ on the total tuition.
Funding opportunities
As an officially accredited higher education institute based in Berlin, Catalyst offers access to a range of national funding opportunities for eligible students, such as BAföG.
Visit our funding guide to explore the most common options available to our students, both in Germany and across Europe.
Funding opportunities & Scholarships
As an officially accredited higher education institute based in Berlin, Catalyst offers access to a range of national funding opportunities for eligible students, including BAföG and other public financial aid schemes available across Germany and the EU.
In addition to public funding, Catalyst offers a variety of scholarships designed to support diversity, equity, and access in the creative arts. These include:
- General and school-specific scholarships across all Bachelor's and Master's programmes
- Up to €6,000 in tuition support for Bachelor’s students (spread over three years)
- Relocation support scholarships for international students moving to Berlin
To learn more about these opportunities and how to apply, visit our full Funding Your Studies guide.
Open days, Q&As and taster workshops
Get a feel for Catalyst and our courses at a range of both online and in-person events. Join us at a Virtual Open Day or an Open Day at our campus in Berlin, chat to our programme leads at Meet The Tutor, or try a taster workshop.
Can't decide between music production programmes?
Don't worry! We’ve put together this short guide with the main differences, so that you can imagine your possibilities and find the music production programme that speaks to you.
“Catalyst was instrumental (pun absolutely intended) in enabling me to make music. It gave me the instruments, the skills, the gear, the tools and the confidence with music technology that I needed to attempt the hefty endeavour of building an entire music project from scratch.”
– Breezy, rapper, singer, producer and CAP alum
Ways to connect
Tutors
Our tutors are industry-acclaimed experts in their field, with a passion for passing on their knowledge to others.
“You learn something every day. You learn that you’re wrong every day… you have to learn to get rid of your own preconceptions about people and about genres of music.”
– George Baird, music producer, sound engineer and CAP alumnus
Student work
In the end, it's our students’ work that counts. Listen to the 2023 CAP Selects Album of the week series:
Tune in
Stories from our creative community
