University of Derby Open Day
10 Jan 2026, 09:30
Derby
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Course summary
One of the leading courses of its kind in the country, our course is an ideal route to technical careers in live events. You’ll learn from industry-experienced tutors in our dedicated facilities with world-class equipment. With the technology involved becoming ever more complex, there is an urgent demand for more skilled engineers and technicians in the industry.
Key features of this course
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FACILITIES: Work in a challenging, stimulating and creative learning environment – harnessing world-class equipment in our dedicated facilities
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INDUSTRY EXPERTS: Learn from inspirational tutors who have vast experience in the industry and are experts in their fields
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EXPERIENCE: Gain experience working on real live events
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EMPLOYABILITY: Look forward to excellent employment prospects: our graduates have gone on to work internationally on everything from James Bond film premières to star-studded concerts
WHAT YOU'LL COVER:
This degree covers a broad range of subjects – from lighting technology, audio engineering, video systems, live streaming, power distribution and rigging to electronics, computer networks, acoustics, computer-aided design and simulation. You will learn both the theory and practice relating to the underlying technologies and will develop hands-on skills by planning and delivering real live events. As this is an engineering course, you will study 'how it works' – learning about the underlying mathematics and electronics in our electronics and computing laboratories. You will also learn ‘how to work it’ - developing professional skills in lighting design, sound engineering and event management, with practice in our dedicated production space and in venues around the city.
HOW YOU WILL LEARN:
You will have the opportunity to take an optional work placement between stages two and three. In addition, you will benefit from guest lectures, product demonstrations and venue visits. Many of our students also take on casual work with production and hire companies in the area, adding a new dimension to their real-world learning experiences. You can also take part in collaborative projects, working closely with other students specialising in subjects such as music technology, music, electronics and theatre
YOUR CAREER:
Our Sound and Light graduates are highly sought-after in the events industry. The careful blend of theory and practice underpinning this degree will boost your employability and professional status. In one of many success stories, the World Premiere of the James Bond film, Spectre, saw no fewer than eight Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering graduates working on the production at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
STUDY OPTIONS:
This course is also available with a Foundation Year option.
You will have the opportunity to take a placement year between years two and three.
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- HJ39
- Institution code:
- D39
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Derby has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- HJ39
- Institution code:
- D39
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
A level - BCC
At least a grade C at A level in either a Science or Technology related subject (or equivalent qualification)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 24 credits P: 6 credits
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits with 45 at Level 3. Must include passes in compulsory L3 subjects
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
T Level - M
T-Levels in either:
Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Media, Broadcast and Production
English language requirements
IELTS overall score at a minimum of 6.0; with at least IELTS 5.5 in each band (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) or another Secure English Language Test(SELT)at CEFR level B2 or above
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We have excluded the Grades on Entry data for this course. We may operate some flexibility with entry grades to support widening participation, though most of the students that enrol on this course achieve the published entry tariff or above. Applicants who achieve grades below the published tariff may be offered an alternative course or a 4-year route if there is one available. For further information please contact askadmissions@derby.ac.uk.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 5 other engineering and technology courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- ABB
- Highest grades
- DDE
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £16900* | Year 1 |
| International | £16900* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
The quoted fee is an indicative fee based on last year’s fees, as the fees for the 2026 term not yet been confirmed.
University of Derby
Kedleston Road
Derby
DE22 1GB
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Course contact details
Admissions
Need any more information? please do contact us
Email:askadmissions@derby.ac.uk
Phone:01332 591167
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