About Bachelor Of Audio Engineering And Production in Southern Institute of Technology

In a rapidly changing technological sector which includes film, TV and game audio, this applied degree has been designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills to work in the music and audio related industries in NZ and overseas. It combines a core of applied, industry relevant technical skills with a creative arts-based critical approach that will help graduates succeed, as well as covering the essentials of business and marketing.

This programme will interest applicants with Music, DJing, Electronic Music Production, TV/Film sound, Radio, Live-sound or other audio-based interests or backgrounds. There are pathways into this degree from other lower level MAINZ courses such as: NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills, NZ Certificate in Entertainment and Event Technology (Lighting and Live Sound), and NZ Certificate in DJ and Electronic Music Production.

Career Opportunities

Current diploma graduates can gain entry level positions, but this degree aims to give students entry at a higher level with increased responsibility to add immediate value to the workforce.  Many audio practitioners make a living on a freelance basis and they are more attractive as contractors with the skill set which a degree provides. 

Employers in the audio industry who are seeking full-time and/or contract staff want these people to be able to think critically; solve problems; and find solutions as well as being current in a competitive and exacting market.

Positions graduates may undertake on completion of this course could include:

• Professional audio engineer
• Audio producer in a commercial setting

Other roles include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching audio engineering (add teaching diploma)
• Audio-visual installer and operator
• Digital Audio Workstation operator
• Studio operator
• Studio set-up consultant
• Audio editor
• Sound designer
• Electronic music artist
• Commercial music producer
• Live sound engineer
• Audio sales representative
• Music retail technology expert
• Acoustic Engineer, Acoustician, Audiologist (via further study)
• Progression into: Masters programme in the arts, PHD

Satisfactory Completion

To successfully complete and be awarded the Bachelor of Audio Engineering and Production students must complete the prescribed programme of study and attain a minimum of 360 credits.

Graduates will be able to:

• Record, mix and master a broad range of music and audio, and related material to a professional standard.
• Use standard and non-standard sound-creation, editing techniques and tools to manipulate sounds and create a broad range of music and audio and related material to a professional standard.
• Operate standard equipment and technology to a professional level of proficiency.
• Make high level creative and technical decisions based on listening analysis, research and critical thinking skills.
• Work independently to initiate and develop a plan to bring a project to a conclusion.
• Complete a creative project to meet client expectations.
• Lead a team to produce a professional recording.
• Successfully apply professional business and self-promotional skills particularly for self-employment.
• Demonstrate the practice and theory of advanced problem-solving skills in technical and creative contexts.

School Leaver

University Entrance - NCEA Level 3

Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved Merit or Excellence in Physics, Mathematics, and Music.

Mature Applicant

Consideration will be given to applicants aged 20 years or older who do not meet the entry criteria if they can demonstrate a history of work, industry experience which in the opinion of the Programme Manager exhibits a likelihood of success in the programme of study.

Consideration will be given to students who progress through other TPP/MAINZ/SIT programme pathways (e.g. NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills).

Applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide a portfolio of audio related work.

Language Requirements

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following:

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), or

Successful completion of a Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the preceding two years:

• IELTS test - Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
• TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) – Score of 550 (with an essay score 5 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet- based test (iBT) – Score of 60 (with a writing score of 18)
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations – FCE or FCE for schools or CAE, or CPE   with a score of 169.  No less than 162 in each skill. OET at Grade C in all sub-tests
• NZCEL a) To be discontinued on 31 December 2019 Level 4 with the Academic endorsement b) Current Level 4 with Academic endorsement
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – PToE (Academic score of 50)
• City and Guilds IESOL – B2 Communicator with a score of 66
• Language Cert - C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with PASS

An NZQA approved English Language proficiency test, where the student has achieved an outcome that is equivalent or better than those scores listed for Internationally recognised English language proficiency tests above in relation to the level of intended programme of study, or

Completion of all primary education and at least three years secondary education at schools with English as the language of instruction, or

Completion of five years of secondary education at schools with English as the language of instruction.   

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:

1. Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements, or
2. Have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, or
3. Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA, or
4. Have achieved the required score and with all scores achieved in a single test in one of the internationally recognised English Proficiency tests (specified above) within the preceding two years.

Southern Institute of Technology Highlights

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.