Accessibility statement

Spatial Audio & Surround Sound - TFT00095M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Mariana Lopez
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

An exploration of the technical and creative opportunities of spatial audio through the study of a variety of formats, and including recording and mixing techniques.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The module aims:

  • To introduce the basic concepts of spatial hearing, recording, production and surround-sound reproduction.
  • To explore the possibilities and limitations offered by many of the common surround-sound formats found across the industry and wider field.
  • To explore the creative possibilities of working with multi-channel audio and surround-sound reproduction across different formats and delivery media.
  • To experiment with surround-sound location recording.
  • To develop an appreciation of spatial audio research and how it works with, informs, and is driven by industry requirements.
  • To work towards the completion of a major surround-sound work that must at least in part be informed by or adhere to current industry formats.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module you are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of human auditory localisation mechanisms.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of spatial audio concepts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the most commonly used surround-sound delivery and playback formats.
  • Compare and contrast spatial audio recording techniques
  • Plan, carry out, edit and make use of location based multi-channel audio recordings.
  • Arrange, produce, demonstrate and author surround-sound audio works.
  • Highlight key directions for future spatial audio research.
  • Support your creative output with comprehensive and reasoned technical documentation as well as a reflective analysis of the finished work.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Presentation: technical and creative aspects		 N/A 30
Practical
Spatial audio piece		 N/A 70

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative feedback is provided on a weekly basis through practical sessions and through tasks set for you to complete.

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

You will receive feedback every week through formative tasks designed to monitor your progress. Formal feedback on the summative assessment is submitted in the summer semester. You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Please note that much more detailed reading suggestions will be circulated throughout the module.

Kerins, M. (2010). Beyond Dolby (Stereo): Cinema in the Digital Sound Age. Indiana University Press.

Rumsey, F. (2001). Spatial Audio. Focal Press.

Roginska, A and Geluso, P. (2017). Immersive Sound: The Art and Science of Binaural and Multi-channel Audio. Routledge.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.