Accessibility statement

Sound Design with Sound Effects - TFT00129M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module explores sound effects, those sounds we create by bringing objects and materials to the microphone, generating source material for unique visual and sonic worlds. It also explores what is effective about sound, drawing on theories of listening and sonic experience to examine how sound can deliver narrative, atmosphere and feel to a listener. We will explore early sound effects designs that originate in theatre performance, Foley practice for film, and new digital tools for sound design that model material interactions.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

  • To develop an understanding of sound effects creation and their use across media
  • To critically explore creative soundmaking practices based on objects and material interactions
  • To provide a structure for exploring how the material and digital come together in effective sound design

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key techniques of sound effects creation, including using objects and materials, performance, recording and editing
  • Engage critically with theoretical approaches to sound design and sonic experience across media
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the origins of sound effects technique how it has developed to the present day
  • Appreciate how creative soundmaking methods might change as technologies develop
  • Be confident in exploring new digital tools for sound generation that model object and material interactions
  • Support creative and technical output with appropriate documentation and critical reflection

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

  • Augoyard, J.F. and Torgue, H. eds., 2006. Sonic experience: a guide to everyday sounds. McGill-Queen's Press-MQUP.
  • Ament, V.T., 2014. The Foley grail: The art of performing sound for film, games, and animation. Routledge.
  • Chion, M., 2019. Audio-vision: sound on screen. Columbia University Press.
  • Collins, K., 2013. Playing with sound: a theory of interacting with sound and music in video games. MIT press.
  • Franinovic, K. and Serafin, S. eds., 2013. Sonic interaction design. MIT Press.
  • Pauletto, S., 2022. Foley performance and sonic implicit interactions. The Body in Sound, Music and Performance: Studies in Audio and Sonic Arts (pp. 265-278). Focal Press.
  • Viers, R., 2008. The sound effects bible: how to create and record Hollywood style sound effects.
  • Wright, B., 2014. Footsteps with character: the art and craft of Foley. Screen, 55(2), pp.204-220.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores 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. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.