Create, record, mix and shape sound for music, film, games, live performance and new media.
Taught entirely in English, the 3iS BA in Sound Engineering is a three-year degree for French and international students who want to build a career in sound. Based at 3iS Bordeaux, the program combines sound engineering, music production, sound design, film and game audio, and live sound through an intensive hands-on approach.
At 3iS Bordeaux, you learn sound engineering by working with sound from day one. From your first year, you will record, edit, mix and produce audio in the school’s studios and technical facilities. Technical and creative skills are applied immediately through practical exercises, productions and individual and collaborative projects.
As you progress through the program, you will strengthen your technical expertise, critical listening skills and creative identity while learning to work alongside filmmakers, musicians, performers, game designers and other creative professionals. In your final year, you will refine your expertise, build your portfolio and prepare to enter the international audio industry.
Campus
Bordeaux
Entry requirements
French Baccalauréat or equivalent international secondary school qualification
Qualification
Ingénieur du son, RNCP Level 6 – RNCP39888
At a glance
Duration
3 years - 180 ECTS credits
Languages
English
Next intake
October 2027
Spring intake
February 2027
Pace
Full Time
Study format
Full-time, on campus
Format
On-Campus
Tuition fees - Non-French tax residents
€13,500
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
Program highlights
Year 1 – Understand, Listen, Experiment – 60 ECTS
In Year 1, you will build the technical and creative foundations of audio production while exploring how sound is recorded, shaped and used across music, film, media and live performance.
You will study:
From the outset, learning is hands-on, with practical exercises, recordings and productions designed to help you develop both technical confidence and creative awareness.
The year also includes a first professional or international experience. Depending on your goals, this may take the form of an observational placement, a community-based project or an international language immersion experience. It is an opportunity to discover a professional environment, broaden your perspective and develop interpersonal, intercultural and language skills.
Year 2 – Create and Produce – 60 ECTS
In Year 2, you will take on more ambitious projects, strengthen your technical skills and work with greater creative independence.
You will deepen your knowledge of:
Interdisciplinary projects become increasingly important. Working alongside students from other creative disciplines, you will learn how to interpret an artistic vision and translate it into technical and creative sound choices.
A two-month professional internship in January and February, in France or abroad, gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain first-hand industry experience and explore the areas of sound that interest you most.
Year 3 – Develop Your Expertise – 60 ECTS
The final year focuses on refining your expertise, developing your professional identity and preparing to enter the industry.
You will deepen your skills through advanced projects involving areas such as:
A final major project brings together the skills developed throughout the program and gives you the opportunity to create a distinctive piece of work for your professional portfolio.
The program concludes with a three- to six-month professional internship between July and December, in France or abroad. This extended industry experience allows you to consolidate your skills, build your professional network and prepare for your transition into the sound and audio industries.
Professional experience
Professional experience develops progressively throughout the three-year program: from a first introduction to the professional or international environment in Year 1, to a two-month internship in Year 2 and an extended three- to six-month placement in Year 3.
Together with productions and interdisciplinary projects, these experiences allow you to apply your skills in real working environments, discover different areas of the audio industry, strengthen your portfolio, refine your career plans and begin building a professional network.
Certification
The program prepares students for the Level 6 professional certification registered with the RNCP under the official title “Ingénieur du son” – RNCP39888.
On successful completion of the three-year program, you will earn 180 ECTS credits.
You will then be equipped to enter the professional world or, depending on your academic and career plans, continue your studies in France or internationally.
Career opportunities
Depending on your interests, experience and the projects completed during the program, you may move into roles such as:
Graduates may work in recording and post-production studios, film and television production companies, media organizations, live performance venues, video game studios, cultural institutions or the music industry.
The BA in Sound Engineering is open to applicants who hold a French Baccalauréat or an equivalent international secondary school qualification. Applicants must have sufficient English to follow a program taught entirely in English.
Creativity, curiosity, motivation and a strong interest in sound, music and audio production are key elements of the admissions process.
Depending on your situation, you may apply through Campus France or directly to 3iS. Our Admissions team will help you identify the application procedure that applies to your nationality, country of residence and academic background.
The main intake takes place each year in October.
A limited number of students may also join the program in the second semester through the Spring Intake, subject to academic approval. This intake is intended primarily for applicants who already have some experience in sound, music, music production, studio work, live sound or sound creation. Admission is based on a review of your academic and creative background, any previous projects or work, and an interview.
An intensive catch-up program covering the essential skills taught during the first semester may be required, including sound fundamentals, recording techniques, computer-based music production, editing, audio processing, mixing and project methodology.
Upon successful completion of the three-year bachelor’s program, students earn 180 ECTS credits (60 per year), recognized across Europe.
Graduates receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Sound Engineering, certified RNCP Level 6 (National Directory of Professional Certification) and officially recognized by the French Ministry of Labour. This diploma equips students with professional-level expertise, preparing them for careers in the audio, music, film, television, and broader creative industries, both in France and internationally.
Upon successful completion of the three-year bachelor’s program, students earn 180 ECTS credits (60 per year), recognized across Europe.
Graduates receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Sound Engineering, certified RNCP Level 6 (National Directory of Professional Certification) and officially recognized by the French Ministry of Labour. This diploma equips students with professional-level expertise, preparing them for careers in the audio, music, film, television, and broader creative industries, both in France and internationally.
