1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Bern Academy of the Arts
  3. Studies
  4. Bachelor's degree programmes
  5. Sound Arts
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Sound Arts

Do you want to explore spaces with sounds and images? The Bachelor in Sound Arts introduces you to the world of electronic music, sound art and new media.

In this full-time course, you will learn how to compose music and electronic sounds for various media. The range of topics is broad – from sound art and film music to electronic music and interfaces that combine space, movement, sound and light.

Students report: Studying Sound Arts in Bern.

Begin your studies in autumn 2026.

Factsheet

  • Title/Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Specialisations Electroacoustic Music, Electronic Composition, Live-Electronics, Sound Art, Sound installation
  • Mode of study Full-time (6 semesters)
  • Start date 1 September 2026
  • Application deadline 1 April 2026
  • ECTS credits 180 ECTS credits
  • Teaching language German / English / French
  • Location Bern
  • School Bern Academy of the Arts

Contact

Focus Areas

Working on your own projects is the focus of the course. You can choose from five specialisations: Electroacoustic Music, Electronic Composition, Live Electronics, Sound Art, Sound Installation.

What You Will Gain With Your Degree

The focus of the course is on working on your own artistic projects. You will acquire musical-artistic and technical knowledge in electronic music, sound art, music and image, media art as well as recording and sound reinforcement.

You will benefit from the experience of renowned musicians and guest lecturers. The exchange with other music degree programs and art disciplines will broaden your spectrum. You will also gain insights into research areas and music education.

Specialisations

As part of the Bachelor of Arts in Sound Art, you will choose one of five specialisations for your project work.

This specialisation in electroacoustic music gives you the skills to create soundscapes and integrate electronic elements into acoustic pieces of music. You will learn to create soundscapes and enhance traditional musical instruments with electronic effects.

This specialisation in electronic composition enables you to develop complex sound structures and create electronic pieces of music from scratch. You will be familiarised with various digital composition software and learn how to turn your creative ideas into high-quality music productions.

As part of the live electronics specialisation, you will acquire the knowledge to use electronic sound generators in live performances and to create improvised electronic music. You will learn how to use various MIDI controllers and effect devices to bring your musical ideas to the stage spontaneously.

As part of the sound installation specialisation, you will learn how to design and implement sound environments for public spaces and exhibitions. You will learn to work with different materials and techniques to create immersive sound experiences that immerse the audience in the new worlds of sound.

Partners + Exchanges

HKB maintains close ties to a number of partner universities, both in Switzerland and abroad, and collaborates with international partners on numerous projects. HKB is also a member of several international networks.

Network in Switzerland:

International Network:

HKB students have the opportunity to complete part of their studies or work experience abroad. In turn, interested persons from abroad can apply to study at HKB or spend part of their studies here.

Combining Theory and Practice in Research Projects

Teaching, practice and research are closely linked at our institution. The practical research conducted at the HKB explores important cultural, technological and social issues. Research takes place in four institutes:

Career Prospects

The Bachelor of Arts in Sound Art prepares you for a Master’s degree – not just for a specific profession. The diverse education also opens up opportunities in related fields.

Not aiming for a Master’s degree? Then you can use your Bachelor’s degree to work in a music- related field such as music journalism, music management or music retail.

Ready for a challenge?

After graduating, you can work on projects or set up your own business to realise your own projects. There are also opportunities to work in recording studios, media companies or event agencies.

Our graduates work in the following fields as:

  • Sound Designers

  • Music Producers

  • Audio Engineers

  • Audiovisual Media Producers

  • Recording Studio Assistants

  • Sound Artists

  • Freelance Artists / Musicians

Want to know more?

Do you want to prepare for the transition into your career in the best possible way? Take a look at the Career Skills programme offered by HKB Music.

Further Study Options

With the Bachelor of Arts in Sound Arts, you have access to further Master’s degree courses at BFH. Here you can develop your skills, solve creative problems and strengthen your research abilities:

Check out: Master of Arts Contemporary Arts Practice

Duration + Content

The full-time Bachelor of Arts in Sound Art lasts three years and is divided into six semesters. The language of study is German.

Full-time or Part-time?

Full-time Studies

The course comprises 180 ECTS credits. You study full-time and complete your studies after six semesters with your Bachelor’s thesis.

Part-time Studies

In justified exceptional cases, you have the opportunity to study part-time. If you have further questions, please contact the Head of Degree Programme.

Programme Schedule

Throughout your studies, you will have access to extensive one-to-one tuidion for your musical and artistic projects. The first two years focus on the basics, while the third year is geared more towards your personal focus and preparation for the Bachelor’s thesis.

Programme Modules

The course is a combination of project work, module subjects (compulsoray and optional modules on theoretical and practical topics), project weeks and guest courses.

An overview of all study modules can be found in the module plan.

In these modules, you will develop your own work and work on projects. You will be guided by your chosen specialization. You will also receive one-to-one lessons in piano and electronic keyboard instruments.

In these modules you will attend courses on topics such as:

  • Introduction to Sound Arts

  • Sound Arts in Context

  • Sound Synthesis

  • Sound Space – Spatial Sound

  • Audio Technology

  • Music and Image

  • Performing Arts

  • Media Theory

  • Virtual Instruments

In addition to regular piano lessons, the course includes aural training and harmony. It serves as a bridge between music theory and the practical playing of an instrument.

In these modules, you will attend courses on topics such as:

  • Media Art

  • Music Theory and History

  • Reading, Analysing and writing

  • Sound Ear Writing

  • Contemporary Music

The Y courses include interdisciplinary courses for Bachelor’s and Master’s students. These can consist of project work or talks on topics of art, music, literature and performance.

Information page: Y-Institute course offerings

You complete your studies with a Bachelor’s thesis. This consists of an independent work (performance, installation or similar), a theoretical paper and a colloquium on the first two parts.

Admission Requirements

The number of places available on our programme is limited (‘numerus clausus’). We administer an entrance examination to review your aptitude for our programme. We look for motivation, stamina, resilience and independence in our students as well as a readiness to participate actively in university-level projects.

Your Academic Requirements

You will be admitted to the degree programme with:

  • a gymnasial baccalaureate
  • a specialised baccalaureate or equivalent degree

In exceptional cases, the HKB may waive these specific academic requirements for candidates with exceptional creative or artistic talent.

Supplementary Information on Admission

For the Bachelor’s degree programme, we require you to have experience in your own individual and/or collective musical projects and experiments (e.g. in bands), with the production of your own pieces, tracks, songs, as a DJ, composer and/or sound artist. We also require you to have:

  • the desire to develop your own musical and artistic language

  • the willingness to reflect on your own artistic thinking and actions, to expand your practice and to explore areas previously unknown to you

  • previous knowledge of music theory and aural training

  • interest in media art

  • general cultural education

  • imagination and intellectual curiosity

  • instrumental and/or vocal practice is an advantage

The language of instruction in the Music department is German. Individual supervision in the Sound Arts department is possible in German, French and English. We accept written work in these three languages. We requie at least a passive understanding of French, and we strongly recommend a command of English.

Information Sheet: Language Competencies (PDF, 73 KB)

International applicants will require authentic and valid identification recognized by Switzerland; a visa may often be required. Successful international applicants must apply for a residence permit, and submit proof of sufficient funds. Prior to starting their studies, they will be required to obtain health insurance cover. Applicants should make sure they are fully informed about and compliant with their specific entry requirements for Switzerland.

After applying, you will need to submit work samples documenting your previous musical and artistic experience. We recommend that you make a representative selection. The selection consists exclusively of digital content. After the registration deadline, you will receive a link to upload your work.

Two weeks before the aptitude test, you will receive four tasks, from which you can choose one. You will be asked to present your solution during the aptitude test. On the day of the test, you will also be given an additional task, for which you will have 90 minutes to prepare before presending your response. The process concludes with a discussion about your presentations, your motivation, the program, and your expectations.

There is also a theory examination. You can find an example of how this is structured here:

PreCollege Bern HKB

At the PreCollege Bern HKB, you can prepare professionally for the entrance exam in the following year. It is not a requirement for applying to the degree programme.

Further offerings

Occasionally, music schools offer suitable programs, such as the Music + Computer Experimental Lab. In addition, the preparatory course in Music and Media Art begins each October, offering a one- semester introduction to the content of the degree programme. Alongside weekly double lessons, two practical days and a final weekend provide opportunities to gain experience with your own projects and, if desired, to take a simulated aptitude test. The preliminary course is not a requirement for applying to the degree programme.

We also strongly recommend that you prepare yourself in the areas of general music theory (reading notes, intervals, chords, time signatures, etc.), aural training and music theory as well as taking piano lessons (classical or jazz).

Application

So, you have decided to study at the Bern University of the Arts?
Then do not hesitate and apply right now!

Application Deadlines

Application deadline: 1 April 2026
Start date: 1 September 2026
Aptitude test: 20–22 April 2026
Theory exam: 27 April 2026

Start your studies in autumn 2026.

You can only register for your studies online.

Application Documents

Please submit the following documents in electronic format (passport photo: JPG, other documents: PDF).

  • ID or passport
  • Passport photo according to international passport requirements (JPG)
  • Diplomas and leaving certificates (e.g. vocational baccalaureate/specialised baccalaureate with grades, university entrance qualification, Abitur or upper secondary level qualification)
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form
  • A personal statement about your motivation for these studies and for your professional aspirations
  • Copies of all relevant certificates
  • Employer references (internship certificates)
  • Language certificates (if available)

For International Students, in Addition

  • Residence permit (if available)

If You Were Already Matriculated at Another University

  • Confirmation of your exmatriculation
  • Transcript of records of current and/or terminated studies

If you do not yet have one or more of the required documents, please state why in the Comments section.

Transgender Identities

Would you prefer us to address you differently to the details recorded in your official documents?

Please register the first name you go by and your gender (if binary) at the application stage, to ensure that we address you correctly during the application process. The relevant form is available on the BFH website. Please upload the completed form together with your application.

The costs for the study program consist of registration, tuition and examination fees as well as contributions for teaching materials and excursions.

Application (per application) and aptitude assessment*  

CHF 250

Matriculation**  

CHF 100

Tuition fees (per semester) 

CHF 750

Tuition fees for international students*** (per semester)

CHF 950

Examination fee (per semester)  

CHF 80

Fee for social, cultural and sport offerings (per semester)  

CHF 24

Membership fee for the Bern University of Applied Sciences Student Association (VSBFH) (per semester)

CHF 15

Leave of absence fee (per semester) 

CHF 100

* The application fee can be paid by credit card or by deposit slip / paper invoice (+ CHF 10.– processing fee). There are no waivers or refunds for withdrawn or abandoned applications. The application is processed after payment has been received.
** If the application leads to matriculation, the matriculation fee is covered by the application fee.
*** International students are defined as persons of foreign citizenship who at the time of obtaining their university entrance qualification were domiciled under civil law neither in Switzerland nor the Principality of Liechtenstein.

There is also a fixed fee for materials whose amount depends on the degree programme as well as additional costs for teaching materials, specialist literature, supplies, etc.

Fees information sheet (PDF, 63 KB)

General information about scholarships

Contact

If you have any questions regarding scholarships and loans please contact Hannes Liechti.

Advice + Information

Do you have any questions regarding content or administrative matters? Would you like an individual personal session to advise you on your studies? We are happy to help you.

Student Advisory Service

In order to assess your individual qualifications at an early stage, we strongly recommend that you get individualised advice before you start your studies. Appointments can be arranged with the degree programme office.

Prof. Dr. Teresa Carrasco

  • Studiengangsleiterin Sound Arts
  • +41 31 848 39 80
  • Show e-mail

Tobias Marco Rüetschi

  • Studienkoordinator
  • +41 31 848 61 50
  • Show e-mail

Daniel Miska

  • Assistent Sound Arts
  • +41 31 848 67 18
  • Show e-mail

Electroacoustic Composition + Sound Arts

Teresa Carrasco

Sensor-based musical instruments, interactive Music, Composition + Sound Art

Cathy van Eck

Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning

Robin Meier

Algorithmic Composition, Sound Synthesis + Analysis

Michael Harenberg, Lilian Beidler

Applied Audio Programming

Cédric Spindler

Music + Image

Ellen Fellman, Robin Meier

Audio Technology

Benoît Piccand, Beat Müller, Samuel Gfeller

Performance Art

Salomé Voegelin, Leo Hofmann

Sound Art in public spaces

Lilian Beidler

Electronic Aural Training

Lilian Beidler

Project Week Career Center

Claire Brawand

Piano + Electronic keyboard instrument

Philipp Eden, Marianna Angel

Music History, Music Theory + Aural Training

Peter Kraut, Michael Lehner, Lilian Beidler, Rajiv Satapati, Martin Skamletz

Media Theory

Andi Otto

As well as the entire teaching staff of the Music division through elective courses.

The Bern University of Applied Sciences offers students a wide range of opportunities at its locations in Bern, Biel, Burgdorf and Basel to make life attractive and enjoyable during their studies.

Take a look at ‘Studies + Life’

What Students and Alumn*ae have to tell

  • Story

HKB-Studentin Anuk Schmelcher befragt

28.04.2023 Die Sound Arts Diplomandin spricht über das Liedermachen und ihre Überlegungen zu neuen Formaten des kollektiven Hörerlebnisses. Sie erzählt auch, wie es zu ihrer Teilnahme am m4musicaward gekommen ist.

  • Story

HKB-Studentin Nabyla-Amani Serag befragt

20.12.2023 Die junge Frau aus Bern hatte früh und oft Musik in den Ohren. An der HKB studiert Nabyla Sound Arts. Was sie besonders schätzt an diesem Bachelorstudiengang, erfahren Sie im Interview.

Location + Facilities

Location

Bern Papiermühlestrasse 13
Virtual tour Papiermühlestrasse 13

Infrastructure

There are three seminar rooms available that can be used flexibly as teaching and rehearsal rooms, sound labs or mix control rooms in stereo or with multi-channel settings. The rooms are equipped with high-quality multi-channel loudspeaker systems and projection equipment as standard.

Our recording studio consists of a spacious control room with optimised acoustics and enables professional work in formats up to 5.0 surround. A multifunctional room serves as a teaching, recording and event room. With its 8.2 surround sound system, it can be used as a multi-channel mixing control room. A second, smaller recording room with rather try acoustics complements the studio. It can be used as a stereo control room. Students in the Sound Arts course can use the recording studio independently for their own projects and practical audio technology work.

There is also a range of equipment for field recordings, audio productions, and installations off campus, as well as interfaces for creating interactive settings and a self-playing grand piano controllable via MIDI. A collection of vintage synthesisers, analog mixing consoles, and tape machines are also available.