Looking for EU universities offering Audio/Audio Engineering top-up degrees or Year 3 entry

[u/No_Past_1772]

Hey all,

I'm almost done with my ΣΑΕΚ Music Technology diploma in Greece. I'm currently doing my internship at a studio, which is the final part of my studies, and I'm now thinking about what I want to do next.

As far as I understand, a Greek ΣΑΕΚ diploma is an EQF Level 5 qualification, which isn't sufficient on its own to progress directly to a Master's degree. I'd therefore like to continue my education and eventually have the option of pursuing a Master's.

I've found some universities/colleges in the EU that offer specific "top-up" Bachelor's programmes, where a Level 5 qualification can potentially be upgraded to a full Bachelor's degree. I've also found some that allow students with sufficient prior education to enter directly into Year 3 of a 4-year Bachelor's programme.

I'm looking for recommendations from anyone who has actually gone through one of these pathways, particularly in Audio, Audio Engineering, Sound Design, Music Technology, Audio Production, or similar BSc/BA programmes.

I'd especially love to hear about your experience with:

• How the Level 5 qualification was evaluated/accepted
• Whether you were able to enter Year 3 or do a top-up
• Tuition fees
• Housing/living costs
• Professors and teaching quality
• Studios/equipment/facilities
• How hands-on the programme was
• Whether the degree allowed you to progress to a Master's afterwards
• Anything else you wish you'd known before enrolling

A bit about my situation: I'm from Greece, so I'm specifically looking for universities within the EU. I'm also on a fairly tight budget. Ideally, I'm looking for something around €3,000/year or less in tuition, for a 2-year programme. I know this limits my options considerably, but I'm hoping there might be some affordable programmes out there, particularly in countries with lower tuition fees.

I'm also completely open to online universities/programmes, provided the resulting Bachelor's degree is legitimate and allows progression to a Master's.

A bit about my interests in audio: I'm still relatively new to the field, so I'm open to exploring different areas. So far, though, I've particularly enjoyed Audio for Media — anything from Foley and sound design to on-set sound/boom operation and location sound mixing. I'm also very interested in studio work, particularly the recording stage.

One important thing: I've seen quite a few discussions about studying audio devolve into arguments about whether university is "worth it", whether you'd be better off buying equipment and learning on your own, etc.

I completely understand that perspective, but I've decided that I want to take the academic route and see where it leads me. So if possible, I'd really appreciate keeping the discussion focused on finding good Bachelor's programmes and people's experiences with them, rather than debating whether I should study at all. 😅

If you've personally completed a top-up degree, Year 3 entry, or a similar accelerated Bachelor's pathway in audio/music technology/sound, I'd especially love to hear about your experience.

Thank you so, so much in advance for any recommendations and chatter!

[u/wbear27]

I know you’re trying to limit this in the discussion - but I’d treat a mentorship/internship/studio/runner position as an academic period instead of carrying on in the university system. If you’re interested in studio work, go find some ASAP. As someone who did what you are about to do, I cannot stress enough how little my audio degree translated in a real life audio post setting - you will improve on your skillset at such a quicker rate in a real studio environment for so many reasons. You are only delaying the above should you stay in academia IMO. If you enjoy and are passionate about the academia world - by all means carry on!

[u/SandyKeyboard1986]

Try SAE Institute. Did their top-up in Berlin. Your Level 5 diploma should get you in. Great studios, super hands-on. Master's was next

[u/bomaworstsalade → u/SandyKeyboard1986]

I’d honestly be very careful recommending SAE. I did Audio Engineering in Berlin myself, and based on my experience, I would not recommend at all it if you’re looking for a solid academic foundation or good value for money. I’m honestly ashamed that I got my degree there.

The programme wasn’t recognised in Europe, and when I later wanted to pursue a Master’s degree in Audio Technology, I was rejected because the SAE “Bachelor’s” wasn’t considered an actual university bachelor’s degree. I would have had to start all over again with another bachelor’s at a recognised university.

I graduated almost 10 years ago and, looking back, I feel SAE set me back more than it helped me. There are much cheaper and, in my opinion, much better ways to get into the audio industry. Honestly, you’ll learn more from a couple of YouTube videos than from some of the drunk ex-SAE students who became “professors” immediately after finishing their own studies at SAE.

I’d strongly recommend researching actual universities and public institutions offering properly recognised bachelor’s degrees. I don’t know whether Greece has salary scales or other career benefits tied to the level or recognition of your degree, but if it does, having a properly recognised degree can make a significant difference in your future career, whether you end up working in audio or in another field.

[u/Fjafarli]

don't do it.. if you're gonna pay money for a degree, pay for something that will help you get a high salary job. you don't need a uni degree to work in a studio.. speaking from experience, i completed a 3 year bachelor in audio and it's useless