If you’ve ever typed “what do you learn in audio engineering?” into Google, you’ve probably found a lot of vague answers.
Microphones. Mixing desks. Pro Tools. Sure.
But what do you actually learn inside an audio engineering course in Australia? What are you doing week to week? And how does it translate into real audio careers?
Let’s take you inside Collarts’ Audio Production degree.
Audio production is the craft behind what you hear: from albums and podcasts to festivals and film soundtracks. It’s recording, editing, mixing and mastering. But it’s also problem-solving, collaboration and creative direction.
It sits at the intersection of art and technology.
If you’re considering audio production study in Melbourne, the real question isn’t just what is audio production? — it’s how you learn to do it professionally.
Short answer? A lot more than just recording music.
An audio engineering course in Australia should build three core skill areas:
At Collarts, both the Diploma and Bachelor of Audio Production are built around these pillars, but how deeply you go depends on the qualification.
Studio production is your foundation.
You learn how to capture sound properly, not just hit record.
In the Bachelor of Audio Production, you explore audio engineering across studio production, post-production and live production in depth. That means understanding:
Diploma students jump straight into practical studio work, spending more time recording, mixing and producing in real environments from the beginning. The goal? Graduating able to independently record and deliver release-ready audio.
Live production is where pressure meets precision.
It’s one thing to mix in a studio. It’s another to run sound for a festival crowd.
Audio Production alum Willow Smith experienced the full spectrum of this while studying, from recording live sound, to pre- and post-production and mixing.
One of the most defining moments in her study journey came during a Collarts internship at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. As a longtime fan of The East Pointers, Willow found herself placed directly on stage with them during their performance. Not in the crowd, but on stage. The internship gave her hands-on experience in live sound, stage management and artist support, all while standing metres from a band she adored.
Throughout the course, students learn to:
Bachelor students take this further, managing live audio engineering to a professional standard. Diploma students build core technical capability while participating in real-world events and festivals.
Audio engineers don’t just work in music.
Film, television, streaming and digital content all rely on post-production specialists.
Take Audio Production student Shakeel Rehman. While still studying, he’s:
Led sound design on a film
Edited a photography podcast
Volunteered at major concerts
Worked on his own EP (set for release this year) - check out his Samba-style cover of the Severance theme song.
When asked what he’s enjoyed most about studying Audio, he said:
“Definitely the community at Collarts, I've never had a bad day while being at Collarts because both the students and teachers make me feel so welcome. I've made friends for life at Collarts.”
Inside the degree, post-production units build skills in:
The Bachelor prepares graduates for roles such as Post Production Engineer and Sound Designer, delivering polished, professional audio across platforms.
A strong audio engineering course in Australia needs to reflect the tools currently used in studios and venues.
That means training on industry-standard systems, not outdated setups.
Students:
Audio Production alum Chris Barks, now a Broadcast Technician at ACE Radio, shared:
“Pro Tools has been especially valuable in my role. There are only a select few of us across the network with the Pro Tools qualification—I’m the only one on my team—which has proven to be incredibly useful.”
Technical confidence matters. So does knowing how those tools apply in real work environments.
One of the biggest questions students ask when exploring audio production study in Melbourne is: Will I get real industry experience?
In the Bachelor, students complete 60 hours of industry placement, alongside opportunities to work at major events and festivals.
Diploma students also participate in real-world events and applied industry experiences.
Graduates move into roles such as:
Check out the top 10 jobs in music and audio you can actually build a career in to see more options.
With continued growth in streaming, live events and digital content, skilled audio professionals remain in demand across multiple industries.
Take Audio Production alum Willow. Shortly after finishing her degree, Willow secured a full-time role as Creative Production Coordinator at QSIC, a Melbourne-based software company specialising in in-store audio for major brands.
Today, she develops the soundscapes heard in 7-Eleven (US and Australia), Liquorland, and – her favourite project – creating bespoke audio grabs featuring Australian artists for AusMusic Month.
Through her role at QSIC, she has helped create in-store audio featuring artists like Amy Shark, The Temper Trap, and Guy Sebastian, bringing local music into the everyday shopping experience of thousands of Australians.
“I found my place in the world at Collarts, it helped me get the skills and the work experience that means I have a career in music and audio, which I love and is a perfect fit.”
Ready to take the next step in your creative career?