Adam Dyson

Sound Engineering and Production - BSc (Hons)

Adam has autism and a range of mental health conditions, but he hasn’t let it get in the way of his studies or his future career. After originally studying Engineering at another university, he decided that wasn’t the right path or the right place for him to flourish, so he discovered Sound Engineering at BCU and hasn’t looked back.

"I originally studied General Engineering at a different university before studying Sound Engineering and Production at BCU. During my first year at my first university, I experienced significant discrimination, disadvantage, and a huge lack of support due to my conditions. Having autism, depression, anxiety, OCD and borderline personality disorder presents its own set of challenges when progressing through my degree, so I decided to look at different universities and into the field of sound engineering.

After meeting with lecturers at BCU and talking about my experiences, I formed a very positive opinion of the university and the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment and applied through Clearing. This decision to come to BCU to study Sound Engineering and Production was one of the best decisions I’ve made in the last four years.

My main barriers have always been with mental health, and due to their fluctuating nature, I can either be on form and flying through course material, or unable to function to the point of being incapacitated by my mental state. Having lecturers that are understanding and accommodating of my situation was essential and exactly what I found here at BCU. With their help and support, I’ve been able to thoroughly enjoy my course while achieving outstanding results.

I am most proud of the work that I have produced across my degree. Being able to listen back to mixes I produced in first, second and third year, and hearing the improvements and applications of what I’ve learnt in each module is so satisfying. I’ve accomplished a lot personally and am proud of all I have managed to do while at BCU.

I feel that I’ve accomplished all my main goals of university in achieving a first class degree, enjoying the university experience, and growing academically, socially and personally. The only remaining goal for me to achieve is starting my career. Fortunately, services like Graduate+ and Careers+ exist at the university which provide support even when a student has graduated.

I’ve been part of many clubs and societies during my time at BCU. I had the opportunity to further develop relevant skills and experience for my course with the Live Sound Society and Public Speaking Society. I was able to take a break from the demanding nature of university life and chill and have fun at the Tabletop Gaming Society or DJ Society. There was even the chance to get involved in areas I’m passionate about personally by being active in the Mental Health Society and Student Support Society. Being part of a club or society is one of the best experiences while at university and there is a society for everyone here.

Feeling welcome at BCU is one of the main reasons I joined. Each student is viewed as an individual with their own backgrounds, experiences and aspirations, and BCU does an excellent job of accommodating, supporting and enabling students to achieve what they wish to set out to achieve.

Interestingly, for me, the most challenging part of being a student at BCU was not the degree itself but everything else – living independently, personal life, friendships and relationships, and looking after my physical and mental health. Fortunately, I have had support from friends, lecturers, and staff at the university, and they are encouraging and proactive in signposting and giving useful advice.

At BCU, you are both part of a community and also an individual. We all have a story to tell of how we got here, what our university journey has been like, and where we hope to go in the future. Birmingham City University is filled with exceptional students, staff and lecturers, all who are passionate about their individual interests and specialities. I am proud of who I am and what I have achieved.

I give credit to myself for my endurance, determination and ability but also importantly, I give credit to the lecturers, programme leaders, and staff that have supported, encouraged and enabled me throughout my degree.

I enrolled as an unsure teenager with potential, and will graduate as a well-equipped, prepared and eager adult - ready to pursue the career path and passion I discovered, as I progressed through my degree."