Yifan Wu is currently studying MSc Sound and Music for Interactive Games. Originally from China, he studied his undergraduate course in Canada before moving to the UK to study his Master’s. In this blog, he shares what he enjoys most about his course and looks ahead to what he’d like to do after graduating.

Introduce yourself – tell us who you are and where you're from?

I'm Yifan Wu and I’m from China. I studied my undergraduate degree at Concordia University in Canada and now doing a Master's at Leeds Beckett. I am a gamer who has worked with audio and music productions for almost 8 years. I identify myself as an individual sound designer, singer, and music composer. My aim is to work in the game industry as a professional, qualified game audio specialist.

What course are you studying at Leeds Beckett and what has been your favourite part so far?

I am studying Sound and Music for Interactive Games. What I’ve enjoyed most about studying at Leeds Beckett is the process of understanding myself, examining my professional abilities, and specialising my skills. My tutors are supportive, they help me to know my weaknesses, guide me, and push me towards another professional level.

What opportunities have you had as part of your course?

The course provides me with a great opportunity to cooperate with many of the best artists in the field. The other students on the course are talented in sound design, music composing and have creative ideas for game audio development, so working with them and learning from them is a very rewarding experience. The practical work provided me with the chance to understand the detailed processes of game audio development and understand audio and music from a dynamic angle instead of a linear perspective.

Studying game sound from an academic perspective is also a great aspect of the course. This is the first time that I have been immersed in doing academic research, and trying to contribute to the academic community. I am shocked by my concentration and passion for writing academic papers in the field that I am interested in.

What does the future hold for you?

Honestly, I am pretty excited and positive about my future career development. What changes can I make with the knowledge that I have learned at Leeds Beckett in the game industry? What outcomes would stand out when I meet other artists in the game industry? I am looking forward to testing my qualifications as a game audio producer, and my position in future game development.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying your course at Leeds Beckett?

Doing a Master's degree in Sound and Music for Interactive Games will be greatly rewarding. Cherish such a professional learning environment, and try your best to improve your technique in order to become a professional game audio specialist.