Simon,

Understanding Basic First principles, electronics AS+ level, material sciences & applications,acoustical implimentation & construction techniques. Plus a placement with a recognised body of accrediation (AES/BADA etc) where you will learn and grasp how audio works in the real world from a first hand presepctive by a 'man that knows what he's doing' and reaping his accquired expriance and thoughts.

In short a proper apprenticeship. This will enable you to speak with some aurthority on the subjects from genuine 'hands on experiance'

I found it helped me personally with my chosen career at the time, collage/university for myself was a total 7 years, not a 28 week coarse over one year.