Sound Design (MSc)

at University of Edinburgh

Across six taught courses and an extensive final project, you will attend a combination of:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• practical sessions
   

This is supported by occasional input from external professionals in the field of sound design and related areas.

Compulsory courses

• Audio Crafting
• Creative Coding for Sound
• Introduction to Community Arts Practice: Modes, Methods and Meanings
• Interactive Sound Environments
• Soundtracks for Screen
• Audio Programming
• Music Masters Final Project

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as music, sound design, sonic arts, media arts, sound engineering, acoustics, film, animation or art/design, accompanied by a portfolio introducing us to some recent work that you are proud of.
 

Your portfolio should include at least three pieces of work and can include a range of items such as an essay on sound, a small collection of sound recordings, performances or documentation of a sound-based project, such as an installation, film or animation.
 

Whatever you include, it should be your own work. A short explanation of your role in collaborative projects is required. Your portfolio is best uploaded with the application as a PDF file with explanations about the projects and links to the work hosted on a reliable space online.
 

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements or if you do not have a sound-related degree, we may still consider your application if you have significant professional sound-related experience supported by a substantial portfolio. Please contact us to check before you apply.
 

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
 

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.
• Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

International/EU    
£26,300    
 

International full-time student fees
 

If you are an Overseas/International taught student studying full-time over multiple years, you will:

• not be affected by the annual tuition fee increase
• be charged a fixed annual fee based on your start date

The rich, cross-disciplinary programme of study we offer provides graduates with advanced skills in multimedia, audio production, post-production and other digital technologies relevant to sound design and the crafts of sonic art.
 

These skills will allow you to take on commissions in professional sound design areas or pursue your own creative path.
 

Our graduates are now working in theatre, TV and video games, composers, and for various sound post-production studios.
 

Many are running successful sound-related businesses around the world and several have PhDs and are pursuing academic careers.
 

You will gain a wide variety of transferable skills, such as ability to research & analyse sound, structure & manage your time, effective teamwork &communication that will increase your employability across the arts and further afield.