MA Sound Arts

at University of the Arts London

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves 6 units, totalling 180 credits.   

In addition to focusing on the development of your creative practice, units on MA Sound Arts have been designed to help you consider how sound can be understood and used to critique and question relationships of power that are linked to critical themes of  gender, decolonisation and sustainability.  All units on MA Sound Arts are compulsory.  

Autumn, term 1  
 

• Practice-Based Research (40 credits)

This unit helps you to plan, develop and realise an applied research project which results in the production of creative sound work. You’ll learn about different ideas of art as both professional practice and practice-based research before presenting your work and research ideas to your fellow students.  
 

• Contemporary Themes in Sound Arts Practice (20 credits)

You'll build a practical understanding of contemporary themes in sound arts practice by exploring different genres and strategies, enabling you to develop an understanding of discourse in relation to creative production. You’ll also research and review how a particular artist’s practice is sited in the broader field of sound art.  

Spring, term 2  
 

• Practice-Based Research (continued)  
• Contemporary Themes in Sound Arts Practice (continued)  
• Collaborative Unit  (20 credits)

This unit will enable you to explore collaborative practice and the social experience of sound, both from within sound arts - where you’ll develop a diverse range of collective responses - and between disciplines, where you’ll work with students from other areas on individual projects.  

Summer, term 3  
 

• Project Development (20 credits)

In this unit, you’ll present a Development Proposal which will identify the area of work that you’re going to explore – building on, experimenting with and focusing the range of ideas, experiences, skills and interests developed in Terms 1 and 2.

You'll be supported to develop your ideas through practical and scholarly research as well as creative experimentation, and you’ll also consider the appropriate format for your final project.  
 

• Curatorial Contexts for Sound Art  (20 credits)

This unit explores issues around the curation, exhibition and perception of work relating to sound arts. It provides an understanding of the contexts through which sound arts practice is presented, curated and distributed in the public domain - in the gallery, in the concert hall and other performance spaces, on the internet, on the radio, or in public spaces outside the traditional curatorial reach.  
 

• Major Project (60 credits)  
   

This final unit of the MA consolidates your learning experience of the previous units through the completion and presentation of a Major Project. This will take place in the context of a curated show hosted in an acoustically and visually compelling public space, which maximises the appreciation of your work as a sound arts practitioner.   

Autumn, term 4  
 

• Major Project (continued)  

If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world.

Applicants to MA Sound Arts will have a good honours degree in a relevant subject such as sound arts, fine art, film and video or other related fields, or a professional or academic qualification recognised as equivalent to an honours degree.

We also welcome applications from prospective students with a background in fine art or other related fields and those who wish to move their practice or research in other areas towards sound art and sonic practices.

Key subjects in Sound Arts are:
 

• Composition

• Sound recording and mixing

• Photography

• Field recording and acoustic ecology

• Interactive work

• Sound installations

• Live performance

• Radiophonic practices

• Sound for film

• A variety of cross-platform work

Your educational level may be demonstrated by:
 

• Honours degree (named above);

• Possession of equivalent qualifications;

• Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required, demonstrating relevant experience and an aptitude for film, television or other moving-image production subjects;

• Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
 

• Related academic or work experience

• The quality of the personal statement

• A strong academic or other professional reference

• OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

Language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.
 

• IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.

Home fee
£11,550

International fee
£23,610

During the course you will have the opportunity to develop both your research profile and creative practice. Upon graduation there are a number of options. You may wish to apply for a research degree, or you might decide to work in the theatre, films, television, animation, games production or websites.

Some of our students work as freelance sound artists or musicians in a chosen area which could include performance, composition, sound art installation or curation. Others set up their own businesses.