Sound and Music Computing

Entry requirements

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Become an expert in sound and music computing by developing new tools or products, like audio processors or instruments, and contribute to the expanding music and media technology sector. Prepare for your career by merging your interest in music with technology. Align your passion for music with technology through two specialised streams: the AI and Music Data Science stream, focusing on music distribution and data analytics, and the Audio and Music Engineering stream, dedicated to crafting innovative music hardware.

Study this programme if:

• You aim to align your musical and technical skills with industry demands.
• You aspire to pursue a career in streaming, music distribution, or designing and developing music hardware.
• You have a keen interest in exploring how people interact with sound and music.
• You want to learn from leading experts at the Centre for Digital Music, actively involved in research, running highly successful spin-out companies, and collaborating with industry figures.
• You desire a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and human facets of sound production.

This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the design and software development process for music recording, analysis, and synthesis in diverse environments, such as home, studio, and live performances.

You will study how musical sound is processed by the mind and brain - crucial for developing creative tools and intuitive interfaces, as well as the creative production of new music. You will also be introduced to state-of-the-art methods for the analysis of music data.

You will then choose a stream to specialise in, to further develop your professional profile.

AI and Music Data Science stream

This stream equips you with the expertise to become a specialist in streaming and music distribution, featuring a diverse range of modules finely tuned for the music industry. Gain proficiency in applying data analytics, information retrieval, and signal processing skills to music. Students studying this stream should have strong software engineering skills, as well as a solid interest in music. Whether working on niche recommendation services for small labels, collaborating with artists for enhanced promotion, or creating AI tools for creative professionals, this stream positions you at the forefront of AI and Music Data Science, ready to make meaningful contributions in a variety of roles within the music industry. ng and laboratory work to gain practical insights and skills.

Audio and Music Systems Engineering stream

This module stream readies you for specialisation in designing and developing music hardware or software, encompassing performance, production, and distribution. The increasing demand for engineers in this field is driven by the growing complexity of audio technology and the continual need for sophisticated sound in entertainment and communications. Students in this stream will gain essential skills for crafting software or hardware for mixing consoles, PA systems, instruments, and software plugins, merging a strong musical foundation with exceptional software or hardware engineering expertise.

Information for international students

Please see here for more information.