Reasons to choose the programme

Flexibility and focus. Tailor your degree to your interests, whether they lie acoustics or audio technology.
Technical excellence. Gain a solid technical understanding of acoustics and audio programming, as well as invaluable long-term project experience. Together these can form a sound basis from which to progress to further research. Our alumni have an outstanding track record in going on to such further study.
Professional prospects. The practical hands-on experience you will gain in experimental and computational acoustics will stand you in good stead for a career in acoustics and/or music and audio technology. Many of our alumni now work professionally in acoustic consultancies, and audio programming.  
A world-class research environment. Be part of an outstanding University with a world-class international reputation in the research of acoustics and audio technology.  
A vibrant capital city. Study in Edinburgh, one of the world’s great capital cities, with a vibrant music and arts scene. The beautiful highlands of Scotland are also only a short journey away.      

Outline

Acoustics and music technology sit at the exciting crossroads between science and the arts. In this rewarding programme you will combine aspects of both worlds to gain insight into the science of sound, and progress towards further research or a career in acoustics and music related technology.  

What you will study

The MSc/Dip in Acoustics and Music Technology is led by the Reid School of Music. Taking the science of sound as your focus, you’ll work in a cross-disciplinary environment, using theoretical and experimental work to explore the musical, technical and multimedia applications of acoustics and audio technology. You’ll have access to a comprehensive suite of facilities – from up-to-date recording studios and sound desks, to an anechoic chamber, reverberation room and historic concert halls, with availability subject to COVID-19 restrictions.  

This is a unique degree programme, combining both technical and creative subjects. You will gain a solid platform in the essential technical aspects of acoustics, signal processing and computer programming for audio, while at the same time have the opportunity to undertake more artistically creative study in the fields of music and sound design. It is also possible to tailor your course choices to take in subjects in mathematics, informatics, physics, electronic engineering and speech recognition and synthesis technologies, for a more technical overall slant. Whatever path you choose to take, you will have a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from world-class academics in the fields of acoustics, music and audio technology, in an environment of active, international-quality research.  

How to apply and entrance requirements

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to:

  • see detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
  • get information on what to expect after you apply
  • find out about study modes, start dates and fees
  • find out where to go for further advice and guidance

Take me to the University of Edinburgh website on how to apply for postgraduate study


Staff

Prof. Stefan Bilbao

Personal Chair of Acoustics and Audio Signal Processing, Music

REF Co-ordinator UoA 33 (Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies)

Email: s.bilbao@ed.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)131 651 7043


Facilities and resources

Our extensive range of music studio spaces, equipment, and software will allow you to see your audio projects all the way through from composition and recording, to mixing, mastering, and post-production.

A 218-seat Victorian venue built in 1859. Used for regular orchestral and choral rehearsals and performances.

Seventeen practice rooms equipped with pianos, ideal for students requiring a private place for music practice.


Scholarships and bursaries

Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarships

  • Deadline: 1 March 2023
  • Value: £10,500
  • Eligibility: Scholarships available for one academic year of postgraduate Masters study at Edinburgh College of Art.

Jean Kennoway Howells Scholarship

  • Deadline: 13 March 2023
  • Value: £15,000
  • Eligibility: For applicants to full-time postgraduate taught Masters programmes in the Reid School of Music.


Contact

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

Email: cahss.pgadmissions@ed.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 4086