Reasons to choose the programme

Develop the artistic and expressive range of your sound making.  
Produce creative work across the spectrum of sound-related activity.
Make contact with an international cohort of sound enthusiasts.
Gain the confidence and skills to cope in any audio-related environment upon graduation, and feel able to survive as a freelance business as your portfolio develops. 
Join a programme that has over 18 years experience teaching, learning and exploring the limits of sound design as a creative practice, academic discipline and career training.

Human Orchestra - Sound Replacement

"You will expand your appreciation of the potential for sound design across a range of musical and artistic practice. You’ll develop as a sonic artist, be challenged to rethink what sound design is and why it is central to a number of developments in the arts, the media, critical theory and even science."

Outline

If you've studied sound or music technology at university, been working in sound professionally, or if you've been experimenting with sound as a composer, sound artist or engineer and are looking for a way to develop your voice, this programme is for you.   

We offer an interdisciplinary taught Masters programme at the forefront of the University of Edinburgh’s rich expertise in the creative arts, music and digital media design.   

Uniquely, we balance challenging practical project work with theoretical study. This creates an inspiring and motivating work environment.   

Studying for an MSc in Sound Design will expand your appreciation of the potential for sound design across a range of musical and artistic practice. Crucially, you’ll develop as a sonic artist, be challenged to rethink what sound design is and why it is central to a number of developments in the arts, the media, critical theory and even science.   

Careers

Where will it take you?

Graduating with an MSc in Sound Design will open a range of employment opportunities.   

You will be qualified to join industries involving film and TV production, web design, advertising, composition and film sound, industrial audio, radio, theatre, computer games, software design, sound and music recording etc.   

Crucially, you’ll be empowered to operate as a freelance sound designer and develop the skills to confidently run your own business.   

You should be able to work effectively in almost any studio or location sound environment, and offer your collaborators and employers critical insights into the role sound plays in whichever media context you are in.


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 if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal
  • 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


Alumni profiles


Staff

Dr Martin Parker

Head of Subject Area - Music; Programme Director, MSc Sound Design, Music

Email: martin.parker@ed.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)131 650 2333


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.

The oldest purpose-built concert hall in Scotland, home to one of the most important historic musical instrument collections in the world.


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