Outline

This programme is aimed at those with existing creative and/or professional experience of sonic art, electronic composition or sound design and who wish to pursue further study by researching a particular area of one of these fields.  

If you’re looking to redefine your career, open up a new area of creative activity for yourself, or to research and develop ways of thinking about the crafts and theories behind excellent sound design, digital music or sonic art, this course is for you. 

Your research practice with us may lead to a portfolio of creative work (an album of music, a series of well-documented sound installations, work on a film), or the portfolio could consist of a series of sonic experiments that are well-documented and explained in the text.  

The programme offers structured teaching learning opportunities that enable you to hone aspects of your craft, open up new areas or consolidate skills. In addition we support you to use these tools in a detailed piece of research work where you demonstrate innovate use of them.  

Students can engage deeply and creatively with the social, cultural, technical and theoretical aspects of one or more of the following: 

  • Sound design  
  • Sonic art  
  • Digital composition and performance  
  • Digital audio and media technology  
  • Creative coding for sound  
  • Film/TV/Radio/linear sound  
  • Sound and Music philosophy 

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

 

Application process

 

Before you apply  

Students are assigned two research supervisors, the second of which may be from another discipline within ECA, or from somewhere else within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) or wider University. 

Please ensure that at least one member of staff (see below) maintains an active research programme that aligns with the themes of your proposed project.  

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to make contact with the relevant member(s) of staff via email to explain your research interests prior to submitting an application. Please note that we only accept applications and review application materials submitted through the official EUCLID application portal.

After you apply 

Once your application has been submitted for consideration, it will be sent to a team of academic reviewers for their attention. They will then make a decision about your application and research topic, and decide whether it is possible to make an offer of a place to study with us. You may be asked to attend a brief online interview but if this is the case, you will be notified in advance.


Staff

Dr Martin Parker

Head of Subject Area - 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.

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

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


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.


Contact

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

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