Outline

This research programme is aimed at people with considerable practical or professional experience of sound design who wish to pursue further study in a particular area of the field. This could range from advanced surround sound applications, through to performance-based sound design, sound archiving, sonic art and installation, sound education, or theoretical and critical lines of enquiry informed by practice. 

Programme format

You will learn through a research-methods course, reading courses, and selections from an interdisciplinary menu of course options, with supervision from an academic active in your research area. 

You will develop a Masters level thesis of around 15,000 words, accompanied by significant practical research where appropriate.

View the programme handbook (login required) >

Careers

Where will it take you?

Upon graduating, you will be able to engage critically with the social, cultural, technical and theoretical aspects of sound art, design, digital composition and digital media.

The programme is especially good preparation for PhD study in a sound design related area, via our PhD in Creative Music Practice.

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

Preparing your application

Common to all research programmes are a set of research aims, a research context, a research process and a research product/outcome. The research proposal should include reference to all of these elements. All applicants for postgraduate research programmes must submit a research proposal.

Portfolios or writing samples are also required for some research degrees.

View the Music guidelines (PDF)

Apply now

Staff

Dr Martin Parker

Director of Outreach, Senior Lecturer in Sound Design

Email: martin.parker@ed.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)131 650 2333

View profile

Facilities and resources

Alison House Music Studios

Six purpose-built, acoustically-treated music studios, with tie-lines to a shared recording space.

Bookable audio equipment

Recording equipment is available to students through BookIt, the online booking system.

Music, dance and film societies

A huge variety of choirs, dance societies, musical theatre and film groups, orchestras, bands and world music groups.

Music practice rooms and instruments

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

Music equipment loans

On occasion the Reid School of Music loans audio equipment to outside organisations.

Music resources at the Main Library

Students have access to a variety of resources as well as several dedicated collections of musical instruments.

Music studio hardware and software

Information on the equipment available to students in the music studios and editing suites.

Reid Concert Hall

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

Reid Studio

Located beneath Reid Concert Hall, this studio is built to record live performances in the venue.

Sound Design studios

Studio equipment and software tailored for music students to be able to record, edit, and experiment with their work.

See all of the resources and facilities available to ECA students

Scholarships and bursaries

Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarships

  • Value: £5,000-£15,000
  • Deadline:
  • Eligibility: Scholarships available for one academic year of postgraduate study at Edinburgh College of Art.

Bucher-Fraser Scholarship (for new students)

  • Value: £5,000
  • Deadline:
  • Eligibility: Awarded to a student who is accepted for admission on a full-time, postgraduate taught Masters programme in Music. Applicants must have received an offer by the scholarship deadline.

J.S. Anderson Organ prize

  • Value: £1,000
  • Deadline:
  • Eligibility: For current full-time music students. Students wishing to enter the competition must present a programme of organ music lasting 35-40 minutes.

Jean Kennoway Howells Scholarship

  • Value: £3,000
  • Deadline:
  • Eligibility: Awarded to a student who is accepted onto a full-time, postgraduate taught Masters programme in Music.
See all of our scholarships and bursaries

My final project: Kirsty Keatch

Music in the Community brings Watching to The Gambia

See all news and features

3

June

Degree Show 2017

See all events

Visit us

Join ECA at the University-wide postgraduate Open Day on Wednesday 15th of November 2017.

Contact

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

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