Sound and Music Computing MSc

Program Overview

The Sound and Music Computing MSc at Queen Mary University of London equips graduates with expertise in designing and developing music hardware or software. The program emphasizes practical application, industry-standard tools, and collaboration, preparing students for careers in streaming, music distribution, and music technology. Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as audio software developer, analogue design engineer, and machine learning engineer.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Sound and Music Computing MSc

at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) equips graduates with the expertise to become specialists in streaming and music distribution, featuring a diverse range of modules finely tuned for the music industry. This program is ideal for those aiming to pursue careers in streaming, music distribution, or designing and developing music hardware or software. 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.

Key Objectives:

• Gain 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.
• Develop strong technical skills in digital signal processing, intelligent and expert systems, audio production, sound engineering and multichannel signal processing.
• Apply your knowledge and skills to designing software or hardware for mixing consoles, PA systems, instruments and software plugins, merging a strong musical foundation with exceptional software or hardware engineering expertise.

Unique Features:

• Acquire the ability to create innovative music hardware and software solutions, combining your passion for music with advanced technical skills.

Course Schedule:

• Eight modules in each stream
• Final project module

Individual Modules:

ECS707P - Fundamentals of DSPECS741P - Music Perception and CognitionECS742P - Interactive Digital Multimedia TechniquesECS749P - Sound Recording and Production TechniquesECS7012P - Music and Audio ProgrammingECS7006P - Music InformaticsECS733P - Interactive System DesignECS7028P - Data Semantics

ECS750P - Project (must take and pass)

Assessment

Assessment methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Written examinations
• Project work

Assessment criteria:

• Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts and theories.
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills to solve problems and complete tasks effectively.
• Ability to communicate ideas and findings clearly and concisely.

Teaching

Teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Independent study

Faculty:

• Professor Josh Reiss, Professor of Audio Engineering
• Dr Mathieu Barthet, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media
• Dr Andrew McPherson, Reader in Digital Media
• Dr Usman Naeem, Lecturer
• Professor Simon Dixon, Professor of Computer Science
• Dr George Fazekas, Senior Lecturer
• Professor Paul Curzon, Professor of Computer Science

Unique approaches:

• Emphasis on practical application of theory
• Use of industry-standard software and hardware
• Opportunities to work on real-world projects
• Strong focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• This program is offered full-time, with a duration of one year.
• The program is designed for students with a strong foundation in music and a desire to pursue a career in the music technology industry.
• Graduates from the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the music industry, including:
• Audio software developer
• Analogue design engineer
• Start-up founder
• Director of technology
• Embedded software developer
• Machine learning engineer
• Senior lecturer
• Senior research engineer
• Product development engineer

Home: £12,650 Overseas: £28,900 EU/EEA/Swiss studentsConditional depositHome: £2000Overseas: £2000Information about depositsPart-time studySeptember 2024 | 2 yearsHome: £6,350Overseas: £14,450EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years.