MSc in Sound and Music Computing, Queen Mary University of London

London - Canada,

12 Months

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About this course

This MSc program focuses on becoming an expert in sound and music computing by developing innovative tools and products, such as audio processors or instruments, and contributing to the music and media technology sector. It combines musical interests with technology, offering two specialised streams: AI and Music Data Science, which emphasizes music distribution and data analytics; and Audio and Music Engineering, dedicated to designing music hardware. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of sound processing, music analysis, and synthesis across different environments like home, studio, and live performance. Students will explore how musical sound interacts with the mind and brain, crucial for creating intuitive interfaces and new musical productions. The program combines lectures, seminars, practical computing, and laboratory work, helping students develop both technical and creative skills relevant to the evolving music industry.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal if you're passionate about merging music with cutting-edge technology and want to meet the demands of the industry. It offers practical insights through laboratory work and real-world projects, guided by leading experts at the Centre for Digital Music who are actively involved in research, industry collaborations, and spin-out companies. The course prepares you for a career in sectors like streaming, music distribution, or hardware design, making you industry-ready with a blend of technical and human aspects of sound production.

Specialisation

Students can choose to specialise in one of two streams: AI and Music Data Science, which covers music distribution, data analytics, information retrieval, and signal processing, or Audio and Music Systems Engineering, focusing on designing hardware and software for music production, performance, and distribution, such as mixing consoles, instruments, and plugins. Both streams are tailored to equip you with industry-relevant skills, whether it's in AI-driven music services or hardware development for the music industry.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

31.62L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need a 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in fields related to Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Sound and Music Production, or similar. Candidates with a good 2:2 degree can be considered individually if they demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of programming or mathematics. For international applicants, the requirements vary depending on the country of qualification, with specific academic achievement criteria listed per country.

English language test

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates can pursue roles such as Audio Software Developer, Analogue Design Engineer, or Machine Learning Engineer, among others. Potential employers include major companies like Apple, Spotify, Yamaha, and Samsung Electronics. Typical salaries around 15 months after graduation average approximately £56,000, with opportunities in music streaming, hardware design, sound production, and research in both industry and academia.

FAQs

What are the study options available?

You can study full-time for 1 year starting September 2025 or part-time over 2 years, also starting in September 2025.

What are the fees for home and overseas students?

For full-time study, home students pay £12,850 annually while overseas students pay £29,950. For part-time, home students pay £6,450 annually, and overseas students pay £15,000.