Acoustics and Music Technology (BSc)

Introducing BSc Acoustics and Music Technology

This challenging multidisciplinary programme supports you in designing the music tools, spaces and software of tomorrow, developing your:

• scientific skills
• creative mindset

You will explore how modern technologies are driving a revolution in the way that sound is:

• created
• manipulated
• transmitted

Who the degree is aimed at

The programme is designed for students:

• with a strong background in maths and physics
• who are fascinated by the interplay of science, technology, and music

The world of modern acoustics and music technology needs graduates with:

• a high level of numeracy
• deep technical knowledge
• a curious and creative mindset
• the ability to work across multiple disciplines

What you will study

This programme emphasises excellence in subjects including:

• physics
• computer programming
• audio signal processing

These are not only the basis of our field but are also useful in many other disciplines.

You will combine this learning with studies in:

• sound recording
• architectural acoustics
• creative music technology
• sound design
• further options in music and beyond
  
  

What our students say

I enjoyed the international dynamic at the University and the exciting approaches to sound. I felt in my element experimenting with all the different things sound and music can be.

• Kirsty Keatch, BMus (Hons) Music Technology graduate

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Physics at B. Mathematics at A or Advanced Higher Mathematics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Physics at B and Mathematics at A. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Physics at 5 and Mathematics at 6. SL: English at 5.

Additional requirements

You must have a demonstrable commitment to music.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

This new programme builds on our considerable existing strengths in acoustics, audio and music technology.

You will develop a unique and marketable combination of creative-thinking, technical and mathematical skills.

Where graduates work

Our graduates play a prominent role in the acoustics, audio, and music technology industries.

They go on to work for leading companies, including:

• Arturia
• Arup
• AudioKinnetic
• the BBC
• Facebook
• Hann Tucker Associates
• LG Electronics
• Moog
• Native Instruments

Many also work for organisations involved in:

• commercial acoustic design
• audiology
• music technology
• software engineering

Forming start-ups

We have recently seen an exciting new stream of innovative start-up companies being formed by our graduates.

One of these, TwoBigEars, was recently acquired by Facebook to form the basis of a new online virtual reality platform.

Transferable skills

A wide range of employers recognise our graduates' skills in:

• physics
• mathematics
• software engineering
• general problem-solving

These are sought after by sectors including:

• engineering
• manufacturing
• energy
• finance
• medicine
• the space industries