Acoustics and Music Technology MSc

Taking the science of sound as your focus, you’ll work in a cross-disciplinary environment. You will use theoretical and experimental work to explore the musical, technical and multimedia applications of acoustics and audio technology.

The emphasis of this programme is on science and technology in the context of musical and multimedia applications.

The programme aims to:

• provide a broadly based, scientifically-oriented foundation in the area of acoustics, audio, and music technology
• develop your skills in research, programming, and analytical problem-solving
• give you a strong understanding of music/audio technology
• create a multidisciplinary learning environment that will prepare you for a future career

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a numerate discipline such as Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or Engineering.

Applicants with a Music or Music Technology degree may be considered, provided there is a significant component of mathematics and/or physics.

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application if you have professional experience.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

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.

English language tests

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

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 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 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

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 programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

A knowledge of the science behind music and audio technology will prove a great asset for your career in acoustics or audio engineering.

The highly transferable skills you’ll gain in communication and project management will take you further along whichever career path you choose.

The programme will also provide you with the perfect foundation for further study if you’d prefer to continue on an academic path.

Graduates of the MSc in Acoustics and Music Technology have gone on to work at more than 50 companies worldwide, including:

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Meta
• Yamaha
• Korg
• Native Instruments
• Arup.