Sound Design
    Duration30 month(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 1,780 / module
    Next IntakeJanuary 1, 2024

    Sound Design

    About

    This online masters degree is for audio professionals who wish to enhance their experience with industry relevant theory and practices
    Overview

    The degree is made up of three parts: taught classes, work-based learning, and a research project. All of these elements are designed to apply theory and advanced practice to enhance current approaches to sound design for linear and interactive media.

    The MSc Sound Design is delivered over either 18 or 30 months on a part-time basis. All of the modules are delivered by distance learning. In addition, you will also develop a deep understanding of how to assess approaches of affecting audiences perceptions of linear and interactive media using sound design.

    Emphasis is placed on cognisance with professional standards for the production and documentation of sound designs for linear and interactive media, and familiarity with a comprehensive set of methods of assessing listening experiences.

    An online masters degree in Sound Design with taught classes, work-based learning, and a research project.

    In the first year, you will study Advanced Professional Practice (APP) for three trimesters. This allows you to tailor your learning needs to those of your organisation or the relevant industries.

    During the first year, you will also study one module per trimester: Sound design for linear media, Listening and Sound design for interactive media. These modules will be taken in the order determined by the date of entry to the course.

    Each module is independent of the others. One objective of the APP module is for you to apply immediately, in your practice, the knowledge gained from these three taught modules. After successful completion of the year, you will be eligible for a PG Dip Sound Design.

    In the second year, you will complete your MSc dissertation in part-time mode, taking control of your studies to produce a substantial piece of focused academic research. Success in the dissertation module indicates an ability to work independently, so you are expected to take the initiative and manage your own project. In effect, you are undertaking independent research as an apprenticeship to an experienced academic supervisor.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry requirements

    Postgraduate

    Students will be eligible to apply if they have gained a Bachelor degree with C+, GPA of 2.5/4.0 or Good or better

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 56
    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career

    • Audio Programmer
    • Boom Operator
    • Dialogue Editor
    • Dubbing/Rerecording Mixer
    • Foley Artist
    • Production Sound Mixer
    • Sound Archivist/Cataloguer/Librarian
    • Sound Artist
    • Sound Designer
    • Sound Editor
    • Sound Engineer
    • Sound Lecturer
    • Sound Recordist
    • Sound Technician
    • UX designer

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    How to use the online application form

    Here’s some key information about the application form to keep in mind while you're completing it:

    • You don't need to complete your application in one session - you can save it and return to it later. You'll get an email with a link to continue your application
    • When you've completed a page, click on the proceed button at the base of the form
    • If you need to return to a previous page, click on the save button first
    • If you need to exit at any point, save your progress by clicking on the save button
    • Save your progress regularly, as the form will time out if there has been no activity on the page for four hours. You'll then be asked to re-enter your log in details to continue with your application
    • Refer to the help text at each section of the application if you need guidance about a particular section of the process.
    What to expect 

    We will typically be in touch within five days of your application submission. Here's what will happen once you have submitted your application:

    1. Application review

    When we receive your application we will: 

    • Check your qualifications against the minimum entry criteria
    • Check your references, once they've been submitted
    • Review your personal statement 
    • Check your evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable.

    If you want to find out what we'll be looking for in your personal statement, find out here. 

    2. Extra information

    For some courses, you need to provide examples of your work or attend an interview. If this is the case, we’ll get in touch to arrange this with you. You can find out if this applies to your course on the course page on our website.

    3. Application outcome

     We’ll let you know the outcome of your application by email. There are three possible outcomes:

    • Unconditional (meaning we don't need anything else from you) 
    • Conditional (meaning you'll need to provide us with some more information)
    • Unsuccessful.

    4. Your response 

    You can accept your offer by emailing [email protected]. If your offer is conditional and you need to submit any extra information, like your degree certificate or a reference, you should do this as soon as possible.

    Interviews and Portfolios

    Some of our postgraduate courses require you to attend an interview, or submit extra information or examples of your work. If this is the case, someone will be in touch to arrange this with you. You can find out if this applies to your course on the relevant course page on the website.

    Here are some of examples of courses which require an interview:

    • MSc Creative Advertising 
    • MSc Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology 
    • MSc Data Science 

    Interview formats will vary by course, and can range from group interviews and discussions to a quick chat one-on-one with your programme leader. You will be given this information by email.

    Here are some examples of courses which require a portfolio or additional work: 

    • MA Creative Writing 
    • MA Motion Graphics
    • MFA Advanced Film Practice 

    What you are asked to present and in what format will vary by course. You might be asked to submit your work digitally, or in some cases you will be asked to bring a portfolio with you to an interview. You will be given this information by email.

    If you're an international student...

    If you're not in the country, Skype interviews can often be arranged by email after you have received your invitation. 

    Sound Design

    Edinburgh Napier University

    Edinburgh Napier University

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Edinburgh