BSc Acoustics and Music Technology

UCAS code: W380

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Edinburgh College of Art

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

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

What you will study

This programme offers a unique opportunity to study sound and music technologies using science and engineering methodologies.

In Years 1 and 2 you will acquire skills in:

physics
mathematics
music technology

This will equip you to work at the cutting edge of acoustics, audio and creative music technology in the second half of the programme.

In Years 3 and 4 you will take compulsory courses in advanced acoustics and music software engineering. You can also choose to follow one, or a combination of, the following:

a strongly scientific pathway in physical acoustics
a multidisciplinary pathway in computer music systems

Year 1

Compulsory courses

You will study compulsory courses in:

physics
acoustics
mathematics
music technology

These are taught by the Reid School of Music and the School of Physics and Astronomy.

You will take:

Physics 1A, covering the basic pillars of physics and developing your problem-solving and study skills
Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2, equipping you with core skills you need in algebra and calculus
Musical Acoustics, exploring musical instruments, architectural acoustics and electronic instruments
Sound Recording, examining the history and practice of recorded sound

You will be introduced to:

microphone techniques
room acoustics
field recording

You will also complete project work, which ends with the production of recorded music.

Optional courses

You can choose further courses from:

music
physics
engineering
informatics
a range of options from across the University

Year 2

In Year 2 you will take two courses that build on the themes of Year 1:

Architectural Acoustics and Spatial Audio
Creative Music Technology

Your mathematics courses will cover:

advanced algebra
calculus
dynamics

You will also be introduced to:

computer programming
data analysis
experimental techniques for physics and acoustics

Optional courses

You will have the opportunity to take:

further courses in music
relevant courses from physics, engineering and elsewhere

These help you to make the most of the many subjects taught across the University.

Year 3

Compulsory courses

Compulsory courses include:

Audio Signal Processing
Audio Programming

Together these form the basis for developing music technology software and hardware for audio processing and live performance.

You will also learn:

how physics can be used to understand musical sound
to design cutting-edge software that provides the very highest sound quality in musical instrument and audio effects

Other courses

We encourage you to complement these subjects by taking courses in:

sound design
Fourier analysis
fluid mechanics
physics

Year 4

The programme now centres around a year-long, final project in acoustics and music technology.

You will also study:

advanced acoustics
computational simulation of acoustical systems

Optional courses

You can choose courses from:

music
physics
engineering
informatics

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities

Teaching takes place at several locations across the University:

courses in physics and sound recording take place in the University's Central Area
other courses, such as those in mathematics in Years 1 and 2, take place at the King's Buildings campus

You will also have access to:

music practice rooms
recording studios
the University's extensive computing facilities and libraries

The University also has many beautiful concert halls, which feature in a number of your courses.

Investing in our learning environment

The University is investing in the Edinburgh College of Art estate and facilities. This will further develop our supportive, stimulating and sustainable learning and research environment.

You can find out more on the ECA website.

Facilities and resources at ECA

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Take a virtual tour of the Edinburgh College of Art

Learning and assessment

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of:

lectures
tutorials
practical workshops

We use the latest teaching technology, helping you to develop your problem-solving skills and foster creative thinking.

From Year 3, you can specialise in the areas of acoustics and music technology that most interest you.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of:

continuous assessment
project work
presentations
peer assessment
exams

Practical and computing courses involve the creation and documentation of computer software for a range of exciting music technology applications.

Creative music technology and sound design courses include portfolio submissions.

Career opportunities

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

Entry requirements

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

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.

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.)