| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Computing and Music, MA
Introduction
This degree is a perfect combination for students who have a strong interest in music; perhaps more specifically music production. Understanding key computing courses such as programming will offer students the chance to move into careers like music production and sound engineering, where strong computing skills will be of benefit.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification: MA
- Duration: 48 months
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Start Month: September
- UCAS Code: IW13
This programme offers up a range of computing and music courses whilst still delivering some key core courses. In computing, core courses remain in areas of Computer Programming Principles and Computer Architecture, Data Management and Software Engineering, to name a few. Music related choices come in the form of courses such as; Fundamentals of Music Theory, Fundamentals of Music Harmony and Performance.
Our Music staff are active as musicologists, composers and performers and their work is recognised and valued throughout the world, both in research communities as well as in the concert hall and via broadcast media.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
What You'll Study
Year 1
- Compulsory Courses:
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
- Programming 1 (CS1032)
- Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (CS1029)
- Introduction to Music Studies (MU1026)
- Web Development (CS1534)
- Object - Oriented Programming (CS1527)
- Optional Courses:
- Select AT LEAST ONE of the following, subject to the necessary pre-requisites:
- Performance 1 (MU1051)
- Key Moments 1 (MU1035)
- Performance 2 (MU1551)
- Key Moments 2 (MU1535)
- Plus, select 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Select AT LEAST ONE of the following, subject to the necessary pre-requisites:
Year 2
- Compulsory Courses:
- Software Programming (CS2020)
- Databases and Data Management (CS2019)
- Human - Computer Interaction (CS2506)
- Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522)
- Optional Courses:
- Select 15 credit points from first semester courses of choice, plus 15 credits from level 2 courses in Music in the second semester.
Year 3
- Compulsory Courses:
- Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)
- Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)
- Optional Courses:
- Select ONE of the following for the First half-session:
- Artificial Intelligence (CS3033)
- Operating Systems (CS3026)
- Select ONE of the following for the Second half-session:
- Distributed Systems and security (CS3524)
- Enterprise Computing and Business (CS3525)
- Plus, select a further 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Music.
- Select ONE of the following for the First half-session:
Year 4
- Compulsory Courses:
- Joint Honours Computer Project (CS4525)
- Research Methods (CS4040)
- Optional Courses:
- Plus further credit points from level 4 courses in Computing and Music to gain a total of 60 credits in each discipline.
How You'll Study
A degree in Computing and Music is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Computing and Music?
Why Computing
- Flexible degrees available, including; Single/Joint Honours BSc, MA or MSci degrees.
- Extra-curricular activities - Studying Computing is not just about programming. We run a variety of social and professional events regularly including; ACM programming Contest, Code The City and Global Service Jam.
- The Aberdeen University Artificial Intelligence Society and the Aberdeen University Computing Society provide a forum for students to share their interest and expertise in computing through workshops, guest talks, coding challenges and social events
- Students can also undertake industry placement during their studies, which is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand professional experience of working in industry.
- The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house that enables students gain experience working on larger software projects for external clients.
- Some of the organisations that our graduates have gone to work for in recent years include Google, Citi Bank, Coca-Cola, Danske Bank, Disney Pixar, Morgan Stanley, Huawei, JPMorgan Chase, GE Digital and Allianz Insurance.
Why Music
- Our academic staff are internationally recognised experts in composition, performance, musicology, music education and music and communities, including royal composer Paul Mealor and other rising stars.
- The University has a full Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Chapel choirs with growing international reputations, Choral and Opera Societies, and consorts and ensembles across all instruments.
- Specialist facilities include state-of-the-art studios for electroacoustic music, as well as a collection of historic instruments including a 1771 Kirkman harpsichord.
- Excellent performance venues and opportunities, with our early sixteenth-century Chapel often used for services and performances of sacred and concert music, with a magnificent Aubertin organ - the first in the UK.
- Opportunities to perform at ceremonies, graduations, recitals, and the annual WayWORD literary festival for talented students in Scottish traditional and classical instruments, and vocalists.
- The prestigious Ogston Music Prize, and a range of scholarships and special support for students with outstanding talent.
- Three state-of-the-art Electroacoustic Composition studios as well as a number of Music Technology workstations.
- Aberdeen city known as a lively centre for music, with links to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Aberdeen City Music School, North East of Scotland Music School, and the region's growing Sound festival.
- Masterclasses with leading musicians and the annual WayWORD literary festival which showcases Aberdeen talent, internationally acclaimed choirs, orchestras and musicians.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
- SQA Highers:
- Standard: AABB
- Minimum: BBB
- Adjusted: BB
- A LEVELS:
- Standard: BBB
- Minimum: BBC
- Adjusted: CCC
- International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Fees and Funding
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
- EU / International students: £20,800
- Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
- Home Students: £1,820
Careers
Computing graduates develop an ability to understand new and complex computer systems. Our graduates can choose from a variety of employment opportunities and mainly find employment as programmers, web developers, systems analysts, and in jobs involving user support.
Facilities
- Aberdeen Software Factory: The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house. Students can gain experience working on larger software projects and benefit from work experience, while clients will benefit from a flexible, cost effective solution to suit their needs.
- Sir Duncan Rice Library: The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
- Computing Placements: Placements are encouraged and available within a range of computing firms - summer months, between second and third year, or between third and fourth year.
Program Outline
Computing and Music, MA
Degree Overview:
This unique program combines computing and music, offering students the chance to develop skills in both areas. Understanding key computing courses will equip them for careers in music production, sound engineering, and more, where strong computing skills are invaluable assets. Through a blend of core courses in both music and computing, students gain a strong foundation in both disciplines.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Compulsory courses in both computing and music.
- Computing courses include: Programming 1, Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing, Digital Musicianship: Music Making in the Digital Age, Computer Systems and Architecture, Object - Oriented Programming.
- Music courses include: Fundamentals of Music Theory, Fundamentals of Music Harmony and Performance.
- Optional courses in music include: Performance 1 (MU1051), Key Moments 1 (MU1035), Performance 2 (MU1551), Key Moments 2 (MU1535).
Year 2:
- Compulsory courses in software programming, databases and data management, and human-computer interaction.
- Introduction to Musicology course.
- Optional courses in first semester, plus 15 credits from level 2 courses in Music in the second semester.
Year 3:
- Compulsory course in Principles of Software Engineering.
- Choose between Artificial Intelligence and Operating Systems for the first half-session.
- Choose between Languages and Computability, Distributed Systems, or Enterprise Computing and Business for the second half-session.
- 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Music.
Year 4:
- Joint Honours Computer Project, which involves working on a real computing problem or application.
- 60 credit points from level 4 courses in Computing and Music, with a total of 60 credits in each discipline.
Assessment:
Students are typically assessed through a combination of:
- Coursework assignments throughout the course.
- Practical assessments to evaluate skill and competencies.
- Written examinations at the end of each course. The specific weight of each varies depending on the subject area, year of study, and individual courses.
Teaching:
The program employs diverse teaching methods such as:
- Group projects
- Individual projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Careers:
Graduates of this program may pursue careers in areas like:
- Music production
- Sound Engineering
- Software development
- Data science
- Web development
Other:
- The University of Aberdeen has a full Symphony Orchestra, Chamber and Chapel choirs, Choral and Opera Societies, and a full range of music ensembles.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art studios for electroacoustic music and music technology, as well as a collection of historical instruments.
- Performance opportunities abound, including concerts, ceremonies, recitals, and the annual May Festival.
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year
RUK
£9,250
EU / International students
£20,800
Home Students
£1,820
