Sound Design MSc

Program Overview

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MSc Sound Design

Overview

The MSc Sound Design is a postgraduate degree designed for audio professionals who wish to enhance their experience with industry-relevant theory and practices. 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.

Mode of Study:

• Distance learning

Duration:

• 18-30 months

Start date:

• September and January

Course details

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.

How you’ll be taught

Within the first few weeks of the Advanced Professional Practice module, under the direction of your academic supervisor you will develop your own learning agreement, which defines the deliverables of this module. If you are an employee, you will do this in negotiation with your organisation.

If you are freelance, you may either negotiate with key clients or discuss an equivalent with your supervisor. Your supervisor will mentor you throughout the three trimesters towards the achievement of the deliverables. You will provide a reflective journal on your learning.

Assessments

• 100% Coursework

Modules

• Advanced Professional Practice (SOC11107)
• Listening (IMD11116)
• Masters Dissertation (SOC11101)
• Sound Design for Interactive Media (IMD11118)
• Sound Design for Linear Media (IMD11117)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.
• We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

English language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.
• This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course).

International students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
• Entry requirements by country

Admissions policies

• We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.
• Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules: £1,070
• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module: £1,335
• Overseas and EU-Taught modules: £3,050
• Overseas and EU-Dissertation module: £2,095

Tuition fees for 2025/26

• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules: £1,125
• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module: £1,400
• Overseas and EU-Taught modules: £3,205
• Overseas and EU-Dissertation module: £2,200

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Sound Design degree?

This course will enable you to explore the art and science of sound design, mastering the techniques needed to create compelling audio experiences. From recording and editing sound effects to mixing and mastering audio tracks, you'll learn to harness the power of sound to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling.

• Audio Programmer
• Audio UX
• Audiobook Production
• Boom Operator
• Dialogue Editor
• Dubbing/Rerecording Mixer
• Film and Television Sound Designer
• Foley Artist/Editor
• Mixed Reality (AR/VR/XR) Sound Design
• Podcast Production
• Production Sound Mixer
• Radio Sound Designer
• Scientific data sonification
• Sonic branding
• Sound Archivist/Cataloguer/Librarian
• Sound Artist
• Sound Designer
• Sound Editor
• Sound Engineer
• Sound Lecturer
• Sound Recordist
• Sound Researcher
• Sound Supervisor
• Sound Technician
• Theatre Sound Designer
• Video Game Sound Designer

You will have the opportunity to study the fundamentals of sound design theory and practice as well as gain practical experience through hands-on projects and studio sessions. As you explore topics such as sound production, sound theory and sound design, you'll acquire the expertise sought after by audio production studios and media companies.

Upon completion, you'll emerge as a highly skilled sound designer, equipped to work in a variety of creative industries where sound plays a crucial role. Whether you aspire to work in film post-production, game audio, or interactive media, our programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive and rewarding field.

What does a Sound Designer do?

As a Sound Designer, you will be able to bring your passion for soundscapes and sonic storytelling to life. In this role, you'll be the creative behind the auditory experience of films, video games, virtual reality, and more. You will be crafting immersive sound effects, composing captivating musical scores, and manipulating audio to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling.

From the rustle of leaves in a serene forest, to the thunderous roar of an epic battle, your creations will transport audiences to new worlds and breathe life into digital environments. You will find yourself collaborating with directors, producers, and developers to capture their vision and elevate it through sound.

As a Sound Designer, you'll push the boundaries of technology and creativity. You will be experimenting with innovative audio tools and techniques to achieve the perfect balance of realism and imagination. Attention to detail and dedication to your craft will be evident in every auditory creation.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The MSc Sound Design is an online master's degree designed for audio professionals seeking to enhance their experience with industry-relevant theory and practices.

• Develop a deep understanding of how to assess approaches of affecting audiences' perceptions of linear and interactive media using sound design.
• Become familiar with a comprehensive set of methods of assessing listening experiences.

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Outline:

The program is structured into three parts:

• Taught Classes:
• Listening: This module explores the properties of sound (acoustics), psychoacoustics (hearing), listening in terms of objects, music, and language, soundscapes, and perceptual audio evaluation.
• Sound Design for Interactive Media: This module examines different types of interactive media (auditory displays, video games, and sound art), production methods, planning strategies, and implementation approaches.
• Year 2:
• Masters Dissertation:
This module involves the completion of an individual research project, culminating in a substantial piece of focused academic research. Students are assigned a personal supervisor and an internal examiner to guide their progress.
• Work-Based Learning: The APP module encourages students to apply the knowledge gained from the taught modules directly to their professional practice.
• Research Project: The Masters Dissertation module allows students to undertake independent research under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

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Course Schedule:

• The program is delivered over either 18 or 30 months on a part-time basis.
• Typical entry points are in January and September.

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Modules:

• Advanced Professional Practice (SOC11107): This module focuses on reflective practice, career development, and subject-specific skills development.
• Masters Dissertation (SOC11101): This module involves the completion of an individual research project.
• Sound Design for Interactive Media (IMD11118): This module examines different types of interactive media, production methods, planning strategies, and implementation approaches.

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Assessment:

• 100% Coursework: All modules are assessed through coursework.

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Teaching:

• Distance Learning: The program is delivered entirely online.
• Mentorship: Students are assigned academic supervisors who provide guidance and support throughout the program.
• Learning Agreement: Within the first few weeks of the APP module, students develop a personalized learning agreement with their supervisor, outlining the module's deliverables.
• Reflective Journal: Students maintain a reflective journal to document their learning experiences.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• 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

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Other:

• Guest Lecturers: The program features guest lectures from professionals with wide-ranging experience in different fields of sound design.
• Janette's Story: The program highlights the experience of a student named Janette, who praises the syllabus and the opportunity to learn from industry professionals.

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Disclaimer:

• The modules listed are indicative only and may be subject to change.

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Tuition fees for 2024/25 Students from 2024/25 2025/26 Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules

• £1,105
• £tba
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £1,335 £tba Overseas and EU-Taught modules £3,050 £tba Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £2,095 £tba This course comprises of 180 credits, (6 x 20cr) taught modules + (1 x 60cr) dissertation. The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. View Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Please note: The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.