Program Overview

MA Sound Design

The MA Sound Design course at Manchester Metropolitan University is an interdisciplinary program that explores the relationship between sound and narrative. This course is designed for students who want to create sound for environments and contexts that are immersive, interactive, and responsive.

Course Overview

The MA Sound Design course is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that covers a range of topics, including sound for linear and non-linear narrative, interactive media, and virtual realities. The course is taught by a team of specialist researcher-practitioners and is based in the School of Digital Arts (SODA), which is equipped with the latest cutting-edge technologies.

Course Structure

The course is divided into two semesters. Semester 1 focuses on capturing, manipulating, and crafting soundscapes for film, TV, radio, games, VR/AR, and sound installations. Semester 2 builds on the knowledge gained in Semester 1 and covers topics such as sound as an applied medium, research, and independent creative practical outcomes.

Core Modules

The course includes the following core modules:

• Interdisciplinary Practice 1 (Sound Design)
• Interdisciplinary Practice 2 (Sound Design)
• Independent Project

Option Modules

The course also offers a range of option modules, including:

• Co-Lab 6 (Sound Design)
• Critical Study
• Perspectives
• CG Industry Pipeline
• Sustainability and Digital Arts
• Digital Art Activism
• Spaces in XR Storytelling
• Professional Practice
• Exploration in CG
• VFX Group Production

Study and Assessment

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study. Assessment is based on coursework, with no exams or practical assessments.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the course, students should have at least a 2:2 undergraduate UK honours degree in a relevant discipline. Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English language qualification.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are as follows:

• UK and Channel Island students: £12,000 per year (full-time), £2000 per 30 credits (part-time)
• EU and non-EU international students: £22,000 per year (full-time), £3667 per 30 credits (part-time)

Careers Support and Prospects

The course provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in the sound design industry, including media content creation, location sound recording, film and animation post-production, game audio, sound and music for interactive media, Foley editing, music supervision, music editing, and sound design.

Research Areas

The course covers a range of research areas, including sound design, audio-visual theory, and industry practices. The School of Digital Arts (SODA) is a research-active department with strong connections to the industry, providing students with opportunities to engage with innovative global sound practice.