Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in Sound and Music Computing

The Master's Programme in Sound and Music Computing is designed to train professionals who will push forward the sound and music technologies of the new information society. By combining practical and theoretical approaches in topics such as computational modeling, audio engineering, perception, cognition, and interactive systems, the programme gives the scientific and technological background needed to start a research or professional career.

Programme Structure and Contents

The programme is structured in modules and organized as a problem-based study. A module is a programme element or a group of programme elements, which aims to give students a set of professional skills within a fixed time frame specified in ECTS credits, and concluding with one or more examinations within specific exam periods.

First Semester

• Foundations of SMC (Project, 15 ECTS)
• Sound Processing (Course, 5 ECTS)
• New Interfaces for Musical Expression (Course, 5 ECTS)
• Music Perception and Cognition (Course, 5 ECTS)

Second Semester

• Sonic Interaction Design (Project, 15 ECTS)
• Embodied Interaction (Course, 5 ECTS)
• Sound and Music Signal Analysis (Course, 5 ECTS)
• Physical Models for Sound Synthesis (Course, 5 ECTS)

Third Semester

Option A

• Sound and Music Innovation (Project, 20 ECTS)
• Research in Sound and Music Computing (Course, 5 ECTS)
• Machine Learning for Media Experiences (Course, 5 ECTS)

Option B

• Project-Oriented Study in an External Organisation (Project, 30 ECTS)

Fourth Semester

• Master's Thesis (Project, 30 ECTS)

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a legal right of admission (retskrav) are those who have completed specific bachelor's programmes at Aalborg University. Applicants without a legal right of admission must have a bachelor's degree in technical sciences, a bachelor of engineering programme, or a bachelor in natural science, with a minimum of 10 ECTS within programming or a minimum of 10 ECTS project-oriented work within music technology.

Language Requirements

All applicants without a legal right must prove that their English language qualifications are equivalent to level B (Danish level) in English.

Competence Profile

The graduate of the Master's programme in Sound and Music Computing will have in-depth knowledge and understanding of issues within the areas of sound and music technology and design. They will be able to analyze sound and music computing's knowledge, theory, methodologies, and practice, and identify scientific issues.

Rules Concerning Credit Transfer

The Study Board can approve that passed programme elements from other educational programmes at the same level replace programme elements within this programme (credit transfer).

Exemptions

The Study Board's possibilities to grant exemption, including exemption to further examination attempts and special examination conditions, are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures.

Rules for Examinations

The rules for examinations are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures.

Additional Information

All students who have not participated in Aalborg University's PBL introductory course during their Bachelor's degree must attend the introductory course "Problem-based Learning and Project Management". The introductory course must be approved before the student can participate in the project exam.

Commencement and Transitional Rules

The curriculum is approved by the dean and enters into force as of September 1, 2022. The Study Board does not offer teaching after the previous curriculum from 2020 after the summer examination 2023.

Amendments to the Curriculum and Regulations

On June 28, 2023, the vice dean has approved to rename the 3rd semester project from "Sonic Interaction Design " to "Sound and Music Innovation " valid from autumn 2023. The Vice dean of Education has on February 12, 2025, approved that the prerequisite for enrollment for the exam is erased in certain modules. The Vice dean of education has on August 25, 2025, approved that the evaluation method changes from "External examination" to "Internal examination" valid as from autumn 2025.