Program Overview

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

The Master's Programme in Sound and Music Computing is a two-year, research-based, full-time study programme offered by Aalborg University. The programme is designed to train professionals who will push forward the sound and music technologies of the new information society.

Programme Title and Designation

The Master's programme entitles the graduate to the Danish designation Civilingeniřr, cand.polyt. i lyd- og musikteknologi, and the English designation Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Sound and Music Computing).

Programme Specifications

The programme is set to 120 ECTS credits and is based on a combination of academic, problem-oriented, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Competence Profile

The graduate of the Master's programme 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.

Knowledge

• Has in-depth knowledge and understanding of issues within the areas of sound and music technology and design.
• Can understand and, on a scientific basis, reflect on the technical, organizational, and market drivers in sound and music technology, as well as the interplay between technology, market, and user issues.
• Can analyze sound and music computing's knowledge, theory, methodologies, and practice, and identify scientific issues.

Skills

• Ability to synthesize scientific methods, tools, and general skills within the field of sound and music computing.
• Ability to evaluate and select among relevant scientific theories, methods, tools, and general skills, and, on a scientific basis, advance new analyzes and solutions within the subject areas.
• Ability to synthesize research-based knowledge and discuss professional and scientific problems with both peers and non-specialists.

Competencies

• Ability to apply acquired knowledge in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship that can be used to explore and exploit the great potential of new media technologies with an engineering approach.
• Ability to synthesize acquired knowledge creatively and innovatively to identify and propose new opportunities and develop services/solutions, which can empower the users and assist them in solving their current and future tasks on a daily basis.

Structure and Contents of the Programme

The programme is structured in modules and organized as a problem-based study. Each semester has an overall theme, which is reflected in the scope of the mandatory course modules and semester projects.

Modules

The programme includes the following modules:

• Foundations of SMC (15 ECTS)
• Sound Processing (5 ECTS)
• New Interfaces for Musical Expression (5 ECTS)
• Music Perception and Cognition (5 ECTS)
• Sonic Interaction Design (15 ECTS)
• Embodied Interaction (5 ECTS)
• Sound and Music Signal Analysis (5 ECTS)
• Physical Models for Sound Synthesis (5 ECTS)
• Sound and Music Innovation (20 ECTS)
• Research in Sound and Music Computing (5 ECTS)
• Machine Learning for Media Experiences (5 ECTS)
• Project-Oriented Study in an External Organisation (30 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a legal right of admission (retskrav) are not offered a bachelor's education with a legal right of admission to this education. Applicants without a legal right of admission must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or Software 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.

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.

Master's Thesis

The Master's Thesis must include an English summary. If the project is written in English, the summary can be in Danish. The summary is included in the evaluation of the project as a whole.

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.