Sound Design MSc



This online masters degree is for audio professionals who wish to enhance their experience with industry relevant theory and practices

Overview

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.

The MSc Sound Design is delivered over either 18 or 30 months on a part-time basis. All of the modules are delivered by distance learning. In addition, you will also develop a deep understanding of how to assess approaches of affecting audiences perceptions of linear and interactive media using sound design.

Emphasis is placed on cognisance with professional standards for the production and documentation of sound designs for linear and interactive media, and familiarity with a comprehensive set of methods of assessing listening experiences. 

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.

male student using music studio device

Mode of Study:

Distance learning

Duration:

18-30 months

Start date:

JanSep

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.

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    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.
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    Assessments

     100% Coursework

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Advanced Professional Practice ( SOC11107 )

Reflective practice – using different models and frameworks to maximise both personal and team performanceCareer development through mentoring and subject specific skills development

Further information

Listening ( IMD11116 )

You will study the properties of sound, which are also known as acoustics. This includes vibration, waves and transmission. You will then progress to psychoacoustics, which relates to hearing, and includes: anatomy, mechanisms and processes. Listening is then addressed in terms of: objects, music and language. Soundscapes, or the unique listening experience of a place, identity and memory are explored. Finally different approaches of Perceptual Audio Evaluation are considered, specifically: design, procedure and analysis.

Further information

Masters Dissertation ( SOC11101 )

The work for this module comprises the completion of an individual research project. Each student is assigned a personal Supervisor, and an Internal Examiner who monitors progress and feedback, inputs advice, examines the dissertation and takes the lead at the viva. There are two preliminary deliverables prior to the submission of the final dissertation: (1) Project proposal (2) Initial Report including time plan and dissertation outline

Further information

Sound Design for Interactive Media ( IMD11118 )

You will begin by considering different types of interactive media, such as Auditory Displays, Video Games, and Sound Art, and their evolution and patterns of use over recent decades. Interactive media production methods are then surveyed, which include: requirements gathering, dialogue editing, dialogue recording, location recording, foley, sound editing, sampling and synthesis, programming and testing. Strategies for planning are examined, incorporating: event mapping, actions (triggers, cues, events), emotions, duration, variation and interactivity. Finally approaches to implementing sound design are reviewed, which comprises: palette, mix, elements, parameters, memory/stream management, geometry, and environments.

Further information

Sound Design for Linear Media ( IMD11117 )

You will begin by considering different types of linear media: Theatre, Radio, Audio Books, Film and Television. Linear media production methods are then surveyed, which include: production sound, dialogue editing, automated dialogue recording, location recording, Foley, rerecording/dubbing, sound editing, sampling and synthesis. Strategies for script analysis are examined, incorporating: explicit sounds, environments, emotions, transitions and sound maps. Finally approaches to affecting an audience's perceptions are reviewed, which comprise: sound imagery, qualities, listening modes, expression of emotional states and sound personality types.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Follow our Sound Design course account on X to find out the latest updates about this course.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Sound Design?

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.

Can I get admission into Sound Design based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

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). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

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

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

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.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules £1,070 £1,125
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £1,335 £1,400
Overseas and EU-Taught modules £3,050 £3,205
Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £2,095 £2,200
This course comprises of 180 credits, (6 x 20cr) taught modules + (1 x 60cr) dissertation.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
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.


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.

Please read our full T&C here

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. This course provides a brilliant opportunity to work in the following career paths:

  • 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.

Two men wearing headphones working on laptops in a room full of people