MA Music and Sonic Media

The MA Music and Sonic Media is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that commences in September 2025. It provides students with the opportunity to engage in both theoretical study and practical application, fostering a deep understanding of the role of sound in media and performance contexts. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to experiment with new technologies and media forms to create innovative sonic experiences. ​

Curriculum: The curriculum combines core modules in sonic media practice with optional modules that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests. Core modules include "Sonic Media Practice," which focuses on the creation and manipulation of sound in various media contexts, and "Music and the Media of Performance (Practice)," which examines experimental music theatre and multimedia performance through both theoretical and practical lenses. Optional modules may cover topics such as sound design, electronic music composition, and digital audio production. ​

Research Focus: The program is supported by the university's research initiatives in music and sonic arts, including the Experimental Music Technologies Lab, which explores musical informatics and performance technologies. Faculty members are actively engaged in research areas such as live coding, sonic writing, and the role of sound in society, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects. ​

Industry Engagement: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated computer workstations, practice rooms, production studios, and electronic studios for recording and post-production. The program encourages collaboration with external partners and provides opportunities for students to showcase their work in professional settings, such as the annual "Music and Sonic Media" event held at The Basement in Brighton. ​

Global Perspective: The University of Sussex attracts a diverse student body, fostering a global learning environment that enriches the study of music and sonic media. The program's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on contemporary media practices prepare graduates to engage with global trends in music production, sound design, and multimedia performance.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.

Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.

Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.

Graduates of the MA in Music and Sonic Media at the University of Sussex have access to a diverse range of career opportunities across multiple sectors. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to music, sound, and media offers versatile skills that can be applied in both creative and technical roles. 

Sound Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as sound designers, creating and manipulating sound effects for various media formats such as video games, film, television, and immersive experiences like virtual reality. They may work in post-production studios, media production companies, or as freelancers.

Music Producer: The program’s emphasis on contemporary music production techniques equips graduates to work as music producers, managing the recording, mixing, and mastering of music tracks. Graduates can work in recording studios, music production companies, or independently with artists.

Electronic Music Composer: With expertise in electronic sound manipulation and composition, graduates can create original music for multimedia projects, ranging from film scores to video game soundtracks. Many graduates also pursue a career as independent composers, producing music for various platforms and media.

Multimedia Performance Artist: The program’s focus on sound and performance allows graduates to explore careers as multimedia performance artists. They can work on projects that combine live performance, music, and visual arts, contributing to contemporary experimental music and theatre.

Audio Engineer: Graduates can work as audio engineers, responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering sound in a range of environments, including live sound production, studios, and broadcast media. Audio engineers often collaborate closely with musicians and media producers to ensure high-quality sound.

Sonic Arts Researcher: The program provides a foundation in sonic arts, allowing graduates to pursue careers as researchers, exploring new theories and practices related to sound in the media. They can work in academic institutions, research labs, or even within innovative tech companies working on audio technologies.

Media and Sound Technologist: Graduates can work in technology roles that focus on the application of sound and music in media, including the development of audio-visual equipment, sound technologies, and interactive media. This career path might involve working with companies that develop sound technologies for gaming, film, and virtual reality.

Interactive Media Designer: With the growing demand for interactive media, graduates can become designers who focus on integrating music, sound, and user interaction in digital experiences such as mobile apps, websites, and games. This career blends technology, creativity, and design principles to create engaging sonic experiences.

Cultural Programmer/Curator: Many graduates choose to work in arts programming and curation, particularly in cultural institutions, music festivals, or media galleries. They may manage or curate exhibitions, performances, or live events, focusing on experimental music and sonic art.

Music and Media Educator: Graduates with a passion for education may choose to become teachers or instructors, sharing their expertise in music and sonic media at schools, colleges, or universities. This career could also extend to teaching digital media production or sound design in creative workshops.

Freelance Sound and Music Consultant: Some graduates prefer the flexibility of freelance work, offering consultancy services in sound design, music composition, and audio post-production. Freelancers often work on a variety of projects, from independent films to corporate videos and immersive media.