MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art)
Newton Park
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with backgrounds in music, sound design, media arts, or related disciplines. It is structured to foster a deep understanding of sonic principles, creative methodologies, and the critical contexts surrounding sound art and contemporary composition. Students are encouraged to develop their unique sonic language through experimentation with various technologies and artistic approaches. A key element involves the creation and presentation of original sonic works, culminating in a significant final project that showcases their artistic and technical achievements. The program fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging peer learning and critical dialogue.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art) program is designed to be both rigorous and flexible, allowing students to pursue their specific interests within the broad field of sound. Core modules typically explore topics such as advanced sound recording and manipulation techniques, spatial audio, interactive sound installations, electroacoustic composition, sound design for visual media and performance, and the theoretical and historical contexts of sonic art. Students engage with a range of software and hardware tools for sound creation, processing, and dissemination. The program emphasizes experimentation and the development of innovative approaches to sound. Students often undertake projects that involve site-specific sound installations, live electronic performances, compositions for fixed media or acoustic instruments, and sound design for film, theatre, or games. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary collaboration with students from other creative arts disciplines within the university.
Research Focus: The MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a strong research environment within the School of Music and Performing Arts and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises active sound artists, composers, and researchers who bring their cutting-edge work and insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current research in sonic art, electroacoustic music, sound studies, and related fields. Students are expected to develop their critical thinking and research skills through assignments, presentations, and their final research project or artistic thesis. The university's research strengths in areas such as digital creativity, performance, and media arts provide a rich and interdisciplinary context for sonic exploration and inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art) program actively fosters connections with the professional sound art and composition communities. The program may facilitate guest lectures and workshops led by established sound artists, composers, sound designers, and industry professionals. Students may have opportunities to present their work in public exhibitions or performances, potentially in collaboration with local arts organizations or festivals. The curriculum often includes elements of professional development, such as portfolio building, grant writing, and understanding the landscape of sound art and contemporary music dissemination. Networking opportunities with artists and industry professionals are often facilitated through university events and collaborations.
Global Perspective: The MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art) program at Bath Spa University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse sonic traditions, international sound art practices, and the impact of technology on sound creation and dissemination worldwide. The curriculum may include the study of non-Western soundscapes, the history of electronic music in different cultural contexts, and the role of sound in global media. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and collaboration across different sonic backgrounds and perspectives. The program may also feature guest artists from around the world or opportunities to participate in international sound art festivals or conferences. This global outlook prepares graduates to be innovative and engaged sound practitioners in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Newton Park
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17835
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 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the MA Sound (Composition and Sonic Art) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly specialized and innovative skillset, positioning them for a diverse range of exciting and emerging careers within the sonic arts and creative technology sectors. The program's interdisciplinary approach, blending artistic experimentation with technical mastery and critical thinking, equips graduates to shape the future of sound as an artistic medium.
Sound Artist: Creating and exhibiting original sound installations, performances, and sonic sculptures in galleries, public spaces, and festivals.
Composer for New Media: Creating soundscapes and music for interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, augmented reality applications, and digital art projects.
Sound Designer for Film, Theatre, and Games: Crafting immersive and impactful sound environments for visual media and live performance.
Live Electronic Performer: Developing and performing original electronic music using synthesizers, software, and interactive technologies.
Audio Programmer/Interactive Sound Designer: Designing and implementing interactive sound systems for games, installations, and other interactive media using programming languages and audio middleware.
Sound Installation Technician/Curator: Working with galleries and museums to install, maintain, and curate sound art exhibitions.
Acoustic Consultant/Spatial Audio Designer: Designing and optimizing the acoustics of spaces for performance, recording, or immersive experiences, and creating spatial audio mixes for various media.
Sound Archivist/Restoration Specialist: Preserving and restoring historical sound recordings and sonic artifacts for archives and cultural institutions.
Educator in Sound Art and Composition: Teaching sound art, electronic music, and related subjects at universities, art schools, and workshops.
Freelance Sound Artist and Technologist: Building a portfolio of diverse projects across various fields, including art, performance, media, and technology.
