MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Sound (Design)
Newton Park
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Sound (Design) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with backgrounds in audio production, music technology, media production, or related disciplines. It is structured to provide a thorough grounding in the art and craft of sound design, encompassing recording, editing, mixing, and spatial audio techniques. Students are encouraged to develop their creative voice and technical proficiency through hands-on projects and collaborations. A key element involves working on a variety of media formats, simulating real-world industry scenarios. The program culminates in a significant sound design project or portfolio that showcases the student's skills and creative vision, preparing them for professional practice.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Sound (Design) program is designed to be both rigorous and relevant to contemporary industry practices. Core modules typically cover advanced sound recording techniques, sound editing and manipulation, mixing for various media formats (stereo, surround, immersive), sound theory and acoustics, dialogue editing and ADR, Foley artistry, and the role of music in sound design. Students engage with industry-standard software and hardware, developing proficiency in tools used for sound editing, mixing, and spatial audio. The program emphasizes the narrative and emotional impact of sound, exploring how sound design can enhance storytelling and audience engagement. Collaborative projects with students from other media disciplines within the university are often a key feature, providing valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork. The curriculum also explores emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality audio.
Research Focus: While the MA Sound (Design) program is primarily vocational and industry-oriented, it operates within the research-informed environment of Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing Arts and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises experienced sound designers, audio engineers, and researchers who bring their professional expertise and scholarly insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current research in sound studies, audio technology, and the impact of sound on perception and narrative. Students may undertake research-based projects that explore specific areas of sound design or analyze the sonic aesthetics of different media. The university's broader research strengths in areas such as digital creativity, performance, and media arts provide a stimulating intellectual context for the program.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the MA Sound (Design) program at Bath Spa University is its strong and proactive engagement with the professional audio and media industries. The program actively fosters connections with film and television production companies, game development studios, post-production facilities, and sound design professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and potential internship opportunities. Students often have opportunities to network with industry practitioners and receive feedback on their work. The program's curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and workflows, ensuring that graduates possess the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in professional sound design roles. The culmination of the program often involves portfolio development and showcasing work to industry professionals.
Global Perspective: The MA Sound (Design) program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining sound design practices in international film, television, games, and other media. The curriculum may include the study of diverse sonic aesthetics and the role of sound in different cultural contexts. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on sound. The program may also explore international industry standards and workflows, preparing graduates to work in a globalized media production environment. Furthermore, the program may touch upon the impact of global media distribution on sound design considerations.
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 (Design) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly specialized and creatively versatile skillset, positioning them for a wide range of exciting and in-demand careers within the audio and media industries. The program's comprehensive training, blending artistic vision with technical mastery and industry awareness, equips graduates to shape the sonic landscape of various media.
Sound Designer for Film and Television: Creating and implementing the complete sonic environment for film and television productions, including dialogue editing, sound effects design, Foley, and mixing.
Sound Designer for Games: Designing and integrating all audio elements for video games, including sound effects, music implementation, dialogue, and interactive audio systems.
Post-Production Sound Editor: Working in post-production facilities to edit and sweeten audio for film, television, and other visual media, ensuring clarity and impact.
Foley Artist: Creating and recording everyday sounds in a studio to enhance the realism of film, television, and game soundtracks.
Dialogue Editor/ADR Mixer: Cleaning up and enhancing recorded dialogue, and recording and mixing additional dialogue replacement (ADR) for film and television.
Sound Mixer (Production or Post-Production): Recording audio on location during filming or mixing the various sound elements together in post-production to create the final soundtrack.
Sound Designer for Interactive Media/VR/AR: Creating immersive and interactive audio experiences for virtual reality, augmented reality, and other interactive installations.
Audio Programmer/Middleware Specialist: Implementing and scripting audio within game engines and interactive media using audio middleware software.
Sound Installation Artist: Creating and exhibiting sound-based art installations in galleries, public spaces, and festivals.
Audio Post-Production Supervisor: Overseeing the entire audio post-production process for film, television, or games, managing teams and ensuring the sonic vision is realized.
