Creative Sound Design & Audiovisual Media MSc
Sound Shaping and Design MUSIC5058
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
An introduction to methods and practices of synthesising and transforming audio media using Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and interactive computer-based environments such as MaxMSP and Supercollidor, as well as other sound-processing software. This course equips learners with practical skills and understanding in the related fields of sound design, sonic arts and electronic music production.
Timetable
10 x 2 hour labs over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Preliminary sample library, comprising at least 10 sound samples or sonic experiments that will form the basis of a larger composition - 20%
■ Sound-based composition (5-8 minutes duration - one piece or a series of shorter pieces) - 80%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the preliminary sample library, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ There is no alternative to the sound-based composition, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Enhance skills in sound design, production and composition
■ Enable students in conceiving, developing and realising a new creative sound work
■ Develop contextual awareness of relevant methods and approaches in sound design, sonic arts and electronic music production
■ Develop students' skills in aural analysis, critical discussion and reflective writing
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Practice and apply sound design and production techniques, including sound synthesis, sampling, transformation and composition in realising creative goals
■ Develop practical work using appropriate digital audio platforms
■ Critically evaluate their own creative work and methods in the context of historical and contemporary examples
■ Plan and realise a substantial piece of creative sound work