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Sound and Music Computing MSc

Part of: Computer and Data Science

Become an expert in sound and music computing by developing new tools or products, like audio processors or instruments, and contribute to the expanding music and media technology sector. Prepare for your career by merging your interest in music with technology. Align your passion for music with technology through two specialised streams: the AI and Music Data Science stream, focusing on music distribution and data analytics, and the Audio and Music Engineering stream, dedicated to crafting innovative music hardware.

Study this programme if: 

  • You aim to align your musical and technical skills with industry demands.
  • You aspire to pursue a career in streaming, music distribution, or designing and developing music hardware.
  • You have a keen interest in exploring how people interact with sound and music.
  • You want to learn from leading experts at the Centre for Digital Music, actively involved in research, running highly successful spin-out companies, and collaborating with industry figures.
  • You desire a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and human facets of sound production.

Study options

Starting in
September 2025
Location
Mile End
Fees
Home: £12,850
Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Apply nowRegister your interest

What you'll study

This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the design and software development process for music recording, analysis, and synthesis in diverse environments, such as home, studio, and live performances. 

You will study how musical sound is processed by the mind and brain - crucial for developing creative tools and intuitive interfaces, as well as the creative production of new music. You will also be introduced to state-of-the-art methods for the analysis of music data. 

You will choose a stream to specialise in, to further develop your professional profile. 

As well as lectures and seminars, you’ll engage in hands-on computing and laboratory work to gain practical insights and skills. 

Structure

  • Eight modules in each stream
  • Final project module

All students will undertake two compulsory modules covering music informatics and music perception and cognition.

Optional modules are split into two streams: AI and Music Data Science or Audio and Music Systems Engineering.

AI and Music Data Science stream

This stream equips you with the expertise to become a specialist in streaming and music distribution, featuring a diverse range of modules finely tuned for the music industry. Gain proficiency in applying data analytics, information retrieval, and signal processing skills to music. Students studying this stream should have strong software engineering skills, as well as a solid interest in music. Whether working on niche recommendation services for small labels, collaborating with artists for enhanced promotion, or creating AI tools for creative professionals, this stream positions you at the forefront of AI and Music Data Science, ready to make meaningful contributions in a variety of roles within the music industry. 

Semester A
ECS708P - Machine Learning
ECS741P - Music Perception and Cognition
ECS765P - Big Data Processing
ECS759P - Artificial Intelligence

Semester B
ECS7013P - Deep Learning for Audio and Music
ECS7006P - Music Informatics
ECS7022P - Computational Creativity
ECS7028P - Data Semantics

Semester C
ECS750P - Project (must take and pass)

Audio and Music Systems Engineering stream

This module stream readies you for specialisation in designing and developing music hardware or software, encompassing performance, production, and distribution. The increasing demand for engineers in this field is driven by the growing complexity of audio technology and the continual need for sophisticated sound in entertainment and communications. Students in this stream will gain essential skills for crafting software or hardware for mixing consoles, PA systems, instruments,  and software plugins, merging a strong musical foundation with exceptional software or hardware engineering expertise.

Semester A
Fundamentals of DSP
Music Perception and Cognition
Interactive Digital Multimedia Techniques
Sound Recording and Production Techniques

Semester B
Music and Audio Programming
Music Informatics
Interactive System Design
Data Semantics

Semester C
Project (must take and pass)

Find out more about each module below, by looking them up in the module directory.

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Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Assessment

  • Modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations.
  • The final project is examined on the basis of a written report, a formal oral presentation, and a demonstration of the piece of software developed by the student.

Research project

Individual projects are undertaken during the summer months, under the supervision of an academic member of staff, with whom there are normally weekly consultancy meetings. These are used for students to report on their progress, discuss research design and plan their future work.

The Projects Coordinator also runs taught sessions to support the project module. A number of industrial-linked projects may be offered each year, which students can apply for.

Teaching

Teaching for all modules includes a combination of lectures, seminars and use of a virtual learning environment. Each module provides contact time with your lecturers, supported by lab work and self-directed further study.

You will be assigned an Academic Advisor who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.

Part-time study options often mean that the number of modules taken is reduced per semester, with the full modules required to complete the programme spread over two academic years.

Where you'll learn

Facilities

As a student on Sound and Music MSc, you will study in the Media and Technology studios. These are versatile and state-of-the-art spaces designed for diverse sound, music, and performance research.  

Uses of the spaces include:  

  • Multi-track audio recording of bands and small choirs or orchestras 
  • Lab teaching/demonstration of audio and video equipment 
  • Performance rehearsals and recordings 
  • Ambisonics experiments 
  • Microphone/speaker array experiments 
  • Distributed performances 
  • Longitudinal studies 
  • 3D distributed motion tracking 
  • Observation and video of interactions 
  • Interactive Installations 
  • Video Shoots 
  • Large art projects 
  • VJing experiments and performances 
  • Diffusion of Electro-acoustic performances

Campus

Teaching is based at Queen Mary’s main Mile End campus, one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in the capital. Our location in the heart of London’s East End offers a rich cultural environment. 

We have invested £105m in new facilities over the past five years to offer our students an exceptional learning environment. Recent developments include the £39m Graduate Centre, providing 7,700 square metres of learning and teaching space. 

The campus is 15 minutes from Central London by tube, where you will have access to many of the University of London’s facilities, such as the Senate House library. 

The Graduate Centre on the Mile End campus
The Graduate Centre on the Mile End campus

About the School

School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science carries out world-class research – and applies it to real-world problems. Being taught by someone who is changing the world with their ideas makes for exciting lectures, and helps you to stay ahead of the curve in your field. 99 per cent of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2021).

We are proud of our excellent student-staff relations, and our diverse student body, made up of learners from more than 60 countries.

The School has a close-knit student community, who take part in competitions and extracurricular lab activities.

Contact us

School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

Career paths

Graduates from the School have gone on to work in roles such as: 

  • Audio Software Developer
  • Analogue Design Engineer
  • Start-up Founder
  • Director of Technology
  • Embedded Software Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Senior Research Engineer
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Real-time Audio C++ Software Engineer 

 At companies including:  

  • Apple
  • Ableton
  • Bytedance
  • Last FM 
  • BIMM
  • Roli
  • Samsung Electronics
  • Spotify
  • Sonic Academy
  • Playstation London Studio
  • Rockstar Games
  • Yamaha Corporation 
  • £56,000 Average salary 15 months after graduation.

Fees and funding

Full-time study

September 2025 | 1 year

Conditional deposit

Home: £2000

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Part-time study

September 2025 | 2 years

The course fee is charged per annum for 2 years. Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Conditional deposit

Home: £2000

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award

Funding

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

Entry requirements

UK

Degree requirements

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Sound and Music Production or a related discipline.

Other education backgrounds can be considered subject to demonstrating satisfactory knowledge of programming or mathematics.

Other routes

Applicants with a good 2:2 degree (55% or above) will be considered on an individual basis.

Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.

International

English language requirements

The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.

The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science falls within the following English band:

Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking

We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa.

Contact

School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

Postgraduate Admissions

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