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MA/MSc in Music Technology

Course Duration
18 Months
Course Level
Level 9
Course Places
16 Places
Course Start Date
January / September

Course Summary

DkIT’s taught Masters programme in Music Technology is designed for graduates seeking to combine technological competence with musical creativity. The influence and impact of computing and digital technologies on sound and music is everywhere to be seen. This programme is a response to the increasing demand from Artists, Scientists, Educationalists, and the wider music industry, and digital media sector, for courses which bridge the traditionally perceived Arts-Science divide to produce graduates conversant in both new technologies and their creative and educational application.

Comprising taught and research components, the programme is modular and structured over three semesters. The taught component of the programme (Semesters 1 and 2) consists of five mandatory modules in each semester.

Important features of the Masters programme are the balancing of theory and practice, and technological competence and musical creativity. At the core of the programme is hands-on training at computer music workstations where students are exposed to computer-based musical composition, sound synthesis and manipulation, programming and development, and music production.

The Department’s Music Technology Centre is a state-of-the-art teaching, learning and research environment dedicated to the musical applications of technology. It comprises fully-equipped and networked music labs, a recording studio, and a multichannel room.

  • Acoustics and Psychoacoustics

  • Sound Synthesis and Manipulation
  • Recording Techniques and Technologies
  • Electroacoustic Music 1
  • Computer Programming for Musicians

Semester 2

  •  

    Sound Design for Interactive Applications
  • Multimedia Music Production
  • Electroacoustic Music 2
  • Computer Programming for Audio Applications
  • Research Practice and Work-placement

Semester 3

Following successful completion of the taught component, the student pursues a major research project, the Masters Project, under the supervision of one of the course tutors. The pathway chosen by the student will strongly influence the focus (Artistic or Scientific/Technological) of the research component, which in turn will determine the award title of Master of Arts in Music Technology, or Master of Science in Music Technology. Projects are normally in one of the following areas: music software development, composition portfolio, or dissertation. 

Graduates will have career opportunities in the digital media sector, the recording industry, multimedia development, internet/web music and audio, sound design, audio R&D, music education, radio and television, composition and arranging, music production, music software design, music therapy clinics and music instrument technology.

Students can also progress to further studies and undertake research postgraduate studies at PhD level.

This programme is designed for anyone who wishes to develop their research into Music Technology. Applicants should fulfil the standard Level 9 entry requirements for entry to a programme in DkIT. They should have a knowledge of the production of audio and a passion for music technology is also necessary, or hold a Level 7 or 8 qualification in the area. Applicants will be required to submit an approved portfolio of relevant digital audio/visual work. Graduates of other creative disciplines will be assessed for entry through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on a case by case basis. Candidates will be interviewed where deemed appropriate.

Second class honours degree in Music/Multimedia or Computing/Engineering/Science (in certain circumstances - e.g. where technological and/or musical competencies are particularly strong - degrees in other disciplines may also be accepted).

For Mature applicants (over the age of 23 at the time of application) relevant industry or related experience may be accepted in lieu of degree. As part of the selection process, all shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a selection interview.

Acceptance for the programme is based on a combination of musical ability, technological capacity and academic record. These competencies are assessed from the completed application form (and accompanying portfolio of creative work if included) submitted by the applicant and from a subsequent interview. Shortlisting of applicants for interview, based on the submitted application form and portfolio, may take place.

Dundalk Institute of Technology recognises that knowledge, skills and competencies can be acquired from a range of learning experiences, including formal, non-formal and informal. Through the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy., the Institute commits to giving value to all relevant learning, irrespective of mode or place of learning. Recognition of prior learning will provide opportunities for access, transfer and progression to education and training and for the achievement of an award. Processes and practices for the recognition of prior learning are detailed in the Institute's RPL Policy.

Claire Fitch (Programme Director)
Phone: +353 (0)429372056
Email: Claire.Fitch@dkit.ie

Course ID DK962
Course Type Postgraduate
Study Mode Full-Time
Level 9
Duration 18 Months
Starting Date January / September
School School of Informatics & Creative Arts
Department Creative Arts, Media and Music
Awarding Body Dundalk Institute of Technology
Download MA/MSc in Music Technology Brochure
Delivery Method On Campus

How To Apply

Apply Directly to DkIT

Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).