MA Music Technology (by research)

Develop, assess and apply technology to current problems and research questions in music practice and analysis.

International fees

	Length	Start dates (semester dates)
MA by research	1 year full-time 2 years part-time Apply for MA by research	February September

Length

Start dates (semester dates)

MA by research

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Apply for MA by research

February
September

Our MA in Music Technology (by research) is aimed at research-focused graduates with experience in music technology or audio engineering – both high level creators interested in composition, production and contemporary aesthetic approaches to audio, and those who wish to develop tools for other content, including composers, performers and analysts.

Your research

This course is specifically focused on developing, assessing and applying technology to current problems and questions in music practice and analysis. It is aimed at both high-level creators interested in composition, production and contemporary aesthetic approaches to audio, and those wishing to develop tools for other content, including composers, performers and analysts.

Contact us

Related links

Guided by your supervisor, you'll work through a series of structured elements, with your final submission being either:

a dissertation of between of 30,000 and 40,000 words on your registered topic, accompanied by a comprehensive resource list of relevant materials (including software, production work, internet and audio-visual resources as relevant); or
a portfolio of work: between three and five technologically mediated compositions for any instrument, voice, ensemble, audio media or multimedia, as agreed with the candidate's supervisor and presented to a professional standard. Each composition will be supported by appropriate commentary of around 2,500 words, discussing the work, the process of composition and related details that situate the composition in a research context. You will also submit a resource list of relevant materials.

You may elect to apply to the MPhil/PhD programme subject to satisfactory completion of the MA by research.

York is a UNESCO certified Creative City of Media Arts

York as a city is recognised as a hotbed of creative talent, acting as a gateway to international markets. For two millennia York has been the meeting point for ideas and creativity. Today it is nicknamed the 'City of Festivals'.

Variety of ensembles

Immerse yourself in music and join one of our many staff-conducted or student-led ensembles. From gospel choir to Gamelan to musical theatre societies, York has ample opportunities for you to perform with like-minded people. We also run a vibrant weekly concert series.

Training and support

PG Research Forum

This discussion group for postgraduate research students, engages with common research challenges. You'll also have the opportunity to present aspects of your research topics to the group.

You will be able to attend the Research Seminar series where invited speakers, staff members and PhD students give presentations about their latest work.

Here, there are also opportunities for you to meet and network with other postgraduate researchers.

Funding

Explore Arts and Creative Technologies funding for MPhil/PhD researchers and wider postgraduate support.

Supervision

We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor during semester time.

Fantastic facilities

You’ll have access to the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall and the Rymer Auditorium, as well as five recording studios, fantastic practice facilities and our large collection of historical and world instruments.

Research Excellence

We are rated in the UK Top 30 for music research according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (REF 2021).

Course location

This course is run by the School of Arts and Creative Technologies.

You will be based mostly on Campus West. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here. Some of our facilities are based on Campus East, and your research may take you further afield.

Entry requirements

You should have a very high 2:1 or above in a relevant prior degree, or equivalent professional experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

English language requirements

Applying

Apply for the MA in Music Technology by research

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

Research proposal

You should include a research proposal detailing your proposed topic and how you plan to investigate it. This should include a paragraph explaining the relevance of your academic and/or professional experience to date and another explaining why you think your work has the potential to make a new contribution to your field of interest. In addition, please include a selective resource list (maximum length: one page) of significant items (eg scholarly articles addressing relevant technical, aesthetic and/or cultural issues, software, audio productions, internet and audio-visual resources) that you have consulted in exploring your topic and preparing your proposal.

Careers and skills

The MA Music Technology (by research) course will help to extend your knowledge of the music technology and music fields. You will be able to explore and research new and forefront ideas to apply technologies to address real-world problems in music practice and analysis. You will develop your critical thinking, technical and musical analysis and creative problem solving skills, opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.