MA Music Technology (by research)
Length
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Distance learning available
Start date
October 2022, January, April, July 2023 (term dates)
Department
Meet us
Meet us online or on campus and find out more about postgraduate study at York.
Find out moreOur 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 stream 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.
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.
Fantastic facilities
You’ll have access to the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall and the Rymer Auditorium, as well as our five recording studios, fantastic practice facilities and our large collection of historical and world instruments.
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.
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.
Course location
You will be based mostly on Campus West. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield, particularly to the School of Arts and Creative Technologies' facilities on Campus East.
We offer a distance learning option for this course if you cannot live in York full- or part-time.
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 English language ability.
Applying
Apply for the MA in Music Technology by research
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
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.