ResM Computer Music

Masters graduates normally proceed towards a doctoral degree either with the University or other universities in the UK and abroad. Depending on how you performed on the programme, you might qualify to progress on to a doctoral programme at the University with the ResM period counting towards the first year of the PhD. Self-employment as performers, freelance sound engineers, and various opportunities in the education sector are alternative employability routes taken by former students.

• Work as part of a global research centre – the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) – with staff, PhD students and post-doctoral researchers from all over the world.
• Balance your work commitments and further education with the opportunity to study part time for a Master level qualification.
• Gain the skills necessary to progress towards studying for a doctorate degree.
• Develop a negotiated Master’s project to develop your own research interests. Projects can range from developing approaches to composition and performance using computers, to inventing new systems for music and audio production for a variety of applications.
• Enjoy access to music rehearsal and recording facilities, including individual practice rooms, a professional recording environment, digital audio workstations, and instrumental facilities ranging from Steinway and Bosendorfer pianos to valve guitar amps, electronic keyboards, and analogue synthesisers.
• A range of societies and groups are on offer for students to participate, such as a gospel choir, concert band, ukulele society, gamelan group, orchestra, and many more.
• The teaching team recognises and supports musicians from a variety of backgrounds and promotes stylistic freedom, exploration, and creative risk-taking.
• Plymouth offers a vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful rural surroundings and sea coast. Plymouth promotes tolerance and diversity. The University is located at the heart of the city centre. It is not in a remote campus separating students from the city’s vibrant life.

• Taught modules

• The ResM can be studied either full or part time. You study the core modules listed on this page and attend individual tutorials with your supervisor and regular research seminars. The programme leads to either a written thesis or one combining critical writing with creative/professional practice and can be studied either full time or part time. After completing your taught modules, you continue with independent research, guided by your Director of Studies.
  

  Core modules

  • Advanced Topics in Computer Music (MARE702)

    This module explores advanced topics in the field of sound and music computing, and music technology in general, and offers an opportunity to expose the students to the research of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR). Students will be introduced to trends in music practices with new technologies and will have the opportunity to gain and/or hone their theoretical and technical skills through a negotiated project.

• Thesis and assessment

• Throughout this time spent working towards your thesis, you are considered a full member of our research community and completely supported until you successfully complete your degree. You may attend additional training, workshops and research seminars. As a full-time ResM student, you submit your thesis after 12 months (part time after 24 months) or pay a nominal sum for up to six months’ additional writing up time (part time 12 months). Your viva voce (or oral examination) takes place following submission of your thesis.

For entry to postgraduate level, you should normally possess:

• a first or upper second (2:1) degree with honours or professional qualification, recognised as being equivalent to degree standard; or
  
• an ordinary degree, foundation degree, higher national diploma, or university diploma, accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field.

If you are an overseas applicant you can check the comparability of your qualifications with Ecctis, which provides an advisory service.

English language requirement

If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you’ll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.

English language requirements.