This exciting new programme brings together the core scientific and creative subjects that underpin the field of Acoustics and Music Technology. Physics, computer programming, and audio signal processing are taken alongside studies in the creative use of sound, hosted within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary music department. The programme is unique in combining study in both the Sciences and the Arts within an integrated single Honours degree programme that will equip you to invent the future of acoustics, audio, and music technology. If you have interests in both science and engineering, and music, then this programme is for you.
Acoustics and Music Technology are driving a revolution in the way that sound is created, manipulated, transmitted, and replayed. They enable an expanding range of creative applications, from music production to the design of concert halls, from the emerging field of immersive virtual reality to new modalities of musical expression. Continued growth in computer power, in particular, is allowing for remarkable innovation, from next generation methods for sound synthesis, to a transformation in the way we design and experience the built environment, to the emergence of wholly new forms of media.
Such a fast-moving field demands graduates with both deep technical knowledge, and creative mind-sets, able to work across a range of disciplines. The programme emphasises excellence in the core subjects of physics, computer programming, and audio signal processing and combines them with contemporary studies in sound recording, architectural acoustics, creative music technology, sound design, and a range of further options in music and beyond.
You may follow one of two distinct pathways through the programme, in Physical Acoustics, or Computer Music Systems, or you may combine aspects of both pathways to tailor the programme to your specific interests.
The primary objectives of the programme are to provide students with solid skills in science and mathematics, experience in the creative applications of sound and music technology, and industrially-relevant understanding of how these interconnected subjects are shaping the role of sound and music in human society. The diverse and challenging nature of the programme will equip you to work at the fast moving interface between the latest scientific research and the newest forms of musical expression.
Our Music MMus offers you the highest level of training in contemporary music. We’ll teach you the necessary skills, techniques and methodologies to work at an advanced level with a critical awareness of relevant music disciplines.
Our award-winning staff are eminent practitioners and scholars in their respective fields. Operating over the widest range of style and practice, we’ll work closely with you in your musical development.
You’ll graduate from our course as an independent and relevant contemporary musician with the fullest knowledge of theory, practical skill, critical reflection and creativity.
On this course, you will learn the creative, re-creative, technical, critical, vocational and academic areas of contemporary music practice.
You’ll study a range of interlinked practices, including performance, composition, musicology and relevant skills in music technology. You will be able to specialise in any or several of these areas, preparing you for a future career in music and also providing a foundation for PhD study.
You’ll learn about the current developments within the contemporary theory and practice of music, so that you can work confidently and constructively within the musical culture of the present.
If you’re looking to progress onto a PhD research project after you graduate, this course will help to prepare you for doctoral level study in music-related areas.
What sets our Music MA apart? Not only is it the sheer range of musical genres and styles you’ll be exposed to, but also the hands-on experience you’ll be able to gain during your time with us.
Designed to excite and inspire, our course draws upon everything from rock and pop, to classical and electronic music. Exploring music from around the globe, you’ll be encouraged to deepen your understanding of the fundamentals of music, while developing your own playing and composition styles.
Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, you’ll complete modules that offer an insight into the worlds of composition, performance and musical text across diverse cultures, generations and contexts. You’ll then choose your chosen specialist pathway, giving you the opportunity to deep dive into the practical aspects of performance, composition or music technology.
The variety of optional modules we offer will provide the theoretical framework for you to develop your final project contextualizing practice in your area of specialism as a research project.
As a musical theatre performer, you must be passionate and creative, and be able to form a deep connection with your story, character and audience.
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the UK’s leading accredited drama schools, providing dedicated conservatoire training in a purpose-built environment.
Successful entry onto GSA’s Musical Theatre MA means you’ll be part of a carefully selected and committed ensemble of performers-in-training, equipped with the self-discipline and motivation to master new skills and refine existing capabilities.
Building on our international reputation in musical theatre, this course will enhance your skills with opportunities to launch your career.
This intensive MA is specifically designed to equip participants in the ‘triple-threat’ musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing and dancing.
On this course, we place a strong emphasis on the practical acquisition of technical skills (taught within technical skills classes) together with a dedicated focus on professional development. We provide you with opportunities to combine these skills into musical theatre rehearsal projects and public performances.
In addition, you'll attend seminars in contextual and theoretical studies, alongside masterclasses led by industry professionals in audition technique and repertoire.
The skills you learn will be integrated through project work, which includes: studies of classic legit and contemporary musical theatre texts, a public production led by a production team of theatre professionals, a presentation of your work to a panel of industry professionals, and an industry showcase.
BA Theatre is a unique conversion course that recognises your previous study or your work experience, enabling you to complete your BA degree in a year. As this course is taught entirely online, you can pursue your passion for theatre while working, performing or managing a household, fitting your studies around your daily routine.
As part of Guildford School of Acting (GSA), you’ll be inspired by passionate tutors and benefit from the School’s long-standing reputation as a world-class conservatoire.
Primarily a one-year course, our BA Theatre is delivered through online learning and is equivalent to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) of full-time study. The course includes three optional weekend tutorials, where you can join your tutors and other students for an intensive study and workshop experience.
Delivered by the renowned Guildford School of Acting, this course offers a range of modules that will integrate your professional experience with theory across a broad set of topics. These include:
- Contemporary performer training
- Political theatre
- Musical theatre
- Theories of performance
- A pathway module with choices of:
- Play writing
- Theatre design
- Choreography
- Musical theatre creation.
We’ll guide you to actively engage with relevant concepts, exploring the rich heritage of theatre from a critical, experiential and practical perspective.
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) is one of the world’s most successful conservatoires for musical theatre training. Our alumni have appeared in the West End, on Broadway and across the world.
Our courses are ranked 5th in the UK for drama and dance in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, 6th in the UK for drama, dance and cinematic in the Complete University Guide 2023, and 7th in the UK for drama and dance in the Guardian University Guide 2023.
We provide you with personalised industry-focused instruction and education, within the discipline of an ensemble, to develop your skills and abilities in preparation for a successful and rewarding career in musical theatre.
Our music course offers training in a huge range of styles from classical and popular, to musical theatre, jazz and contemporary music. You’ll be able to make music on your own and with others, perform in orchestras, choirs and bands, and work with improvisation.
As a performer, you’ll receive free instrumental/vocal lessons, enjoy 24/7 practice room access and the opportunity to take part in regular concerts. As a composer you’ll have access to excellent recording facilities, state of the art Mac labs and many opportunities to showcase your work. All music students benefit from visits by industry professionals, including: performers, composers, promoters, publishers and educators.
Whether you’re interested in performance, composition, music history, analysis or the music industry itself, our experienced staff and vibrant musical community can help unlock your musical potential.
Our award-winning Professional Training placements prepare students for roles in industry.
Our BMus (Hons) Creative Music Technology course offers you a route to an exciting career in the arts and creative industries. Our course will equip you with the skills for making innovative music in the 21st century, helping you to develop your own unique musical style. On this course you’ll be taught by music technology experts and creative practitioners, and work in a unique environment using world-class professional facilities. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with students from across the department.
On this practice-led course you’ll study the creative use of music technology using a wide range of specialist software and hardware, preparing you for a broad range of careers in the creative industries.
You’ll choose from areas of study such as electronic music creation and performance, sound design, music for moving image and creative music programming. Traditional music skills are also an important part of the course, and you may also choose to study traditional instrumental music, including performance.
Our vision is to create ‘thinking musicians’. We’ll work with you to develop analytical and interdisciplinary approaches to composing and performing with technology and to produce a strong portfolio of creative work.
The skills that you develop will prepare you for professional opportunities in the creative industries as well as future postgraduate education.
Our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician course is run by Guildford School of Acting (GSA), one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK. You’ll be taught by industry-leading professionals, and join a vibrant community of talented individuals.
We’ll develop your combined talents as an actor and a musician, including the versatility to work professionally as an actor or actor-musician in a wide range of theatrical contexts.
On our BA (Hons) Actor-Musician course, you’ll develop performance skills in acting, musicianship, dance, voice and singing, alongside essential critical and analytical work.
In your first year, you’ll strengthen core skills in acting, dance, singing, voice and music. With classes in all disciplines and project work on storytelling, ensemble work, modern text, screen acting and musical theatre.
In your second year, you’ll work on diverse texts, ranging from classical theatre to musical theatre, with musicianship skills integrated within all your studies. Voice, singing, music and dance skill classes continue and broaden the technical base of your training.
In your third year, you’ll work on three main projects: a play, a musical and a classical piece, alongside a showcase of your work, connecting you with casting directors and agents across the creative industries.
By developing your skills as an actor-musician, you’ll be able to take advantage of the ever-growing demand for versatile professional performers who can combine superb acting ability with a high standard of musicianship. Recent graduates have worked across a range of media including exciting projects with HBO, Netflix and also have worked in a wide range of theatre from Shakespeare through to musical theatre.
This course is designed to build on HND or Foundation Degree qualifications in music. It combines degree-level theoretical studies with further training in musical performance, musicology, creative sound and participatory practice. The result is a mix of academic rigour and practical skills that makes our Music course a stimulating journey of discovery, reflection and achievement.
Why us?
- Top up an HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree, studying with award-winning lecturers
- Pursue your passion through independent music study with either a practical or theoretical focus
- Opportunities to participate in musical theatre projects and choir performances and collaborate with dance, drama and media students
- Study in a vibrant city music scene with new arts, culture and music venue investment
- Exceptional menu of modules, ranging from musicology and creative sound to community/education work and musical multimedia
- Aspiring teachers can gain experience of working as a music facilitator in educational and community settings
