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Sound and Music Computing

Master degree

Sound and Music Computing, Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering

The programme is a creative, interdisciplinary programme, that teaches you to combine engineering, design, music performance, psycho-acoustics, signal processing, and computer science.

Reasons you should choose this programme

You are interested in how people use, experience, and interact with sound and music
You want to work with music programming and the design of new musical user interfaces
You want to immerse yourself in both the technical and human aspects of sound production

Copenhagen

2-year educationEnglish

Master degree

Sound and Music Computing, Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering

The programme is a creative, interdisciplinary programme, that teaches you to combine engineering, design, music performance, psycho-acoustics, signal processing, and computer science.

Reasons you should choose this programme

You are interested in how people use, experience, and interact with sound and music
You want to work with music programming and the design of new musical user interfaces
You want to immerse yourself in both the technical and human aspects of sound production

Copenhagen

2-year educationEnglish

As an engineer in Sound and Music Computing, you will become an important player in the new information society.

Through a combination of practice and theory in subjects such as data modelling, signal processing, pattern recognition, sound technology and –perception, cognition and interactive systems, you will obtain a solid background in a fast growing field.

You will be trained to solve problems demanding deep technological insight as well as knowledge on the creative aspects and users. This combination makes the programme in Sound and Music Computing unique in Denmark, and competences in both the technical and creative area are much sought after.

I'm really interested in learning about the technical aspects of sound production that can be used in both movies, games, and music. I am particularly interested in how to convey spatial sound in Virtual Reality experiences. The Multi-sensory Experience Lab connected to the programme offers extraordinary facilities.

SIMONE PATRICIA VINKEL, FORMER STUDENT OF SOUND AND MUSIC COMPUTING

Best in Europe 6 years in a row

If you choose to study engineering at Aalborg University, you will be studying at one of the best universities in the world. In the fall of 2022, our engineering programmes were named best in Europe for the 6th year in a row, and 11th best in the world according to the ranking of Best Global Universities.

Annually, Denmark exports sound and music products for over €2 billion such as hearing aids, multimedia productions, music equipment, communication technology, hi-fi equipment, games development and measuring equipment, etc.

In short, getting your engineering education at Sound and Music Computing at Aalborg University is a solid foundation to build your career on.

Join us on Facebook or visit our website - and get news and read about interesting research in sound and music education, research and trivia.

I want to create something that helps people in their everyday lives. I want to work on improving hearing aids to make the users able to hear a voice over background noises, which today's hearing aids are not very good at.

NANNA GODIKSEN DAHL, FORMER STUDENT OF SOUND AND MUSIC COMPUTING

Academic content

The master's programme in Sound and Music Computing at Aalborg University consists of four semesters (120 ECTS credits).

In the 1st semester, you will learn about sound processing, music perception and –cognition as well as new interfaces for Musical Expression.

In the 2nd semester, you'll work with the theme Sonic Interaction in your project. You will have courses in Embodied Interaction, Sound and Music Signal Analysis and Physical Models for Sound Synthesis.

In the 3rd semester, you have even more options – you can study a semester at a foreign university, you can follow research courses at AAU, or you can carry out a project in collaboration with a company.

The 4th semester is entirely reserved for working on your master’s thesis, and thus, there are no courses.

Compulsory for all non-AAU bachelors

All bachelors enrolled in the programme who have not obtained their bachelor's degree from Aalborg University must take part in a course on problem based learning (PBL) as part of the 1st semester project. In case non-AAU bachelors get credit transfer for the 1st semester, they will be asked to take part in a course ensuring that they are trained in working according to the PBL-model. Read more about PBL here.

Semester descriptions

Even though the programme is centered around sound, there is a broad selection of fields to dive into - from the human experience of sound to pure signal programming. Both are equally important to know about, no matter what you end up doing within the field after you graduate.

MADS MARETTY SØNDERUP, FORMER STUDENT OF SOUND AND MUSIC COMPUTING

Traineeship

On the third semester of the master's programme in Sound and Music Computing, you have the opportunity to carry out a project in collaboration with an external partner either in Denmark or abroad. You can collaborate with a company, a public institution or a professional organisation. You may also choose an exchange stay at another university in Denmark or abroad.

A stay abroad helps your career

If you choose a stay abroad during your education, it may further your job seeking upon graduation. The industry seeks people with international experience, especially within engineering, and therefore, AAU focuses on stays abroad. We want to give you the best start possible when you have finished your studies.

At the master’s level, we give you the opportunity to take and an internship (in Denmark or abroad) or spend a semester abroad. We will assist you in finding the best place for you. AAU co-operates with many universities across the globe, and we have solid contacts and co-operations with industry with regards to both student projects and internships. Our students go to the US, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, England, Sweden, France, etc.

More information

Admission and requirements

Job and career

As a master of science in Sound and Music Computing from Aalborg University, you will have a solid profile aimed at both the Danish and international markets. Denmark has a long and proud tradition in sound and music computing, and Danish companies and their products are known all over the world. You may find employment in companies such as Bang & Olufsen (B&O), T-Rex Engineering, IO Interactive, Carl Martin, Dicentia, etc. Here, you will be working with development and test of programmes and equipment for sound processing (especially interactive), production of sound as well as new business opportunities and –concepts within sound and music.

Get help at AAU to start your career in Denmark

AAU Career helps you on your way from student life to job life in Denmark by giving you the tools to examine your options and find out what to do.

While studying at AAU, you can participate in career and job-related events, find help on our website, and book a personal career counselling session to talk about e.g.:

  • Finding your way in your career
  • Danish working culture
  • Application and CV the Danish way
  • What you can offer an employer
  • How to go about job search in Denmark – both student job, internship and full-time job

Read more about AAU Career here

Student counsellors, Media Technology Copenhagen

Atle Søeborg Nyhus
Sofie Julsgaard Nielsen
Atle Søeborg Nyhus
Sofie Julsgaard Nielsen

You can contact your student counsellors by:

Opening hours: Wednesdays, 12-13

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