MA Sound Arts
Course summary
Intensive and specialised, MA Sound Arts at LCC is designed to further the development of your conceptual and contextual understanding of sound arts practice and its discourse.
About this course
You will be encouraged to adopt a personal and distinctive approach to your work and build a distinctive portfolio that taps into the College's Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice (CRISAP).
MA Sound Arts Intensive and specialised, this programme is designed to further the development of your conceptual and contextual understanding of sound art practice and its discourse.
You will be encouraged to adopt a personal and distinctive approach to your work in building your portfolio and be engaged in practical and theoretical research that develops your creative and critical competence to an advanced level.
LCC Postgraduate Shows 2017
As part of LCC's Postgraduate Shows 2017, MA Sound Arts opened their exhibition at Dilston Grove on Sunday 3 December.
Performance: Chase Coley
As part of LCC's Postgraduate Shows 2017, MA Sound Arts hosted a performance by graduating student Chase Coley.
LCC Postgraduate Shows 2016
As part of LCC's Postgraduate Shows 2016, MA Sound Arts opened their exhibition at Dilston Grove on Saturday 3 December.
Student Voices: Khaled Kaddal
MA Sound Arts student Khaled talks us through his work in the LCC Postgraduate Shows 2016.
Student Voices: Ilia Rogatchevski
MA Sound Arts student Ilia talks us through his work in the LCC Postgraduate Shows 2016.
Student Voices: Francisco Mazza
MA Sound Arts student Francisco talks us through his work in the LCC Postgraduate Shows 2016.
Student Voices: Anna Celeste
MA Sound Arts student Anna talks us through her work in the LCC Postgraduate Shows 2016.
Course stories
Course website
Facilities
Lens-Based and Audio-Visual
Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.
The Digital Space
The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.
Sound Arts and Design
Find out about the range of facilities on offer to students studying Sound Arts and Design.
Course details
Intensive and specialised, this programme is designed to further the development of students’ conceptual and contextual understanding of Sound Arts practice and its discourse. Students are encouraged to adopt a personal and distinctive approach to their work and research.
The course includes a strong taught component combined with ample opportunities for practical work. You will be able to extend your portfolio within an academic context, engage in theoretical and practical research, develop your creative and critical skills, explore personal areas of interest in sound arts and engage in practice-based research.
The aim of the course is to facilitate individual practice and guide you towards a professional career as a sound artist or into research.
The course culminates in a curated show and a public symposium where you will get the opportunity to present your work and research to an audience. An advantage of studying at LCC are the opportunities for collaboration with students from other disciplines, such as film students, both inside and outside the college.
All staff delivering the course are active practitioners and researcher, their specialist areas of interest include the following:
- Composition
- Sound recording and mixing
- Phonography
- Field recording and acoustic ecology
- Interactive work
- Sound installations
- Live performance
- Radiophonic practices
- Sound for film
- A variety of cross-platform work
There is also an extensive programme of visiting speakers and performers and both undergraduate and postgraduate students are extremely active in promoting their work both inside and outside the college. The sound arts department is constantly developing new links with other institutions and other disciplines and is committed to extending the boundaries of this developing discipline.
The course is designed for students who have a substantial background in producing sound-based work within the context of contemporary arts and media practice. You may have studied some aspect of sound arts - such as sound design, music technology and sonic art - at an undergraduate level.
You may come from other disciplines, such as fine art, digital arts, or time-based or performance art. Or you may have no formal qualifications but have significant experience of producing creative work with sound and wish to develop this work in an academic context.
The main characteristic of a successful applicant is that they will already have achieved a distinctive and enquiring approach to and an understanding of the aspects of sound arts that they wish to develop further in a creative and experimental academic environment.
Find out more information about Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice (CRISAP).
Course units
Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves six units, totalling 180 credits.
Autumn, Term One
Unit summary:
- Practice-Based Research (40 credits)
- Contemporary Themes in Sound Arts Practice (20 credits)
In Term One you will gain a practical understanding of contemporary themes in sound arts practice and explore how they relate to and situate your own practice. At the same time you will begin to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between research and practice in relation to your own work and carry out an applied research project in response to an external organisation or institution.
Spring, Term Two
Unit summary:
- Practice-Based Research (continued)
- Contemporary Themes in Sound Arts Practice (continued)
- Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
Summer, Term Three
Unit summary:
- Project Development (20 credits)
- Curatorial Contexts for Sound Art (20 credits)
- Major Project (60 credits)
In Term Three the taught programme will help you to explore issues around the curation, exhibition and perception of sound art in a contemporary context and you will begin work on your Major Project.
Autumn, Term Four
Unit summary:
- Major Project (continued)
Term Four is devoted to the completion and presentation of the Major project in the context of a curated show and symposium.
If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.
Learning and Teaching Methods
The above programme outcomes are taught using the following learning and teaching methods:
- Individual and Group Tutorials
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Symposium
Assessment methods
The above programme outcomes are assessed using the following assessment methods:
- Critical reflection reports
- Self-evaluation
- Written reports
- Audio visual presentations
Course structure
The information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course.
Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year.
In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.
Webpage updates
We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact a member of the course team.
Staff
Thomas Gardner
Course Leader, MA Sound Arts
David Mollin
Associate Lecturer, BA (Hons) Sound Arts and Design
Daniela Cascella
Associate Lecturer, MA Sound Arts
Mark Peter Wright
Associate Lecturer, MA Sound Arts
Salomé Voegelin
Course Tutor
John Wynne
Tutor, BA (Hons) Sound Arts and Lecturer, MA Sound Arts
Visiting Curator
Irene Revell - Irene is Director at Electra, which is an 'organisation-in-residence' at Wysing Arts Centre (Summer 2015). Other projects include Someone Else Can Clean Up This Mess (Flat Time House, 2014); Slow Runner (Badischer Kunstverein, 2013); Her Noise: Feminisms and the Sonic (Tate Modern, 2012); Sound Escapes (SPACE, 2009); The Wire 25 (2007).
Irene writes for various publications including The Wire magazine and is a member of the Cinenova feminist film and video distribution working group. Irene is also a visiting lecturer at the University of Kent (MA Sound and Image) and in Autumn 2014 was a Fondazione Adolfo Pini curatorial fellow at O', Milan.
How to apply
Opportunities for all
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
Entry requirements
The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world.
Applicants to MA Sound Arts will have a good honours degree in a relevant subject such as sound arts, fine art, film and video or other related fields, or a professional or academic qualification recognised as equivalent to an honours degree.
We also welcome applications from prospective students with a background in fine art or other related fields and those who wish to move their practice or research in other areas towards sound art and sonic practices.
Key subjects in Sound Arts are:
- Composition
- Sound recording and mixing
- Photography
- Field recording and acoustic ecology
- Interactive work
- Sound installations
- Live performance
- Radiophonic practices
- Sound for film
- A variety of cross-platform work
Your educational level may be demonstrated by:
- Honours degree (named above);
- Possession of equivalent qualifications;
- Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required, demonstrating relevant experience and an aptitude for film, television or other moving-image production subjects;
- Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience
- The quality of the personal statement
- A strong academic or other professional reference
- OR a combination of these factors
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
Language requirements
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.
- IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.
- If your first language is not English, you can check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English on the Language Requirements page.
For further details regarding international admissions and advice please visit the International Applications page.
Selection criteria
Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- An informed enthusiasm about sound arts and related sonic practices
- A critical approach to working with sound
Making your application
All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider these key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
- The strength of your personal statement and portfolio
- Your qualifications and transcript (or projected results)
There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.
Required information for all postgraduate course applications
Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:
- Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
- Current and/or previous education and qualification details
- Employment history
- CV
- Personal statement
Extra information required for applications to this course
You will need to supply:
- Portfolio
Start your application now
The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.
Application deadline
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
CV
Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.
Personal statement advice
You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Sound Arts. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.
Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.
All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider these key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
- The strength of your personal statement and portfolio
- Your qualifications and transcript (or projected results)
- There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.
Required information for all postgraduate course applications
Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:
- Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
- Current and/or previous education and qualification details
- Employment history
- CV
- Personal statement
Please note: we will ask you for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas).
For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.
Extra information required for applications to this course
You will need to supply:
- Portfolio
Start your application now
The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.
Alternatively, international applicants can apply through an overseas representative in your country.
Application deadline
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
Immigration history check
Whether you are applying through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History check. If you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
CV
Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.
Personal statement advice
You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Sound Arts. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.
Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.
After you apply
Communicating with you
After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.
What happens next
Portfolio advice
All applicants will be asked to submit a digital portfolio. You should include work from a maximum of six projects and supporting material. These should be clearly annotated and organised.
Your portfolio can comprise of any work; visual, sonic or textual, as well as images of sketchbooks that demonstrates your mode of working, and interest in working with sound and/or a sonic sensibility.
If you have links to web projects or media assets, please note these in your CV.
Interview advice
Applicants are often interviewed by the course team before a place can be offered. Interviews will take place at LCC, or via Skype/telephone.
Deferrals
Deferring an offer
If you are offered a place for 2019/20 but wish to defer to 2020/21, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter. Additionally, International applicants will have to pay a pre-payment in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
Making a deferred application (during 2018/19 for entry in 2020/21)
Home/EU applicants are permitted to make a deferred application. International applicants are not permitted to make a deferred application.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fee
£10,890 (2019/20)
UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount
Course fees may be paid in instalments
International fee
£19,930 (2019/20)
UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount
Course fees may be paid in instalments
Additional costs
In addition to tuition fees, you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. We strongly suggest you read the information on our Additional Costs page.
Accommodation
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
Scholarships and awards
A range of scholarships, bursaries and awards are available to postgraduate students at UAL.
Postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 are available for eligible UK and EU students. A full list of eligibility criteria and information on applying can be found on the postgraduate loans webpage.
Home / EU and International students
Funding opportunities available for this course:
Careers and alumni
During the course you will have the opportunity to develop both your research profile and creative practice. Upon graduation there are a number of options. You may wish to apply for a research degree, or you might decide to work in the theatre, films, television, animation, games production or websites.
Some of our students work as freelance sound artists or musicians in a chosen area which could include performance, composition, sound art installation or curation. Others set up their own businesses.