BSc Acoustics and Music Technology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Acoustics and Music Technology, a music degree exploring the scientific, technological and mathematical principles behind sound and audio engineering. Core topics include Programming, Signal Processing, Data Analysis, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme spans four years and combines studies from physics, mathematics, music, and engineering. The first year covers foundational concepts through courses in physics, acoustics, mathematics, and music technology, introducing microphone techniques and room acoustics. The second year introduces Architectural Acoustics and Spatial Audio, alongside Creative Music Technology, advanced algebra, and experimental techniques. The third year deepens technical expertise with Audio Signal Processing and Audio Programming, exploring audio machine learning and sound design. Optional courses and broader studies are available across multiple university departments throughout the degree.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: Mathematics at A) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 25%: 14 offers from 56 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 15%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- Scotland: 70%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- physics
- acoustics
- mathematics
- music technology
- courses covering the basic pillars of physics and developing your problem-solving and study skills
- mathematics courses equipping you with the core skills you need in algebra and calculus
- a course in musical acoustics, exploring: musical instruments architectural acoustics electronic instruments
- musical instruments
- architectural acoustics
- electronic instruments
- a course in sound recording, examining the history and practice of recorded sound
- microphone techniques
- room acoustics
- field recording
- music
- engineering
- informatics
- a range of options from across the University
- Architectural Acoustics and Spatial Audio
- Creative Music Technology
- advanced algebra
- calculus
- dynamics
- computer programming
- data analysis
- experimental techniques for physics and acoustics
- further courses in music
- relevant courses from physics engineering other subjects across the University
- physics
- engineering
- other subjects across the University
- Audio Signal Processing
- Audio Programming
- how physics can be used to understand musical sound
- to design cutting-edge software that provides the very highest sound quality in musical instrument and audio effects
- audio machine learning
- sound design
- Fourier analysis
- fluid mechanics
- physics
- music
- physics
- engineering
- informatics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £27,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £33,500. The £27,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Music.
What do graduates of BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 193 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh?
25% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 14 offers from 56 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Acoustics and Music Technology at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.