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Computing and Music

MA (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · 14/09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site

Course summary

This degree is a perfect combination for students who have a strong interest in music; perhaps more specifically music production. Understanding key computing courses such as programming will offer students the chance to move in to careers like music production and sound engineering, where strong computing skills will be of benefit.

This programme offers up a range of computing and music courses whilst still delivering some key core courses. In computing, core courses remain in areas of Computer Programming Principles and Computer Architecture, Data Management and Software Engineering, to name a few. Music related choices come in the form of courses such as; Fundamentals of Music Theory, Fundamentals of Music Harmony and Performance. Our Music staff are active as musicologists, composers and performers and their work is recognised and valued throughout the world, both in research communities as well as in the concert hall and via broadcast media.

Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Please note that performance courses are available only after successful audition. MA students audition at the beginning of an academic session, likely during welcome week. The Music Department’s office will be in touch nearer that time to offer an audition slot. Please note, there may be little notice between receiving the invite and your actual audition due to the University’s Admissions process. For further information, please contact llmvc.enquiries@abdn.ac.uk.

Assessment method

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
IW13
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that student’s budget at least the minimum maintenance amount as stated by the UKVI per month, to cover their living costs and you have to evidence 9 months’ worth of maintenance when applying for your visa. You also have to pay the NHS health surcharge per each year of study, when applying for a visa.

When you apply for your Student Visa, you will be required to evidence these funds in your personal bank account (or a parent’s personal bank account (NOT a Business Account). Therefore, you will have to evidence your 1st years tuition fees (minus the International Scholarship for self-paying students) and the maintenance amount. These funds have to have been in your account for a minimum of 28-consecutive days immediately prior to applying for your visa. If the amount in your account drops below the required amount, the 28-day period starts over.

International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies, as you have to evidence your funding when applying for your Student Visa.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - BBC

For First Year Entry a minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC. For Second Year Entry a minimum of an A in the subject selected for Single Honours plus BB, or AB in the subjects selected for Joint Honours plus a further B. In addition GCSE in English or English Language is required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM

Minimum entry requirement: DMM in related subjects. English or English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level is also required.

Scottish Higher - BBBB

Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required. Also required: English at National 5 at minimum Grade C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

For entry into First Year, a minimum of 32 points required, including at least 5,5,5 at HL. For entry into Second Year, a minimum of 36 points, including 6, 6, 6 at Higher level. English at a minimum of Standard level required.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H3

Five subjects at Higher at H3. O in English or in English Language also required for entry.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass

One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

Please Note: Candidates for a joint MA degree with Music are required to demonstrate a strong interest in the study of music in one or more of a range of disciplines including performance, composition, music technology, musicology, and community engagement. Graded qualifications on instrument or voice are welcome but are not essential. Performance studies will require an audition.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Audition
Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We are keen to encourage students from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in University studies, and we appreciate that not all students have the same opportunity to meet our advertised entry requirements.

For this reason we take contextualised information into account when making decisions on the applications we have received. Decisions are made in line with the University's Contexualised Admissions Policy.

Learn more on the University of Aberdeen website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

70 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
EU£20800Year 1
Scotland£1820Year 1
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
International£20800Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Sponsorship information

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

International Students: The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. This scholarship is in the form of a tuition fee waiver. To be eligible students must be registering for a full-time, on-campus programme and cannot be in receipt of external scholarships or other University of Aberdeen scholarships, except for awards granted by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust. Please note that the scholarship does not apply to the DPLP or Medicine.

View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.

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