COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Music and Sound at Sussex provides a comprehensive blend of practical, creative, and theoretical training for composers, musicians, sound artists, and practitioners from related fields. Core modules in the autumn, including Composition (Practice) and Sonic Media Practice, give students a strong foundation in advanced compositional techniques, sound design, and music production, encouraging the development of individual creative voices. Throughout the year, students undertake a Creative Project and a Dissertation, enabling them to consolidate their learning through substantial independent work that reflects their interests, strengths, and professional ambitions. Optional modules allow students to tailor their studies and expand their expertise. In the spring, options include Activist Media Practice, Music and the Media of Performance (Practice), and Music Production in Context, providing opportunities to explore interdisciplinary approaches, performance contexts, and the broader media landscape. The program emphasizes critical engagement alongside technical and creative skill development, supporting students in producing work for a variety of professional and academic contexts. Access to specialist facilities, including professional recording studios, performance spaces, instruments, and cutting-edge technologies, allows students to experiment and innovate in their practice. Graduates leave with a strong portfolio, advanced compositional and technical abilities, and the critical skills necessary to pursue professional careers in music, sound, and related creative industries, or to continue with further research and academic study.