This program will next run during the session 2009/10, starting in September 2009.
This unique theory-practice programme attempts to compensate for the deep-rooted visual bias of Western culture, and, by implication, the lack of rigorous theoretical analysis of the field of sonic culture, the intersection between the soundscape and cybernetic society. The programme develops a specific range of conceptual tools to critically engage and produce in this context. The MA Sonic Culture takes an interdisciplinary approach, and aims to develop a critical understanding of the role of sound in digital culture providing a methodology and an approach to digital sound design and analysis across a range of traditional and emergent media.
Theoretically, the MA explores the emergent space and time of the acoustic cyberspace, and the relevance of concepts such as microsound, sonic affect, the audio-visual contract, the virtual, simulation, synesthesia, afrofuturism, remixology and digital accidents in relation to sonic culture in digital capitalism. To do this, we draw material from the histories of recorded sound in 20th century electronic music, theories of film sound, and frameworks from fiction, cultural theory, critical musicology, philosophy, digital aesthetics, cybernetics, acoustics, physiology, psychoacoustics, sciences of complexity and theories of power, gender and diaspora, in order to provide students with a conceptual basis for critical and creative sound analysis and production.
The MA Sonic Culture: Sound, Arts and Media in the Digital Age provides:
The programme consists of a foundation module which sets out the key aspects of the theoretical field of study, two options which may be selected either from within the thematically and conceptually linked pathways or across pathways (one in each semester), a compulsory research methods module, and the project/dissertation module. Dissertations are submitted at the end of September. An MA in Sonic Culture will last one year for a full time student and two years for part-timers. Both SW/FT/PT students will have a common first year but will take optional modules and compulsory research methods and dissertation modules at different times. Students may choose optional modules from – the City and Consumer Culture, Feminisms and Sexualities, Memory and History, Postcolonial Cultures, New Media and Music – associated with the research centres and groupings in the department. Each year a different selection of options will be on offer, depending on student demand and the availability of staff.
The MA Sonic Culture offers the possibility to students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to pursue a long term career development in academic research, writing and journalism, media researcher, curator, events organizer in the music industry or more generally in the diversifying field of sonic arts and media,. sound designer or sound consultant across a range of media.
The MA Sonic Culture teaching team provide a consistent environment of support to students by encouraging personal tutorials to discuss reading material, sound recordings and essay planning. Students are encouraged to read, listen and discuss research material in groups with other students and with the tutors when required. This programme offers additional hours dedicated to the discussion of relevant topics aiming at developing a friendly atmosphere of learning. Students will be encouraged to engage with the theoretical themes of the programme by following the concepts across the diverse field of arts, design, architecture and media. Students will be provided with access to the main reading of the programme in the lectures and seminars and will be able to download relevant material from a customised Sonic Culture website.
The admission of applicants is at the discretion of the University. Applicants will normally have a first or upper second class degree or equivalent in a humanities or social science subject, or comparable professional or research experience. Applications from overseas and EU students are welcome. Students whose first language is not English should normally have achieved a score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent. Eligibility for students without a degree-equivalent qualification will be assessed on the basis of short essay and statement. Where possible applicants will be interviewed by a member of the programme team in order to assess whether they are able to achieve the standard of work required for the award. Overseas students will be asked to supply evidence of written work of a standard sufficient postgraduate study in lieu of an interview.
© 2009
UCAS code N/A
Final award MA
Intermediate awards available PGCert; PGDip
Details of professional body accreditation N/A
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements -
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