Undergraduate Prospectus 2009

Computing

Music Informatics

BSc, 3 years, UCAS: WGH4
Typical A level offer: in the range ABB-BBB
Entry requirement: GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics, at least grade C
(for qualifications other than A level please refer to the Typical A level offers and their equivalents page)

The degree in Music Informatics develops in-depth creative musical and computer skills side by side. It is more than learning about digital recording studios and common music software; it is about applying cuttingedge technologies from artificial intelligence, computer science, interactive multimedia, and a range of other disciplines to develop new kinds of creative machines and new approaches to music making. To explore these challenges you need to be a competent musician. The BA requires, in addition, advanced musical literacy; BA students who have also attained a high level of performance in instrument or voice (to Grade VIII standard) may have the benefit of small-group and one-to-one tuition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Both degrees include core courses on computational music, which involve both theoretical and practical work around using the computer as a musical tool, and music technology courses to develop traditional studio production and composition skills. You also follow advanced courses in artificial intelligence, as well as exploring the interdisciplinary nature of the programme with a course in music perception.

The first year provides you with a grounding in both music and computing, and includes an exploration of the role music plays in our society as well as an introduction to composition, taught through practical workshop sessions. In informatics you will learn computer programming and be introduced to the history and techniques of artificial intelligence.

In the second year, BA students select a specialism from composition, performance or analysis, and develop this through to the final year, while BSc students select course options in informatics.

The third year covers advanced topics in computational music, with additional core courses in creative software systems and multimedia, and BSc students will also have a chance to select two options from third-year informatics courses. By this stage you will also be spending more of your time on project work including a substantial Music Informatics project.

BA composition students will be required to submit a portfolio of work, and performance students will give a recital or other public presentation.

Brighton is the perfect base for music informatics, with its huge diversity of alternative music venues, games and multimedia companies, wide range of music and arts festivals, and London only a short distance away.

This interdisciplinary degree provides the opportunity to study a highly creative subject while developing a vocational and much sought after skill set.

For Music core courses, go to the BA Music page.