University of Victoria

Overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in Music Technology at the University of Victoria is designed to equip students with advanced skills at the intersection of creative practice, audio engineering, and innovative research. This program emphasizes the development and evaluation of new music technologies through hands-on studio work, computational methods, and a comprehensive graduate project.

What you'll study

The MSc in Music Technology combines rigorous coursework with practical research experience. Over the typical duration of two years, students will engage in a variety of subjects and complete a significant project or thesis component.

Core graduate coursework

• Graduate Study and Music Bibliography
• Computational Music and Audio Analysis
• Music Technology Colloquium
• Music Perception and Cognition
• Advanced Human-Computer Interaction
• Multimedia Systems

Project / thesis component

Students will undertake a substantial graduate project that showcases their technical and creative abilities. This may include developing and assessing a music technology system, conducting research in sonic arts, or creating a creative work accompanied by scholarly documentation.

Research and professional development

• Participation in seminars and presentations through the Music Technology Colloquium
• Training in research methods to enhance academic writing and project documentation
• Opportunities to build a portfolio featuring prototypes, compositions, installations, or analytical projects

Entry requirements

• Academic background: Applicants should possess a BMus or BA in Music (or an equivalent qualification) from an accredited institution.
• Minimum academic performance: A minimum grade of B+ or 6.0 average in the final two years of undergraduate studies is typically required.
• English language proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum requirements in one of the following:
  • TOEFL iBT: 90
  • IELTS (overall): 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 65
• Statement of purpose: A 1–2 page document detailing your background, aspirations (as a musician or scholar), and motivations for pursuing the MSc at the University of Victoria.
• Curriculum vitae: A complete CV outlining previous studies and relevant work experience.
• Portfolio / examples of work: Submissions that exhibit readiness for graduate study in Music Technology, such as compositions, technical projects, recordings, installations, or research outputs.
• Study mode preference: The School of Music prioritizes applicants who intend to register for full-time study.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc in Music Technology will be well-equipped to pursue various career paths in the music and technology industries. Opportunities may include roles in audio engineering, sound design, music production, and research in innovative music technologies, as well as positions in academia or creative fields that blend technology and music.