University of York

What you'll study

The programme begins with a foundation year designed to consolidate study skills and core concepts in maths, physics and computing alongside introductory music technology practice. After the foundation year you move into the three‑year BEng programme, which blends engineering principles with audio and music technology.

Foundation year (typical content)

• Academic study skills and scientific thinking for engineers
• Introductory mathematics and physics with applications to acoustics
• Basic computing and programming for audio
• Foundations of music theory, listening and studio practice

Years 1–3 (typical modules and themes)

• Fundamentals of electrical and electronic engineering: circuit theory, sensors and signal conditioning
• Digital signal processing for audio: sampling, filtering, Fourier analysis and real‑time implementations
• Programming and software development: C/C++, Python, and music/audio frameworks
• Studio practice and recording techniques: microphone techniques, mixing, monitoring and studio workflow
• Acoustics and psychoacoustics: room acoustics, loudspeaker design and human perception of sound
• Sound synthesis and sound design: additive/subtractive synthesis, physical modelling and instrument design
• Embedded systems and hardware for audio: microcontrollers, DSP platforms and hardware prototyping
• Project work and individual or group final-year engineering project integrating hardware and software
• Modules on IP, professional practice and project management relevant to creative and technical industries

Teaching typically combines lectures, laboratory classes in music technology and electronics, studio sessions, programming workshops and supervised project work. Assessment methods include practical coursework, written exams, presentations and a final engineering project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have an academic qualification profile demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study. Typical offers for students progressing from the foundation year will reference A‑level or equivalent qualifications in a mix of subjects; applicants without the standard entry profile may be admitted via the foundation year if they show potential and relevant experience.

• A‑levels, BTEC or equivalent vocational qualifications are normally accepted; relevant combinations include STEM subjects (physics, maths, computing/electronics) and/or qualifications in music or sound.
• GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics are typically required at an appropriate grade level.
• Applicants with non‑standard backgrounds, mature applicants or those with practical experience in audio or music technology are encouraged to apply and may be considered on an individual basis.
• International students should meet the University’s English language requirements and provide recognised equivalent qualifications; details are available from the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme leave with combined engineering and music technology skills valued across creative and technical sectors. Career paths commonly include:

• Audio engineer or studio technician in recording, post‑production and broadcast
• Sound designer for film, games, VR/AR and interactive media
• Product development roles in audio hardware and consumer electronics
• Software roles developing audio plugins, DAW tools and signal processing libraries
• Acoustics and consultancy roles in room and loudspeaker design
• Research and development in universities or industry, or progression to postgraduate study in audio engineering, acoustics or related fields

Practical project work, studio experience and opportunities to collaborate with other departments support employability and portfolio development.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers a supportive environment with dedicated facilities for music technology, including purpose‑built studio spaces, digital audio workstations, and electronics and computing labs for hardware prototyping. The Department of Music and engineering‑facing modules enable interdisciplinary study and collaboration with students across arts and technical disciplines.

Teaching places emphasis on project‑based learning, giving you opportunities to build a practical portfolio of recordings, prototypes and software. Staff include academics active in research areas such as audio signal processing, acoustics and creative technologies, and the university maintains links with local and national creative industries to help bridge study and professional practice.

Students will benefit from York’s campus community and access to broader university services, including careers support, enterprise and industry liaison, and performance and creative networks that help launch careers in music technology and related fields.