Music - Applied Music & Sound Technologies - Athlone

The MA in Applied Music and Sound Technologies is an intensive, practice-led postgraduate programme designed for graduates seeking to advance their expertise at the intersection of music, sound, and emerging technologies. Delivered over one year of full-time study, the programme equips students with the creative, technical, and research skills required to contribute innovatively to the rapidly evolving creative industries.



Students engage with a diverse curriculum that integrates advanced audio recording practices, sound art and sonic culture, electroacoustic composition, creative coding for musical applications, and instrument design. A strong emphasis is placed on active, hands-on learning, supported by collaborative workshops, interdisciplinary projects, and critical engagement with contemporary debates in music technology and digital media. Research and innovation are central to the programme, culminating in a substantial capstone project which showcases students’ creative practice and scholarly inquiry.



Graduates of this programme emerge with a robust portfolio of work and a highly transferable skillset, prepared to pursue careers as audio engineers, sound designers, music producers, multimedia artists, and creative technologists, or to progress to doctoral-level research. The programme fosters a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, enabling students to work closely with expert academic staff and industry practitioners while developing the adaptability, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset essential to professional success.

Semester 1

Sound Art and Sonic Culture Credits: 10

Audio Recording Practices Credits: 10

Creative Coding for Musical Applications Credits: 10



Semester 2

Practical Research Skills Credits: 10

Sound Art Composition Credits: 10

Instrument Design Credits: 10



Semester 3

Capstone Project Credits: 30

Subject to conditions and requisites being met, candidates can apply once they hold a primary degree with a minimum award of Second Class Honours Grade 2. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) from applicants is also considered for places based on relevant professional/experiential knowledge in line with the TUS RPL Policy. An interview will form part of the entry requirements.



Please note: International students are required to have a minimum IELTS proficiency score of 6.5 as per the TUS English Language Policy 2024–202

12 months, full-time.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Applied Music and Sound Technologies are equipped with the creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive across the music, media, and wider creative industries. This programme opens doors to a diverse range of roles, including:



Recording and live sound engineering

Broadcast audio for radio and television

Foley and sound design for film, TV, and games

Music production and creative technology development

Multimedia and installation-based sound art

Audio-visual systems design and technical support

Instrument design, building, and maintenance

Event and production management

Acoustic consultancy and audio research



Graduates may also progress to doctoral-level research or embark on academic careers in higher education, contributing to teaching and research in music technology and related fields.



Further Study

Students who successfully complete this programme will be equipped to progress to a Level 10 programme or to commence postgraduate research at this, or other Third Level providers.