The MA in Sonic Culture aims to critically examine the role of sound in contemporary culture, arts and media. In particular, it will seek to rebalance the priority which visual culture has traditionally been given in debates surrounding cybernetic culture, in explicating new relationships between the arts and sciences, the virtual and the real, the natural and the artificial. It will seek to underline the importance of the acoustic perspective in understanding the role of ‘synesthesia’ in the multimedia environment of contemporary culture, and will examine concepts such as affect, simulation, the soundscape and acoustic cyberspace in relation to digital capitalism and network culture. To do this, the MA will take an interdisciplinary approach drawing from cultural theory, critical musicology, philosophy, digital aesthetics, cybernetics, acoustics, physiology, psychoacoustics, sciences of complexity and theories of gender and diaspora in order to provide students with a conceptual basis for critical and creative production. This will be accompanied by a concurrent focus on core issues of both theory and practice in sound design for visual and interactive media (internet, Cd-roms, computer games, sound installations), film/video, radio and digital music production.
The programme provides:
A unique theoretical examination of the engagement between sound, culture and emerging cybernetic technologies.
An interdisciplinary approach which moves beyond the limited perspectives of both musicology and the critical musicological approach of cultural studies.
A novel engagement with issues relating to the perception of sound, including theories of the virtual, affect, synesthesia, the body, skin, rhythm and sensation.
A unique understanding of the proliferation and mutation of sonic culture in light of recent understanding of cultural viruses.
A unique location at the heart of East London ’s vibrant urban music culture.
An examination of the relationship between the body, prosthetic technologies and sound producing machines.
A radical reevaluation of debates surround cyberculture and virtual reality from the perspective of sonic culture.
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. For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk