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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Experimental Sound Practice

Course Fact File

Code	MAESP
Duration	1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time
Qualifications	MA
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

This course is for those undertaking creative work involving sound, including notated or recorded compositions; improvisations; sound art; visual art with a sound component; music theatre; performance art; installations etc. It includes studies in technique; repertoire; artistic ideas; working with instruments and performers; audio/video technology and practical issues in bringing your creative work to performance.

The course welcomes students from a remarkably broad range of backgrounds, and creative work produced for it can be extremely diverse. You are encouraged to experiment with a huge range of possibilities. Staff have specialisms in concert music; dance music; experimental music and art; video art with sound; improvisation; sound Art; field recording.  Basic working knowledge of music technology is expected.

The MA in Experimental Sound Practice is a one-year full-time course, involving both taught components and a portfolio of independent, supervised creative work, totalling 90 credits.

The programme can also be taken part-time over 24 months (by day). The course structure for part-time students would be subject to agreement with the Department of Music.

Modules

Part I

• MU6100 Expanded Instrument Systems (10 credits)
• MU6101 Digital Music and Media Composition (10 credits)
• MU6102 Composing in Real Time (10 credits)
• MU6103 Sound Art (5 credits)
• MU6104 Composing with Field Recordings (5 credits)
• MU6105 Experimental Music (5 credits)
• MU6047 Music Cognition and Perception in Culture (5 credits)

Plus

10 credits (1 x 10-credit or 2 x 5-credit modules) selected from all modules available to final year undergraduates, or postgraduates, studying Music.

In special circumstances, students may be able to select courses offered by other departments which they have not previously completed. The selection of courses is undertaken in consultation with the student’s mentor; those selected should be complimentary to those already being studied elsewhere in the programme and offer the student a significant addition to their skill set that is pertinent to the overall aims of the degree. Module choice may be constrained by timetabling and capacity factors.

Part II 

• MU6024 Portfolio (30 credits)

Course Practicalities

Assessment

The taught courses are assessed through several assignments undertaken during and after the courses. The portfolio consists of several compositions/artworks submitted in September.

Part-time Option

The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over two years. 

Who teaches this course

• John Godfrey, Course Coordinator
• Jeffrey Weeter
• Karen Power
• Danny McCarthy

Why Choose This Course

The MA in Experimental Sound Practice offers training in a number of highly contemporary and sought-after techniques across a broad range of disciplines. They encompass in-demand music and video technologies, cutting edge creative techniques across several disciplines, and an unparalleled breadth of experience across diverse modern artistic practices. The eclectic mix allows you to build an unusual and distinctive profile that sets you apart from others in your field(s). In contrast to many MAs that follow more traditional paths, the MA in ESP is about the future.

Skills and Careers Information

The MA in Experimental Sound Practice offers training in a number of highly contemporary and sought-after techniques across a broad range of disciplines. They encompass in-demand music and video technologies, cutting-edge creative techniques across several disciplines, and an unparalleled breadth of experience across diverse modern artistic practices. This eclectic mix allows you to build an unusual and distinctive profile that sets you apart from others in your field(s). In contrast to many programmes that follow a more traditional path, our MA is about the future!

Requirements

In order to be permitted to proceed to the MA in Experimental Sound Practice, a candidate must hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or higher, and demonstrate experience in the creation of music or other sonic art.

Applicants with an appropriate professional equivalent (e.g. professional musician or another artist of high standing, etc.) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Final acceptance is subject to approval by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, UCC. 

All applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of sound-based creative work in whatever form is suitable (musical scores, recordings, videos, computer programmes, documentation of Sound Art installations etc.) and may also be required to attend an interview with members of the programme team.

Final acceptance is subject to approval by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, UCC.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to answer specific additional supplementary questions and provide a portfolio of 3 creative works as part of the online applications process for this programme. 

Portfolio

The portfolio contents may be presented in any form appropriate to the type of work, such as recordings, videos, scores, documentary recording of installations (including pictures etc.), computer programmes for live interactive electronics etc.   Select samples that show what you consider to be your strongest work, whatever it is (there's no need to try to cover all the bases or submit work that you think might be best suited to a Music Department).

The portfolio should be uploaded to the web (using services such as DropBox or similar) and the access URL provided in the online supplementary portfolio question.   Ensure that the link will not expire before the application process is complete.  In addition to providing a URL to the online portfolio, applicants will be required to outline a very short commentary about each work, explaining a little about its aesthetic, artistic context, and technical approach.

Submissions that cannot be uploaded to the web can be posted directly to the Programme Director:  MA in Experimental Sound Practice, Music Department, School of Music and Theatre, UCC, Cork, Republic of Ireland.   Mark the envelope with your PAC application number and indicate in your supplementary answer that you will be posting hardcopy materials.   Please note that the materials cannot be returned to you.

Additional Questions

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

• Please describe your portfolio of relevant work or achievements.

• Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.

• Please add the name and email address of 2 referees.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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