Electronics with Music Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)

Electronics with music combines the world of music with a thorough study of modern electronics.

Glasgow is a UNESCO city of music, where you can study performance, composition and technology.

Programme structure

You will study the same courses in the first three years whether you are on the BEng or MEng degree programme. Approximately two-thirds of these programmes are engineering based, except year 5 of the MEng programme.

Year 1

You will take courses in mathematics and key engineering fundamentals including computing and analogue & digital electronics. These courses are supported by individual and group project and laboratory work.

The music component includes the courses Listening in culture and Listening through analysis. The first encourages an open-minded, multidisciplinary approach to listening and writing about music of all genres and styles, while the second explores more analytical and musicological approaches to the understanding and analysis of musical works and events, as experienced through notation, live performance, recording or audiovisual media.

Years 2 and 3

Year 2 involves core engineering subjects of analogue & digital electronics, electrical circuits and computer systems. These courses are reinforced by a design project and mathematics.

You will also take two courses of your choice in music. Choices include the Sonic arts foundation course, focusing on creative recording and manipulation of sound, Critical listening and Building and using interactive computer-based tools; as well as a range of other courses including Composition, Jazz, Aesthetics & philosophy of music and Music analysis.

The third year delves deeper into such engineering topics as systems design, communication systems, control, real-time systems, electromagnetic compatibility and mathematics. Most courses are supported by laboratory and project work. As part of the music component you will be able to take further Sonic arts courses focusing on sound for narrative film and interactive audiovisual media; or other music options of your choice, including Composition, Performance, Jazz, Aesthetics & philosophy of music and a range of historical topics.

Years 4 and 5

On the MEng programme your choice of fourth-year technical options is the same as that of the BEng degree but instead of an individual project you will carry out practical team projects with other engineers. These projects will prepare you for a six-month placement, normally in industry and often abroad at the start of year 5. On your return, you will complete your degree with further advanced technical options.

In year 4, you will also take two courses in music, alongside your engineering options. You might want to continue your study of Sonic Arts, taking an individual creative project; or take further options in music, including Composition, Performance, Jazz, Aesthetics & philosophy of music or historical topics.

Our international links

As an MEng student you will complete a six-month research and development project in an international company or research lab. If you have chosen to study a European language you may choose a host organisation in Europe.

Career prospects

Our graduates are fully qualified electronics engineers with particular skills in music technology. You will be able to seek employment in the recording, broadcasting and wider electronics industries.