Sound for the Moving Image

The Master of Design (MDes) in Sound for the Moving Image is an interdisciplinary master's programme for students who seek to engage deeply with the craft, technology and theory of sound design and music production applied to screen media - film & animation, broadcast sound, digital games, immersive experiences (VR and AR)  and transmedia art. Our students arrive from a wide range of backgrounds, both professional and academic, but all share a passion for sound design and music production within a visual context. The programme promotes production of original sound-based work, via individual and group-based practice that is conceptually driven, aesthetically challenging and innovative in the deployment of audio-visual technologies. Programme content is delivered via in-person workshops and lectures, studio-based learning and self-directed practice with an emphasis on the interplay between creativity, cutting-edge technology and theory.   Project work is inherently practice based and students access extensive technical and theoretical support from key staff as they develop and prepare their project outputs for delivery. Tutors and technical support staff bring together a rich combination of professional audio-visual industry experience and academic expertise, creating a dynamic learning environment that bridges creative practice, technology and original research in sound and music practice.  The city of Glasgow itself is a UNESCO City of Music which hosts many international festivals in sound and contemporary music including Sonica, Counterflows, Radiophrenia, The Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra GIOfest and Tectonics. The programme team and many of our graduates have had work hosted at these festivals.

Our extensive network of alumni includes graduates working in the games, broadcasting and film industries along with highly regarded audio-visual artists. Graduates have won a wide range of awards including the Daytime Emmy awards, The Game Awards, Game Audio Network Guild, Scottish BAFTA New Talent, TV Foundation New Voice, as well as the GSA’s own Foulis Medal.

The MDes Sound for the Moving Image is delivered at the GSA School of Innovation and Technology – a renowned institutional space for practice and research in immersive media and technology.  Through  electives and extra-curricular activities students have the opportunity for collaborative work with students from other GSA programmes and with tutors with expertise in games, virtual reality and advanced interactive visualisation.  All GSA degree programmes are validated by the University of Glasgow.