Courses_
Master of Architectural Science (Audio and Acoustics)
Sound Designer James Brown
Overview
The Master of Architectural Science (Audio & Acoustics) will give you a foundation in the design, measurement and theory of audio and acoustics. You will gain a deep understanding of how sound shapes our experience of communication, entertainment, and spatial awareness, opening up a diversity of career paths including audio production, system design and acoustic consulting.
Throughout the program, you will combine aesthetic sound design, new media, sound recording and system design with acoustic engineering, computer modelling and psychology. You will build on a foundational understanding of the broader aspects of design science (including illumination, building services, sustainable design and indoor environment quality), with access to the School of Architecture’s world-class facilities.
A broad range of subjects enables you to choose units on specialised knowledge of audio technology and acoustical science. You can extend your coursework-based learning with a research project, and benefit from a diverse offering of electives in recording and sound production.
The field of Architectural Science is enjoying rapid and exciting technological innovations. Through interdisciplinary access to our leading academic researchers and laboratories, our program emphasises the knowledge and critical thinking skills that will enable students to adapt to—and lead—future changes in our built environment.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)* are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
*Some available streams, subject to availability.
Subject areas
Your fee
How to apply
What you'll study
Indicative course progression
The following is an indicative progression for Audio and Acoustics, assuming a focus on practice.*
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| DESC9200 | Introduction to Architectural Science. | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9011 | Audio Production | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9115 | Digital Audio Systems | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9138 | Architectural and Audio Acoustics | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9201 | Indoor Environmental Quality | 2 | 6 |
| DESC9117 | Sound Design for New Media | 2 | 6 |
| DESC9090 | Audio Systems and Measurement | 2 | 6 |
| DESC9191 | Building Acoustics and Noise Control | 2 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit of studo | Sem | CP |
| DESC9134 | Audio and Acoustics seminar | 1 | 6 |
| DESC9137 | Spatial Audio | 1 | 6 |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| Elective | 1 | 6 |
Admission requirement
A successful applicant for admission to the Master in Architectural Science will have a bachelor's degree or possess experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the course.
Applicants without the above requirement may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate, and apply to upgrade through the Diploma and Masters level by maintaining a credit average throughout the degree.
This program can be taken with a secondary stream in combination with another Architectural Science Program. To undertake a double degree, the core units from the secondary degree are generally taken as the electives in the primary degree.
Please see the Faculty Handbook for enrolment advice for secondary stream structure, and apply through the specific double specialisation course page.
Many Architectural Science units are taught as ‘block-mode’ intensive classes, delivered over four to six full days, of which some fall on weekends to accommodate full-time working students. Some units however may be delivered in weekly lecture format.
Masters students may also opt to graduate with a lower level of certification once the required units are complete.
Please note that students may commence studies in Semester 2, however some courses are only available in part-time capacity due to the units on offer.
Career Pathways
You will graduate with a specialist education in audio and acoustics that could lead to career opportunities in audio production, system design and environmental acoustic consulting.
The world is changing, and university education needs to change too
Domestic students
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
International students
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
