Sound Designer, James Brown
Overview
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
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
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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.
Credit for previous study
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
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
International students
