The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

The BSc Music Technology will teach you to produce and process music and audio ready for distribution for applications including web and multimedia, film, animation, and computer games.

​You will also be involved in studio recording and production, location recording and audio post-production, electronic music composition and sound design.

Computing @ UWS
UWS has been delivering career-focused computing degree courses for nearly 50 . Computing courses at UWS are designed in collaboration with leading companies to produce work-ready graduates with the skills that industry needs.

We work with major industry leaders to give our students work-based learning opportunities to put their knowledge into practice. Our students graduate ready for career success in this fast-changing, dynamic industry.

Year 1
You will be introduced to modern audio/music recording and production techniques through creating podcasts, studio recording projects with Apple Logic and Avid Pro Tools systems and creating computer based music. Within live sound and acoustics you will work with digital consoles, networked audio and small PA systems. You will also develop your appreciation of the scope of the music and media industry.

Audio For Broadcast
Recording and Production 1
Creative Computing Profession
Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement
Music Production Analysis
Computer Music
Year 2
Studio recording and production techniques are further developed with a deeper focus on industry technical standards. You will study electronic music and understand MIDI control through composition and sound design in Ableton. Audio post production work enhances your skills in synchronisation, editing and processing techniques for deliverable media. Practical impulse response capture and room acoustics theory provides you with contextualised learning in reverberation, room design and acoustic analysis. Continuing studies in sound reinforcement theory and systems will culminate with group work and the technical production of a live music event.

Audio Post-Production
Electro-acoustics
Live Sound Production
Recording and Production 2
Sound System Design
Electronic Music
Year 3
You will work in small production teams with musicians and artists producing professional multi-song recordings (EP's), video and web content for promotional purposes for the artist. This will be used to showcase your employable skills within a portfolio context. Music and media industry business and legal aspects are studied in terms of employment and entrepreneurship. Audio processing is introduced through the creation of a suite of effects developed in Max For Live for Ableton Live. You will have an opportunity to participate in a music industry placement in the UK or abroad in a partner institution, such as the Harris Institute in Canada.

The Music and Media Industry
Audio Visual Integration
Professional Studio Practice
Audio Signal Processing
Music Technology Project
Immersive Audio/ Work Based Learning
Year 4 (Honours)
The honours year features an extensive individual project culminating in the production of a dissertation and portfolio assets. You can customise your topic to enable you to develop specialised knowledge and skills towards your area of interest for future employment.

You will be required to raise the quality of your work to implement professional and European standards for the delivery of audio in stereo and surround formats.
Using current industry relevant mastering plug-in software and applying your professional listening skills, you will finalise selected tracks and format them for distribution. You will produce and synchronise all the audio assets required to complete a sound track for an animated short film.

You will apply the principles of signal processing in the development of software synthesisers and generative MIDI sequencing devices using Max For Live in Ableton Live.

You will further develop your sound design and audio post-production skills within a non-linear audio environment for the specific requirements of computer games.

Music Technology Major Project
Audio Mastering
Audio For Film & Animation
Advanced Audio Signal Processing
Computer Games Audio
Course Structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

BSc (Hons) Music Technology course structure

Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and production workshops.

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it