Electronics with Music BEng/MEng
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 alongside a range of other music options.
- September start
- Session dates
- Electronics with Music BEng: H6W3 4 year degree
- Electronics with Music MEng: H6WJ 5 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Study abroad available
Music at Glasgow
Our music facilities
Our music facilities within the School of Culture & Creative Arts include three studios, the Audio Lab, a small library and a number of seminar and practice rooms. The school also has preferential access to the University Concert Hall.
Work experience opportunities
Each year there are opportunities for students to gain work experience working either as the librarian in the school library or as an intern in the suite of studios, assisting with production work and carrying out admin and maintenance tasks.
Music club
Glasgow University Music Club is a student-run umbrella organisation comprising of a number of student-run music groups. All the groups are open to any ability and no auditions are necessary.
The club is friendly and social, with most groups going for post-rehearsal drinks, and regular social events spanning the whole club. With five different ensembles and five concerts, as well as an end of year ball and a residential trip, music club is a relaxed and friendly way of playing music while meeting some great people!
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 and 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 approaches to the understanding and analysis of musical works and events, as experienced through notation, live performance, recording or audiovisual media. . Subject to successful audition at the end of the year, you can choose to study Performance instead of Listening through analysis.
Years 2 and 3
Year 2 involves core engineering subjects of analogue and 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 and 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 and 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 and philosophy of music or historical topics.
Course details
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 and digital electronics. These courses are supported by individual and group project and laboratory work. The music component includes Listening in culture, plus either Listening through analysis or Performance (subject to audition at the start of the year).
Core courses:
Year 2
This involves core engineering subjects of analogue and digital electronics, electrical circuits and computer systems. These courses are reinforced by a design project and mathematics. The music topics cover composing with recorded sound and studio techniques and one other music option.
Core courses:
- ANALOGUE ELECTRONICS 2
- DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 2
- ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS 2
- ELECTRONIC DESIGN PROJECT 2
- EMBEDDED PROCESSORS 2
- ENGINEERING ELECTROMAGNETICS 2
- INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMMING 2
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 2
Year 3
The third year delves deeper into such engineering topics as systems design, communication systems, control, real-time systems, electromagnetic compatibility and mathematics, while the music element encompasses such topics as sound for narrative film and interactive audiovisual media, plus further music options. Most courses are supported by laboratory and project work.
Core courses:
- COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 3
- CONTROL 3
- ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBLITY 3
- ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DESIGN 3
- ENGINEERING CAREER SKILLS 3
- SIMULATION OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS 3
- REAL TIME COMPUTER SYSTEMS 3
- TEAM DESIGN PROJECT EE3
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. 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.
Core courses:
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
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.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Electronics with Music
SQA Higher entry requirements
- BEng: AABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA. (AB or BA may be considered)
- Also, Higher Music OR Music Technology OR Grade 6 ABRSM Practical & Theory.
- MEng: AAAB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science at AA.
- Also, Higher Music OR Music Technology OR Grade 6 ABRSM Practical & Theory.
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- BEng: MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- BEng: MD40: AABB*
- Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics plus Higher Physics or Higher Engineering Science plus Higher Music or Music Technology or Grade 6 ABRSM Practical & Theory. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- BEng: AAB – BBB
- MEng: AAA
- Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics. (Design & Technology may be accepted in place of Physics, 3D or Product Design options only). A-level Music or Music Technology or Grade 6 ABRSM Practical & Theory.
IB standard entry requirements
- BEng: 34 (6,5,5)
- MEng: 38 (6,6,6)
- Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics (SL6 can be accepted for either Mathematics or Physics). Plus Grade 6 ABRSM Practical & Theory or equivalent.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Cambridge English Qualifications
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
School Qualifications
- iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
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.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BEng
MEng
BEng students who perform well may transfer to the MEng programme on completion of years 1, 2 and 3.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
Engineering Leaders Scholarship
The Engineering Leaders Scholarships (ELS) programme provides support for undergraduates in UK Higher Education Institutions, who display the potential to become leaders and innovators in engineering and who want to become leadership role models for the next generation of engineers.
These scholarships help ambitious undergraduates, in engineering and related disciplines, to undertake an accelerated personal development programme, which will help them to gain the necessary skills to become engineering leaders, soon after graduating.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2025-26. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of World Changers Global Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2025 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
The RUK Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree new entrants who have attained academic excellence in one sitting at A Level (or equivalent).
World Changers RUK Access Bursary
The bursary supports talented students who may not be able to take their place at University for reasons of financial hardship. It is available to new entrant full-time, undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for the up coming academic session, ordinarily domiciled in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annum.
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2025 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Beaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary
Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
- The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
- The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply
Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry.
Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship
The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.
Payments
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
- The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
- The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.
These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.
Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2025 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study programme.
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023. The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26.
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 16 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 31 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Electrical & Electronic Engineering]
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