Q. What are the entry requirements for the Music & Media Technologies Course?
A. Stipulated specific entry requirements would include:
. Music
and
. Undergraduate degree (preferably, but not necessarily, in music,
engineering, or science)
or
Mature students (over 23, NB: you need to turn 23 on or before January 1st of the academic year you are applying for) with relevant professional experience in a related industry or field. Each applicant is assessed on an individual basis. Because of this, past and present students come from varied backgrounds, bring with them knowledge and experience from different fields.
Acceptance for the course is based on a combination of academic competence, musical/compositional ability, technological capacity and interest/enthusiasm for new music/multimedia.
Q. How do I apply for the Course?
A. To apply for the course, please make yourself familiar with the application process at Trinity College. Please read the information at the following links:
Please note: if you search for “Music & Media Technologies”, you will see that there are 2 courses listed (M.Phil TRS64 and Postgraduate). ALL students must enter the Music and Media Technologies course through the Postgraduate Diploma so please make your application to the 'Postgraduate Diploma Music & Media Technologies'.
We can access the PAC website here in TCD but we are unable to see the same information that applicants can access.
Queries regarding the submission of online applications should be made to:
Postgraduate Applications Centre,
1 Courthouse Square,
Galway,
Ireland.
Phone: +353-(0)91-549260.
Fax: +353-(0)91-563056.
Application requirements
Acceptance for the course is based on a combination of musical/compositional ability, academic record, technological capacity, reference, and interview. Please make yourself familiar with the requirements stipulated by the TCD Graduate Studies Office (relevant links given above).
(All relevant supporting paper documentation (non-TCD results, parchments/certificates, references and supplementary statement forms if applicable) you are required to provide as part of your application must be posted to PAC in one single envelope.
&PAC Reference Number on the back of the envelope.
Please submit all documentation on A4 (or equivalent) size paper;
* Transcripts and copies of degree certificates are not required for qualification awarded by Trinity College, Dublin.
Original documentation submitted cannot be returned.
Please only submit copies of non-TCD qualifications at application stage and note that originals will be checked and verified at point of acceptance to course of study.
All documentation MUST BE posted to the Postgraduate Applications Centre, 1 Court House Square, Galway, Ireland (PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY PAPER WORK TO TCD)
This information must arrive by the submission date for the programme to which you are applying (or by the earliest submission date if you are applying for multiple programmes) Your application can only be assessed when this information is received.
* Transcripts are used to document the performance of a student over a certain period of time by listing the course units or modules taken, the credits gained, and the grades awarded. The Transcript of Records provides a standard format for recording all study activities carried out by students. It is an essential tool for academic recognition.
Your application for the course should also include:
1. Curriculum vitae, providing information related to the course (to be posted direct to PAC)
2. Personal statement, this should take the form of a letter of introduction, addressing the reasons why you would like to do the course and why you think you are suitable (to be posted direct to PAC)
3. At least 2 written References must be submitted with all applications. (to be posted direct to PAC). For applicants that have left College for a number of years, please submit 1 academic reference and 1 from a previous employer.
If however, you have not got an undergraduate degree, then 2 references from previous employers would suffice.
As well as requirements stipulated by the TCD Graduate Studies Office, your application should include: a portfolio/evidence of creative work. This submission IS TO BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE MUSIC AND MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES COURSE ADDRESS, to reach us no later than the above mentioned closing date.
The address is: Dr. Dermot Furlong, Course Director, MMT Application Portfolio 2011/12, Music and Media Technologies, Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, The Printing House, Trinity College, Dublin 2.
Please also print your name & PAC Reference Number on the back of the envelope.
Please note: due to the large number of applications that we receive, we are unable to return portfolio materials. If however, you would like your portfolio returned, please include a stamped-addressed envelope.
The portfolio of creative work can include up to three compositional or production examples, or any relevant materials (including, for example, reports which demonstrate technological design ability) which are evidence of creative flair.
Applicants should think of this as an opportunity to show off their creativity and ability so a diversity of work and styles is desirable. We are looking for creative and original work! Please provide printed details of work that is submitted on CD/DVD i.e. track lists, program notes
Q. When is the Closing Date for Applications?
A. The closing date for applications for the academic year of 2012/13 is Friday 27th April 2012.
Q. Where can I get a copy of the Prospectus?
A. Prospectus can be downloaded from http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/prospectus/index.php or requested by post, from The Graduate Studies Office http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/ Tel no. 00 353 1 896 1166 or e-mail gradinfo@tcd.ie
Q. Is there an Open Day I can attend?
A. Trinity College – Postgraduate Open Day 2012
DATE: Thursday 26th January 2012
TIME: 16.00 – 19.00
VENUE: Exam Hall, TCD
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107883595946462
http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/
Q. How many places are available on the Course? How many applications do you receive every year?
A. The number of applicants vary from year to year. On average we receive 50 applications and 15/20 places are offered.
The application process for the Music & Media Technologies Course is a highly competitive one, we receive applications from all over the world.
A number of factors are taken into consideration when selecting the successful candidates i.e. their completed application, accompanying material and their interview etc. Each applicant is also evaluated in relations to the other applications received for that given year.
Q. Is the course full-time or part-time and how many years does it take to complete?
A. It is a full-time post graduate course that runs over 2 academic years. Students must achieve a 60% average after their first year to enable them to continue to the second year. If however, they do not achieve this grade but do get over 40%, or they choose to leave, they will be eligible for the award of Diploma. If they continue to the second year, they are not awarded any Diploma at the end of their first year and therefore, students graduate with a M.Phil (Masters in Philosophy). 2009/10 was the first year that Trinity College confined all of its teaching into two 12 week terms. The course runs from September to April and does not run at any other time during the year. Teaching term for the academic year of 2010/11 commenced on Monday 27th September 2010.
Q. What are the contact hours per week?
A. The MMT year is broken into 2 semesters (11 weeks in each). Each subject has a 2 hour slot per week so contact hours can average around 18-20 hours per week. Teaching starts at 10.00 /11.00 am and continues until 4.00 /5.00 pm every day. There is also a heavy assignment load, because of this some assignment deadlines may fall out of term time. Some subjects are purely assessment based, some are purely exam based and some are a combination. Diploma students usually have assignment work to complete after the May examinations are finished. So students are not usually completely finished until the middle of June.
Q. How much are the course fees for EU Students?
A. The fees for this academic year of 2010/11 were €7,250. However, we have secured the Graduate Skills Conversion Programme funding for 2010/11 and therefore EU students had to pay a reduced fee of €2,750. Some successful candidates also qualify for additional funding from their local authority it is however, up to the individual to look into this matter. Candidates that DO NOT have a primary degree MAY qualify for the Back To Education grant, but again this is someone the individual will have to investigate for themselves. For more information on external funding please access the attached link.
http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/prospectivestudents/awards/externalfunding/index.php
I would recommend you access this website (www.studentfinance.ie), which gives extensive information on student grants and supports. The website provides information on the full range of student supports, including maintenance grants, the Fund for Students with disabilities, the Back to Education Allowance and the Student Assistance Fund. Here you will find information about your entitlements, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the grant and other support schemes.
EU status, in relation to the fees, are based on residency. A European Union Passport or citizenship (including an Irish passport or Irish citizenship) does not grant automatic entitlement to EU fees. For more information on requirements to qualify for the EU fees, please consult the Postgraduate Prospectus, link attached, http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/prospectus/index.php
Q. How much are the fees for non-EU members?
A. The fees for this academic year of 2010/11 were €14,500 (for Diploma year only) There is an additional Students Union of Ireland fee which is (€3.81 Euro).
Please also be aware that the fees increase by approximately 8% each academic year.
There is no funding for non-EU members for taught postgraduate courses.
For more information on external funding please access the attached link.
http://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/prospectivestudents/awards/externalfunding/index.php
A website (www.studentfinance.ie), which gives extensive information on student grants and supports, was launched by the Higher Education Authority on 20th January. The website provides information on the full range of student supports, including maintenance grants, the Fund for Students with disabilities, the Back to Education Allowance and the Student Assistance Fund. Here you will find information about your entitlements, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the grant and other support schemes.
Q. English is not my first language, what standard of English do I need to apply to Trinity College?
A. If an applicant's first language is not English, they must provide evidence of proficiency in English along with their application:
Minimum Requirements:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Grade 6.5
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Grade 230 computer based
Grade 570 paper based
Cambridge Certificate of Advance English: Grade C
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: Grade C
Q. Do I need to have a degree in Music to apply for the course?
A. If you do not have a primary degree in Music you may be required to sit a short music test. Students should be able to demonstrate some knowledge of musical notation and music theory.
It would be beneficial if applicants had Grade 5 (associated board) Music Theory at least, but this is not an absolute requirement. Music Theory and Aural Training classes are provided and are a compulsory part of the course for those who are not of sufficient standard.
Q. Is there a requirement for applicants to be able to read and write music?
A. Each applicant is assessed on an individual bases. If the interviewers are suitably impressed with your overall abilities, but you are unable to read and write music you may still be successful. It is not absolutely necessary to be able to read and write music, but it is however highly desirable. The places on the course are limited and therefore the competition is very high, so being unable to read and write music could be a major disadvantage.
It would be good if applicants had Grade 5 Music Theory at least, but this is not an absolute requirement. Music Theory and Aural Training classes are provided and are a compulsory part of the course for those who are not of sufficient standard.
An entrance test primarily assessing aural abilities, music theory and
knowledge of contemporary music/multimedia will be scheduled for qualified applicants.
Q. Where can I find out if there are adult Music Theory Classes being run in my area (within Ireland only)
A. I would recommend you contact The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music http://www.abrsm.org/?page=home, Miriam Halpin (Irish Co-ordinator) tel. 01 235 0752, or Email: musexam@iol.ie
Q. Can you give me some information about accommodation on campus?
A. For information on student accommodation, you will need to contact the Accommodation Office here in Trinity direct, the telephone number is + 353 1 896 2358. http://www.tcd.ie/accommodationandcatering/
Q. What work positions have graduates of this course secured?
A. Your other query was about career perspectives, you can contact the Careers Advisory Service http://www.tcd.ie/Careers/ for information on telephone number + 00 353 1 896 1721.
Listed below are some of the areas graduates from the course have/are working in:
The Music Industry
Web Development
Sound Engineering
Computer Programming
Music Technology Teachers/Lecturers (3rd Level)
Music Teachers/Lecturer (2nd and 3rd Level)
Hardware Engineers
Radio Producers/Presenters
TV Production
Software Development for Audio Products
Q. After completing the two years successfully would I be trained as a Sound Engineer?
A. The answer is yes, but the subjects covered in the course are much broader than that. However, there are specific Sound Engineering Courses ran in other places, such as
Pulse Recording Ltd
67 Pleasants Place
Dublin 8
Tel 01 478 4045
http://www.pulserecording.com/engineroom/indexns.htm
The Sound Training Centre
Temple Bar Music Centre
Curved Street
Temple Bar
Dublin 2
Tel 01 670 9033
http://www.soundtrainingcentre.com/
Poppyhill School of Recording
Eadestown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Tel: 045 862194.
Email:info@poppyschool.com
http://www.poppyschool.com/
Q. What are the mathematical requirements?
A. The topics of concern would include:
Trigonometry
Algebra
Functions and Graphs
Logarithms
Exponentials
And if you choose to move into the Digital Signal Processing area you
would have to be able to deal with Complex Numbers.
Q. Would you recommend any reading material prior to starting the course?
A. Computer Music Tutorials by Curtis Rhodes.
Q. Is there any way a successful applicant can get direct entry to Year 2?
The Music & Media Technologies course is a structured two-year course. There is no direct entrance to Year 2.
Q. Can you give me some general information about Trinity College?
A. For general information about the College I would recommend you consult The Trinity College web site at http://www.tcd.ie/
Q. Can you give me some general information about Dublin?
A. For general information about Dublin, I suggest you visit the following web sites, http://www.dublincity.ie/Pages/Homepage.aspx (Dublin City Council)
http://www.visitdublin.com/general/ (General Web Site on Dublin)
http://www.tcdlife.ie/living/
Q. Where is the Music & Media Technologies Course based on Trinity Campus?
A. The easiest way to enter Trinity campus is through the main entrance opposite College Green. Go through the Front Arch, you will see straight in front of you The Campanile. Walk across Front Square and take the path way to the left of the Campanile, heading towards the row of red brick buildings, which are straight in front of you. Keep walking straight past the row of red brick
buildings, and on your left there is a building that resembles a Greek Temple. Just past that building, on the left is an arch way, walk through that arch way and follow the path way along until you come to a glass front building, (the glass frames are green) this is the building knows as Áras an Phiarsaigh. Take the lift to the second floor.
For additional information please access the web site address listed below, for a map of Trinity College Campus. http://www.tcd.ie/Maps/aras_an_p.html
http://www.tcd.ie/virtualtour/ Virtual Tour of Trinity
Q. I would very much like to know more about the course content, where the
major focus lies?
A. The course outline, linked attached http://www.mee.tcd.ie/mmt/courses.php provides considerable detail on individual course/module content but there isn't one identifiable major focus. To give you some idea of the output of the course, I had to write a list:
- computer-aided composition
- audiovisual composition
- interactive installation - audio, musical and audiovisual work
- gestural controllers for performance
- advanced audio production such as surround sound and wavefield synthesis projects.
At a broad level, the focus of the course is to encourage creative work that uses technology. This can result in artistic or technical projects. While this may sound a little too broad, the in between the two can be blurred in that to advance artistically, there is likely to be a considerable technological component, and vice versa. If you are interested in a particular area of study, perhaps that will help me answer your questions in a more refined manner.
Q. What kind of equipment would I expect to use if I was successful in securing a place on the Music & Media Technologies Course?
A. With regard to the facilities available to students, we have:
- 2 dedicated teaching labs - one containing PCs. The Diploma courses are taught in this room. The other has a mixture of PCs and Macs.
- a recording studio with digital and analogue setup, plus surround setup
- a post-production video editing and audio mastering suite
- an audiovisual testing space, setup for multichannel audio taught at the Masters level
- technical room with equipment that is loaned out for project work - e.g. microphones, cameras, lights, other audio equipment.
- use of a hall for concerts and recording - holds up to 70 people.
Last updated: Feb 02 2012