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Frequently Asked Questions

There is a further informatics FAQ here

What are the job prospects?

One benefit of a multidisciplinary degree like this is the widening of your employment prospects; you'll be equipped both for music and IT jobs, and of course, at an advantage in seeking jobs in the rapidly expanding sectors of electronic music production and music software. For example, graduates will have gained skills in studio engineering, Java programming, artificial intelligence techniques and live electronic music, and have had access to cutting edge electronic music research. In general, Sussex graduates have a very good record in gaining employment, and you might want to explore the following: [1] and externally [2]. Brighton has an active creative software, multimedia, games and music industry, with close links to London.

Is there a year in industry?

Although we do not arrange internships formally, we can help you find a placement through our many industrial contacts. Many students take summer internships at Brighton new media and computing companies. There are also opportunities for study abroad including time spent studying your subject at a European or North American university.

I am an international student. Are there any special application procedures?

We encourage international applicants. There is information available here and further information for international applicants in the prospectus.

I am a mature student. Are there any special application procedures?

We are very happy to consider applications from mature (i.e. over 21) students. Advice is available. In general, we look for evidence of recent study and/or relevant work experience in processing forms of mature students, and please don't hold back from making enquiries if you've got an interest in the subject! We offer a BSc degree in Computing Sciences (G402) incorporating a foundation year at Central Sussex College, Crawley, which is suitable for under-qualified mature applicants with academic potential. The entrance requirement is the standard A level offer CC. However, other post-GCSE qualifications may also be suitable for entry. The degree assumes fluency in English. Any QAA-recognised Access to HE certificate from one of the Authorised Validating Agencies (AVAs) is acceptable to the University of Sussex. Ideally, you would follow a science or computing route, such as the one at Sussex Downs College in Lewes, East Sussex. A directory with information about Access courses in the south-east of England is published by OCN South East Region.

So you just teach Logic and Pro Tools?

No, we definitely would not limit ourselves to these packages, though both are available to students and taught in the music technology part of the course. You'll learn more advanced and customisable systems including the infamously powerful SuperCollider and Max/MSP amongst many others. The emphasis is on going beyond fixed sequencer packages to empower new musical experiences.

What resources do you have?

To begin with a proviso (because a long laundry list of kit won't appear in this answer), teaching the principles behind equipment is far more important than equipment itself; studio setups vary immensely, and you need to be able to adapt to different kit. Nevertheless, we do teach industry standards like Pro Tools and Logic, and have a wide selection of software and hardware. There are excellent facilities in the Department of Music and a specialist music informatics lab and creativity centre in the Department of Informatics. You will be able to view these if you come to an Admissions Day for applicants with an offer to study here (see the 'applying' page). The following map gives an idea of some different studios and labs on campus that you will access during the degree:

Can I switch courses after starting?

Although quite rare, there is an application procedure for changing your degree programme early on in the degree.