Music Technology Systems (with a Foundation Year) BEng
BBB at A level; graduates earn a median £33,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
BBB
89% of entrants came with A levels · 83% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
BBBtypical A level offer; if you already have, or are currently studying towards, a level maths you should apply for one of our degree programmes without a foundation year.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBC, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
Who actually got in: 89% with A levels, 2% via Access courses. Based on 65 entrants.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 21 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit or higher | — |
| BTEC | DDMDDM We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus | — |
| IB | 31 points31 points. If you are studying Mathematics - Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level or Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Standard Level or Higher Level, please apply for one of our deg | — |
| T Level | Merit overall including grade B in the Core in the following T Level subjects: AMerit overall including grade B in the Core in the following T Level subjects: Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Di | B in the Core in the following T Level subjects: Accounting |
| Scottish Highers | BBBBB | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: engineering & manufacturing 43% · mathematics & statistics 18% · natural sciences 15% · transversal skills 6%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mathematics
What you learn (6)
- explain why mathematics underpins engineering and physical science disciplines
- translate engineering problems into mathematical expressions
- select suitable mathematical techniques for a given problem
- perform algebraic manipulations to solve mathematical problems
- compute numerical solutions to mathematical problems
- present mathematical reasoning using standard notation
- Music Technology Project 1
What you learn (23)
- apply mathematics and electronics knowledge to design a complex interactive system
- implement audio synthesis theory within a musical computing project
- analyse a complex client requirements document
- produce a detailed project specification including work breakdown and schedule
- select suitable computational methods to model a complex electronic system
- discuss the limitations of chosen modelling approaches in project reports
- evaluate technical literature relevant to the project
- apply findings from technical literature to project work
- design an innovative hardware-software system solution meeting stakeholder needs
- apply a systems approach integrating analogue, digital and embedded design
- explain the societal impact of engineering design choices
- document a risk management process for a product design
- incorporate inclusion and security considerations into product planning
- build and test an engineering solution using laboratory and programming skills
- use workshop and test equipment to debug a design
- select appropriate materials and processes for production of a design
- apply engineering management principles to project delivery
- collaborate effectively within a project team
- reflect on personal and team performance in group work
- communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences
- produce tender documentation and a demonstration presentation
- maintain a weekly learning log of project progress
- reflect on personal and team skill development in a final report
- Programming and Digital Interfacing
What you learn (11)
- explain the fundamentals of imperative programming
- distinguish structured and object-oriented programming approaches
- describe core C/C++ syntax rules
- identify common C/C++ keywords and code structures
- convert numbers between binary and hexadecimal representations
- describe the basic functional blocks of a CPU
- describe memory organisation within a microcontroller
- describe signal input and output pathways in microcontrollers
- select an appropriate interface for a given embedded task
- summarise technical concepts clearly and accurately
- apply technical concepts creatively to design problem solutions
- Digital Electronics
What you learn (19)
- explain how basic digital logic gates and blocks function
- identify applications of fundamental logic blocks in circuits
- design combinational logic circuits from given requirements
- minimise logic expressions to simplify circuit implementation
- implement combinational logic designs using physical components
- design a finite state machine to meet a given specification
- implement a finite state machine using digital components
- identify suitable logic technology for a given design requirement
- design medium-scale digital systems from standard logic components
- compare the benefits of alternative digital design solutions
- implement digital circuit designs on programmable logic devices
- design a datapath and controller to meet a given specification
- implement a datapath and controller using appropriate building blocks
- describe the internal operation of a microprocessor
- test digital systems to verify correct operation
- troubleshoot faults in simple digital systems
- summarise key technical concepts clearly and accurately
- apply mathematical techniques to solve digital electronics problems
- organise own time effectively during laboratory sessions
- Analogue Electronics
What you learn (14)
- follow safe working practices in an electronics laboratory
- maintain accurate logbooks and experimental records
- apply appropriate measurement techniques during experiments
- apply charge-current relationships to analyse electronic circuits
- apply electric and magnetic field theory to electronic circuit analysis
- explain how electron behaviour determines conductor properties
- explain how electron behaviour determines semiconductor properties
- design simple analogue circuits using passive and active components
- analyse simple analogue circuits containing operational amplifiers
- analyse circuit responses to sinewave inputs in the frequency domain
- analyse circuit responses to step inputs in the time domain
- describe the functioning of basic operational amplifier circuits
- build circuit building blocks for practical testing
- evaluate measured circuit performance against theoretical predictions
- Introduction to Engineering
What you learn (9)
- check dimensional consistency of an equation using units
- calculate forces acting on bodies within a system
- predict motion of bodies under uniform and variable forces
- apply young's modulus to analyse material behaviour under stress
- relate electron energy band diagrams to electrical properties of materials
- compare properties of different classes of materials
- calculate currents and voltages in a circuit using nodal analysis
- derive a minimum sum-of-products expression for a logic function
- determine confidence limits on experimental results using error analysis
Year 2 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mathematics, Signals and Systems
What you learn (15)
- apply calculus techniques to solve two and three dimensional problems
- explain the consequences of sampling continuous signals
- describe the basic theory underlying the z-transform
- apply fourier series methods to analyse signals
- apply fourier transform methods to analyse signals
- apply theorems related to the fourier transform to solve problems
- evaluate total derivatives of multivariable functions
- evaluate multiple integrals over two or more variables
- apply variable substitution to reframe multidimensional problems
- apply the laplace transform to analyse linear time-invariant systems
- compare the laplace and fourier transforms in engineering contexts
- apply fourier transform techniques to characterise signal properties
- explain technical concepts clearly and precisely
- select appropriate mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to mathematical tasks
- Music Technology Project 2
What you learn (22)
- apply mathematics and electronics knowledge to design a complex sensing-to-sound system
- describe benefits of embedded processors and low power hardware integration
- analyse a complex client requirements document
- create a project specification with work breakdown structure and gantt chart
- select computational methods to model a complex electronic system
- discuss limitations of a chosen modelling approach in a report
- evaluate technical literature for relevance to a project
- apply findings from technical literature to project work
- design an innovative hardware-software system solution meeting stakeholder needs
- apply systems thinking to the design of a complex engineering system
- evaluate the societal impact of an engineering design on new products
- plan a product considering sustainability across its lifecycle
- apply ethical, inclusive and risk management considerations to design
- use workshop and laboratory equipment to test and debug designs
- select suitable materials and processes for production of a design
- describe design-for-manufacture practices including testability and supply chains
- function effectively within a team to complete project tasks
- evaluate own and team performance in collaborative work
- communicate complex engineering information to varied audiences
- discuss the effectiveness of communication during mentoring sessions
- record self-learning progress through weekly documentation
- reflect on personal and team skill development in a final report
- Software Design
What you learn (11)
- explain the stages of the software engineering lifecycle
- develop a substantial software system using engineering methodologies
- apply documentation tools to support software development
- use debugging tools to identify and resolve software faults
- design programs using object-oriented principles
- write Java programs following structured design practices
- test Java code to verify correct functionality
- analyse the role of algorithms and data structures in software design
- evaluate design choices based on efficiency, reliability and maintainability
- summarise technical information from credible sources for a target audience
- explain technical concepts clearly and accurately
- Control, Sensors and Instrumentation
What you learn (16)
- apply laplace transforms to derive transfer functions for dynamic systems
- describe practical challenges of implementing control systems in real-world settings
- analyse transfer functions to determine system properties
- relate system properties to control objectives
- design simple control systems to meet specified objectives
- use matlab-based tools to analyse and design control systems
- apply compensators and pid controllers to meet control objectives
- describe the operating principles of various sensor types
- identify limitations of different sensor types
- explain the contribution of sensors to control system development
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and accurately
- evaluate advanced technical concepts critically
- select appropriate mathematical techniques for advanced problems
- adapt mathematical methods to solve advanced engineering problems
- demonstrate problem-solving ability in engineering contexts
- apply critical analysis and mathematical reasoning to engineering tasks
- Acoustics and Studio Recording
What you learn (17)
- describe the recording studio environment and formats
- explain signals and systems used in audio recording
- operate a digital audio workstation for recording and editing
- apply mixing and processing tools during production work
- select appropriate microphones for live and studio recording
- use microphones correctly in recording scenarios
- combine individual audio tracks into a stereo master mix
- explain fundamental principles of acoustics
- describe acoustic impulse responses and their analysis
- apply impulse responses to auralisation tasks
- explain digital signal processing techniques such as convolution
- use MATLAB to analyse digital audio signals
- write a technical report on studio work
- produce documentation supporting creative audio output
- reflect critically on own creative and technical work
- complete studio-based tasks independently
- analyse technical problems to develop solutions
- Audio Technology and Psychoacoustics
What you learn (20)
- describe the historical development of sound synthesis techniques
- relate synthesis techniques to their use in modern music
- explain the theoretical basis of sampling systems
- explain the theoretical basis of synthesis systems
- analyse digital audio signals against specified requirements
- manipulate digital audio signals to meet target specifications
- build a basic synthesis system using Pure Data
- evaluate the performance of a self-built synthesis system
- discuss basic principles of psychoacoustic perception
- explain how listeners perceive musical sounds
- design an interactive Pure Data demonstration of a psychoacoustic effect
- apply time-domain analysis tools to audio signals
- apply frequency-domain analysis tools to audio signals
- relate signal analysis results to psychoacoustic characteristics
- produce a technical report on audio technology findings
- identify reliable sources for technical research
- recognise academic integrity issues such as plagiarism and collusion
- analyse a technical problem systematically
- solve technical problems using creative approaches
- evaluate outcomes critically to inform improvements
Year 3 · 3 core, 5 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
- Audio App Development and Marketing
What you learn (15)
- apply object-oriented and Swift programming techniques to build an app
- use current industry-standard tools and libraries in app development
- design an original audio app through iterative lab-based experimentation
- discuss commercial exploitation issues relevant to app products
- critically evaluate technical documentation from major software providers
- evaluate how mobile apps influence the music industry
- incorporate user diversity and cultural expectations into app design
- evaluate the sustainability impact of electronic products across their lifecycle
- assess ethical, equality and inclusion issues in app development
- evaluate risks to users and businesses from app use, including data security
- apply software testing strategies using an industry-standard IDE
- manage development of a complex commercial audio app solution
- comply with legal and intellectual property requirements in app development
- communicate technical and marketing information through varied formats
- adapt communication style to different audiences such as customers and engineers
- Communications Systems and Digital Communications
What you learn (18)
- calculate the information content of a message source
- explain how channel capacity limits information transfer rate
- represent signals using time-domain and frequency-domain functions
- explain the equivalence between time-domain and frequency-domain representations
- describe the operation of amplitude and frequency modulation systems
- describe baseband signalling techniques used in digital communication
- describe digital modulation schemes used in communication systems
- explain error control coding methods in digital transmission
- construct a link budget for a communication system
- design a simple analogue or digital communication system
- analyse the performance of a communication system design
- explain network protocol principles including medium access control
- explain automatic repeat request error recovery schemes
- evaluate the performance of wired and wireless communication systems using analysis tools
- explain advanced technical communication concepts clearly and accurately
- evaluate advanced technical concepts in communication systems
- apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve advanced engineering problems
- apply critical analysis and mathematical reasoning to solve engineering problems
- Individual Final Project
What you learn (17)
- evaluate alternative approaches to engineering problems
- analyse specialised scientific literature
- select appropriate tools and techniques for a project
- research a specialised engineering topic
- design and construct an advanced engineering project
- verify the performance of an engineering project
- write a final project report
- deliver an oral presentation defending project work
- identify key engineering aspects relevant to problem solving
- define project specifications
- propose realistic project timescales
- complete project tasks independently
- collaborate with colleagues during project work
- defend project work in an oral examination
- produce technical reports with critical analysis of sourced information
- apply planning and time management skills to a project
- evaluate risks associated with a project
5 optional modules
- Multimedia Sound Design
What you learn (9)
- explain how sound and image relate in multimedia works
- evaluate audio recording and editing techniques for multimedia
- apply audio recording and editing techniques to multimedia projects
- produce original audio content for a professional multimedia piece
- operate advanced digital audio workstation functions for post-production
- organise and manage audio and video asset files during post-production
- complete technical audio-video post-production tasks independently
- collaborate within a team to deliver creative post-production tasks
- compile reasoned technical documentation supporting creative work
- Digital Signal Processing
What you learn (11)
- evaluate the impact of data windowing on signal analysis accuracy
- evaluate the impact of data windowing on filter performance
- differentiate discrete convolution from discrete correlation
- identify appropriate applications for convolution and correlation techniques
- develop software code for FIR filters based on given specifications
- explain supervised learning concepts underlying neural networks in DSP
- summarise technical DSP concepts clearly in written reports
- implement signal processing algorithms using MATLAB
- test and analyse discrete signals to draw conclusions
- present analytical results clearly
- organise time effectively during laboratory work
- Biomedical Engineering
What you learn (25)
- describe principles underlying human body function
- discuss human anatomy relevant to biomedical design
- identify anatomical constraints affecting biomedical solution design
- explain hierarchical organisation of human anatomical structures
- explain stages of developing biomedical devices for clinical use
- discuss key biomaterial concepts including biocompatibility and biodegradation
- evaluate suitability of a material for biomedical use
- analyse principles of biomaterial selection and manufacturing regulation
- define key manufacturing and quality assurance terminology
- describe steps required for medical product approval and quality assurance
- analyse biomedical device performance using stress analysis techniques
- evaluate physiological signal data to validate device performance
- assess physiological responses to biomedical instrument interaction
- apply communication and coordination mechanisms within a project group
- describe personal approach and challenges within team collaboration
- identify research needs and appropriate resources for a project
- maintain accurate records and referencing of research sources
- produce professional technical and non-technical project documentation
- obtain appropriate ethical approval for project work
- apply project management tools to plan a project
- record meeting outcomes and track allocated actions
- conduct design reviews as part of project progress
- apply risk management techniques to quantify project risks
- produce a risk register for a project
- reflect on personal time management during a project
- Robotics Design and Construction
What you learn (14)
- assess common sensors used in robotic systems
- assess common actuators used in robotic systems
- assess common controllers used in robotic systems
- explain the fundamental concepts of mechatronic systems
- explain how mechatronic systems are controlled
- discuss methods for fusing multiple sensor inputs for situational awareness
- explain techniques for locating and localising objects in robotic systems
- discuss key challenges in designing and controlling robots
- design a mobile robot capable of basic navigation
- construct a mobile robot capable of basic navigation
- control a mobile robot to perform basic navigation tasks
- define robot requirements based on high-level application goals
- specify the basic functionality and interfaces of a robot
- apply safety, social and ethical guidelines to robot use
- Product Design, Development and Commercialization
What you learn (19)
- apply idea generation techniques to produce new concepts
- analyse generated ideas using structured analysis techniques
- explain marketing tools used for branding new technologies
- describe strategies for promoting new technology products
- evaluate commercialisation options for an engineering business concept
- produce a detailed business plan for a new engineering venture
- conduct market research for a new business concept
- test a new business concept using collected data
- deliver a concise pitch to communicate a new business idea
- analyse the resources needed to exploit a new market opportunity
- estimate financial requirements for a new business venture
- apply creative problem-solving techniques to business challenges
- use effective decision-making techniques in business contexts
- critically evaluate researched information for business decisions
- write a concise business portfolio tailored to an audience
- write a marketing plan appropriate to a target audience
- deliver a workshop presentation on a business topic
- present a summative elevator pitch to an audience
- collaborate effectively within a team to achieve shared goals
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£33,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£26k
Median£33k
Upper quarter£39k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 135 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 12, 22
Half of graduates earned between £26,000 and £39,000. Five years on, the median is £41,000. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 95% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 19% left | 83% | 90 |
| In work or study, 15 months on10% studying | 85% | 20 |
| Professional or managerial job | 95% | 15 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £33,000 | 135 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £41,000 | 140 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £33,500 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
90%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 73% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 45 students answered
Highest: 93% agreed on question 1; lowest: 57% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 93% |
| Question 2 | 73% |
| Question 3 | 90% |
| Question 4 | 90% |
| Question 5 | 76% |
| Question 6 | 78% |
| Question 7 | 81% |
| Question 8 | 75% |
| Question 9 | 86% |
| Question 10 | 72% |
| Question 11 | 81% |
| Question 12 | 70% |
| Question 13 | 72% |
| Question 14 | 70% |
| Question 15 | 89% |
| Question 16 | 90% |
| Question 17 | 63% |
| Question 18 | 66% |
| Question 19 | 90% |
| Question 20 | 93% |
| Question 21 | 93% |
| Question 22 | 86% |
| Question 23 | 75% |
| Question 24 | 57% |
| Question 25 | 74% |
| Question 26 | 90% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.