Module manager: Dr Oliver Thurley
Email: o.thurley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On this module, you’ll be introduced to computer music and start developing your own skills. Key historical, technical and social developments will contextualise practical and theoretical approaches to creating contemporary experimental computer music to enhance your learning and use of technology. The module will introduce and develop your use of musical programming languages, adopting a critical, creative and self-reflective approach to computer music.
This module aims to introduce you to contemporary experimental computer music techniques, and to situate these in their historical, social, cultural, economic, and institutional contexts.
You will learn to design your own instruments, effects, and control interfaces using audio-specific programming environments. Learning activities will encourage you to explore these devices in creative ways to create music, and to develop your own practice-led research of experimental computer music.
Learning activities will also develop skills in academic research and include opportunities for presenting your research in discussions.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Situate experimental computer music with respect to a range of analytical, critical, sociocultural, and/or historical perspectives and practices.
2. Employ relevant concepts and approaches to computer music using a range of sources including academic scholarship, existing case studies and your own practice-led research.
3. Apply a range of appropriate methodologies that demonstrate an accomplished level of creative and technical proficiency in experimental computer music.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Reflect on your own learning, achievement, and personal/professional development.
5. Document your practical work appropriately.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concert | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Seminar sessions run across the module, providing a platform for students to discuss their progress and experience of computer music through the module. These seminars provide opportunity to receive feedback on work in progress from peers and tutor, as well as getting feedback and assistance with the development of practical skills and any issues encountered with the online private study.
Critical listening sessions will be provided for students on this module that will aim to provide students with time to listen to case studies in electronic music. These sessions will allow students to discuss musical case studies and receive advice from staff and peers about the development of critical listening skills.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 13/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team