This week marks Freshers’ Week at Edinburgh Napier University—the beginning of a new academic year and a time when I welcome new MSc Sound Design students. For the first time, I’ll be greeting both on-campus students and those joining us from around the world. Alongside in-person attendance, we’re introducing new modules designed to challenge and inspire.
But before diving into Trimester 1, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on a key event from the previous trimester: graduation.
Celebrating Success at the Usher Hall
In July, we held our summer graduation ceremony at the iconic Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Six students from the MSc Sound Design programme were awarded their degrees. While three couldn’t attend in person, the other three travelled from England, Italy, and the USA to celebrate their achievements.
Their dissertations covered a fascinating range of topics, including:
- Infrasound in horror films
- Sound design in smart homes
- Game audio adapted for age-related hearing loss
- Authenticity of AI in podcasts
- Techniques to improve dialogue intelligibility
As always, supervising these projects was a learning experience for me too.
My First Time on the Graduation Stage
The day was a glorious summer’s day. After locating the staff entrance, donning a gown, and blagging a hat, I joined the academic procession into the hall. This was my first time participating in such a ceremony—my last ENU graduation was when I received my honours degree in electronics, more years ago than I care to admit!
I found myself seated at the edge of the front row, with the Chancellor’s procession front and centre. The speeches were heartfelt, praising students for their hard work and thanking their loved ones for their support. It was a resonant reminder of the sacrifices made by those closest to our students.
A Moment of Pride
As the awards were handed out, I spotted several MSc and BSc Sound Design students I had supervised. I was the only lecturer from the Sound Design team present, so I clapped especially enthusiastically when our students crossed the stage—doing my best to make some noise from behind the Chancellor!
One student even gave me a big thumbs-up as they walked across the stage—a lovely moment of levity and pride.
It’s easy to forget how transformative the journey through postgraduate study can be. Many of these students began with uncertainty, juggling work, family, and study. Seeing them walk across the stage, confident and accomplished, was a powerful indication of why we do what we do. Their success is not just academic—it’s personal, creative, and deeply human.
Sunshine, Smiles, and Goodbyes
After the ceremony, we stepped out into the sunshine to meet students and their families. Hands were shaken, photos were taken, and robes were returned. There was laughter, hugs, and a few emotional moments as students said goodbye to classmates and staff.
Graduation is always bittersweet. While it marks the end of one chapter, it also signals the beginning of new adventures. I’m excited to see where our graduates go next—and equally excited to welcome the next cohort of students ready to begin their own journey.
Looking Ahead
This year, the MSc Sound Design programme continues to evolve. We’ve introduced three new modules: Advanced AI for Audio and Sound Design, Introduction to Audio Programming, and Soundscapes. These additions reflect the changing landscape of sound design and aim to give students fresh opportunities to explore emerging technologies and creative practices.
It’s an exciting time to be teaching and learning in this field. The boundaries of sound design are expanding rapidly, and our students are right at the edge of that frontier. Whether they’re interested in immersive audio, interactive media, or sonic arts, the programme now offers even more pathways to explore.
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