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University of Surrey

Runs the well-known 'Tonmeister' Music and Sound Recording degree (BMus/BSc Hons, 4 years with a placement year), combining audio engineering and signal processing with musical performance, alongside a separate 3-year Creative Music Technology BMus, both run through the Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR), founded in 1998.

Both routes are £9,790/yr for UK students in 2026 entry, though the Professional Training placement year itself is only £1,958. Entry is demanding: AAA at A-level including Maths, Music and Physics.

Teaching staff include Dr Russell Mason (Tonmeister Programme Director, published AES researcher in spatial audio) and Professor Milton Mermikides (guitarist/composer who has worked with Brian Eno, Steve Winwood and John Williams).

Surrey states six Tonmeister alumni received 2025 Grammy nominations for work on Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, The Beatles and Peter Gabriel releases, and counts BAFTA/Grammy/Emmy/Oscar winners among its graduates (alumni claims, not current-staff claims).

Sound engineeringMusic productionDegree

At a glance

Price
From £9,790/yr
Location
Stag Hill campus, Guildford GU2 7XH
Subjects
Sound engineering, Music production
Formats
Degree
Accreditation
None published

Worth knowing

  • Entry requires AAA at A-level including Mathematics, Music and Physics (or Music Technology A-level plus ABRSM Grade 5 Theory instead of Music), unusually demanding for a music degree, reflecting its dual arts/engineering nature.
  • The Professional Training placement year (built into the 4-year Tonmeister and Creative Music Technology routes) costs £1,958, genuinely less than a standard £9,790 year.
  • Ranked 3rd in the UK for Music in the Guardian University Guide 2026, and 5th for student satisfaction in the 2025 National Student Survey.

Notable teaching staff

Dr Russell Mason

Tonmeister Programme Director; Senior Lecturer, Institute of Sound Recording

Audio Engineering Society member and published researcher in spatial-audio perception and measurement; has presented at multiple AES conventions.

Professor Milton Mermikides

Professor of Music

Composer and guitarist who has worked with Tim Minchin, Pat Martino, John Williams, Tod Machover, Steve Winwood and Brian Eno; co-founded Surrey's International Guitar Research Centre.

Frequently asked

What does University of Surrey cost?

University of Surrey's prices start from £9,790/yr, correct as of our last check.

Where is University of Surrey based?

University of Surrey is based at Stag Hill campus, Guildford GU2 7XH.

What does University of Surrey teach?

University of Surrey teaches Sound engineering, Music production, in these formats: Degree.

Is University of Surrey accredited?

University of Surrey does not publish any formal accreditation or certification claims.

Sources

Every detail on this page is re-sourced from the school's own site, not copied from a register or aggregator. See the methodology for how that works.

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