Taught Masters in Music (MA) Composition

Application Deadline: May 31st each year. Apply here.

Late applications may be accepted until 15 September, subject to available resources.

Programme Overview

A full-time, 120 ECTS-credits, taught course for composers.

Composers receive weekly individual lessons and supervised reading/performance/ recording sessions.

Performers are examined primarily through a series of three public recitals/concerto performances, with the opportunity for a lecture recital or a practice-based research project instead of one of the traditional recitals. Composers will be examined primarily through the submission of a portfolio of compositions in three instalments. As an alternative to the third public performance, suitable candidates may undertake a practice based music project, or an elective from a different stream.  The programme will include opportunities to participate in masterclasses with international artists as well as workshops with professionals operating in the international cultural sector.

During the first semester, all students are required to submit a Planning Portfolio exploring planning issues, repertoire and preparation of performances/compositions. Students will also benefit from training in recording technology and interact with peers from the Taught MA/MSc in Music and Technology course. Using the School’s state-of-the-art facilities, students will be able to obtain high quality recordings of their performances as well as producing demo recordings. A free choice module is also taken during the first year. Students can select from electives in other courses, including pedagogy, entrepreneurship in the arts or a different discipline.

All students take a common Professional Studies course over the first two semesters dealing with entrepreneurial, organisational, presentational, and technological issues common to all performers/composers, and (during the second semester) each student delivers a case study arising from the lecture material to the cohort of postgraduate students and leads the ensuing seminar. In the last semester, candidates will also be required to submit a Reflective Portfolio for examination.  

Established professional performers and composers are entitled to apply for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) in respect of the assessment requirements by submitting scores/recordings for assessment. Students may also avail of the Erasmus programme to earn credit through study at a partner institution.