Overview
This Music - Instrumental, Vocal Composition programme at University of Birmingham combines a solid grounding in the creative history and technique of Western art music with the latest twenty first century compositional techniques. Instruction in practical aspects - for example advanced orchestration, post-serial and post-spectral techniques, computer-assisted composition - is combined with the development of theoretical knowledge and critical faculties.
The MA in Music at Birmingham offers first class, world-recognised staff who are experts in their fields meaning students learn from people who really are the best at what they do.
Students study within the excellent facilities available with the Elgar Concert Hall, which is one of the most flexible concert halls of its type in any UK university.
Postgraduate employability: Music
Birmingham's Music postgraduates work in a wide range of careers within and beyond the music world. A postgraduate degree in Music develops a broad base of skills including general skills such as communication, problem solving and research, and also specific skills developed by practice and performance such as self-management, team work and presentation.
Over the past 5 years, 75% of Music postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2012 - 2017). While some graduates pursue music-related careers, or go on to teaching and lecturing roles, others choose to use their transferable skills to follow career paths in fields including teaching, social care and publishing.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Advanced Studies in Instrumental/Vocal Composition
- Composition Tutorials
- Advanced Studies in Electroacoustic Composition
- Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art
- British Music Studies 1850-1975
- Experimental Music and Sound Art
- Fieldwork Methods
- Global Popular Musics
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , National
- Apply before , International
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Music Music History General Studies & Classics View 129 other Masters in Music History in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
We usually ask for a good Honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in Music or a related subject with a substantial musical component. Degrees in other subjects will be considered where candidates have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications.
- Your application should include a personal statement of approximately 5,000 characters. You should use your personal statement to explain why you are interested in studying this programme. In order to expedite processing, please clearly state the pathway to which you are applying within the first paragraph of your personal statement.
- All prospective students for pathways in composition must also submit a portfolio of 3–4 compositions, showcasing your range of styles and compositional technique.
Tuition Fee
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International
20430 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 20430 GBP for the full programme during 12 months. -
National
9810 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 9810 GBP for the full programme during 12 months.
- UK: £4,905 part-time
Living costs for Birmingham
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.