Overview

The MMus Composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama provides a sophisticated environment for composers to refine their unique creative voices. This advanced programme integrates specialist one-to-one tuition with collaborative opportunities across various artistic disciplines. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to foster professional fluency and future-facing creative outlooks.

Why Composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama?

Students benefit from an impressive roster of tutors, including renowned musicians and distinguished composers who provide mentorship and networking links. The institution maintains close partnerships with leading arts organisations, offering students a direct bridge to the industry. Facilities in Cardiff, including the Old Library, serve as vibrant hubs for public performance and creative investigation. The college also hosts an annual showcase where graduating students manage their own projects, from recruiting players to liaising with technical teams, ensuring they are equipped for the entrepreneurial demands of a modern music career.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: GBP 30400 per year
National fee: GBP 14400 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around principal study and supporting seminars that cover a wide range of compositional styles. Modules may include:

Composition
Advanced Harmony
Repertoire and Aesthetics
Counterpoint
Digital Artistry
Research
Collaborative Creative Practice

Careers with Composition

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global music and creative industries. The programme focuses on building a successful portfolio career, with training in essential professional skills such as networking, funding applications, and financial management. Former students have successfully entered development pathways like CoDi and participated in major competitions such as BBC NOW Composition Wales. Potential career destinations include:

Professional Composer for Film, Dance, and Theatre
Music for Games and Interactive Media
Contemporary Opera Production
Community Music Leadership
Music Education and Research
Freelance Digital Artist

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition

The Professional Musician

Advanced Performance Analysis

Research Project or Reflecting on Performance

Advanced Teaching Skills

Advanced Outreach Skills

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 13 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-02 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 49 other Masters in Music Composition in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry is by interview and candidates should be able to demonstrate a level of ability appropriate for professional training. Applicants will be asked to send examples of their creative work to discuss at interview.

Minimum entry requirements usually include a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification. Candidates who have been studying or working in another field will be considered.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30400 GBP / year

≈ 30400 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

14400 GBP / year

≈ 14400 GBP / year

Living costs

Cardiff

United Kingdom

628 - 1066 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cardiff

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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