MA in Scoring for Film, TV and Interactive Media

Program Overview

MA in Scoring for Film, TV and Interactive Media

Overview

The course has been designed to nurture the development of strong, individual creative artists ready to contribute stand-out original music in the visual media space.

Course Details

The course comprises eleven modules, culminating in a major project. (5 ECTS)

Course Modules

• The Composer in the Recording Studio
• Music Production with the DAW
• Composition for Visual Media 1
• Analysis of Music in Audio-Visual Media
• Royalties, Copyright and Contracts
• Sound for Virtual Environments
• Orchestration
• Creative Projects: Research, Development and Management
• Composition for Visual Media 2
• Client Communication and Professional Practice
• Major Project

Timetables

TBC

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Minimum requirements for general learning
  • Applicants normally possess an honours (level 8) primary degree with a 2.2 award or higher in music with a specialisation in composition.
• Minimum requirements for discipline-specific learning
  • Applicants must be accomplished musicians at a level of proficiency commensurate with holding an honours (level 8) primary music degree with a 2.2 award.
  • Applicants must evidence a reasonable level of compositional prowess within standard Western instrumental forms.

English Language

• All learners are required to be proficient in English.
• Where a candidate’s mother tongue is not English, they are required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test.

Entry Procedure

• Applicants must provide the following materials as part of their application:
  • Full curriculum vitae, including all education and relevant compositional experience
  • Evidence – i.e., academic transcript – of advanced studies in harmony/counterpoint, orchestration, music technology (music notation software, DAWs & VSTs), and free composition
  • No fewer than three examples of compositional work presented as audio files or video files and scores (PDFs)
  • A covering letter, including a personal statement of interests, aspirations, and ambitions with respect to the master’s degree, and the field of scoring for visual media in general

Interview

• Based on the application submitted, an applicant may be invited to progress to the interview stage.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Dublin: EUR 28,000
• International
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Dublin: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Progression

This programme aims to produce graduates who can work as a “one-person production house” – creating imaginative, distinctive, and high-quality content within the “home studio” environment, fluently adapting to the needs of different projects. Principal employment destinations include:

• Self-employed composers for film, TV and interactive media
• Assistants to established visual media composers (additional music composition, production)
• Continued practice-based research and programme delivery within academic environments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Aims:
Equip graduates to work as self-sufficient "one-person production houses" for creating audio content in various visual media.
• Objectives:
• Develop strong creative and individual artistic voice for composing original music.
• Master specialized technical and creative skills in scoring for visual media.
• Hone interpersonal & management skills to complete creative projects successfully.
• Foster development of a distinctive, creative approach to scoring.
• Focus:
Contemporary practices and diverse approaches over convention.
• Target Audience:
• Music composition graduates seeking specialization in scoring.
• Aspiring composers with exceptional musicianship and proficiency.

Outline:

Modules (5 ECTS each):

• The Composer in the Recording Studio
• Music Production with the DAW
• Composition for Visual Media 1 (10 ECTS)
• Analysis of Music in Audio-Visual Media (5 ECTS)
• Royalties, Copyright and Contracts
• Sound for Virtual Environments
• Orchestration (5 ECTS)
• Creative Projects: Research, Development and Management (5 ECTS)
• Composition for Visual Media 2 (10 ECTS)
8,000 words).

Assessment:

• Aligning music to visuals effectively.
• Demonstrating knowledge of relevant theoretical & stylistic principles.
• Written work:
• Extensive critical analysis of music in visual media (individual module and Major Project exegesis)
• Reflecting on personal creative development and future plans.
• Recording sessions:
• Capturing professionally recorded small ensemble performances for various assignments.
• Technical assignments:
• Displaying proficiency in music production and sound design software (DAWs, MIDI, sample libraries).

Teaching:

• Faculty:
Renowned musicians and industry professionals with active experience in scoring.
• Teaching approach:
Balanced blend of practical, hands-on sessions, individual tutorials, and theoretical exploration.
• Unique Features:
• Professional recording studio environment.
• Emphasis on critical thinking, individualized mentorship, and fostering creative voice.
• Cultivating strong client communication & project management skills.

Careers:

• Self-employed film, TV, and interactive media composer.
• Music composition assistant.
• Practice-based research and program delivery in academia.

Other:

• Developed in partnership with Pulse College, offering access to renowned facilities and expertise.
• Program duration is one year, full-time study.
• Intake date: September 2024
• Location: Dublin Main Campus
• Language of instruction: English

Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 28,000 Flexible Payment Option Deposit: €8,000 (payable upon acceptance onto the programme, following interview) Enrolment fee: €10,000 (payable before programme commencement) & instalments as below or remaining balance (€20,000) Instalments: €2500 x 4 consecutive months An additional fee of €560 is payable upon commencement of the programme in respect of the mandatory 2% Learner Protection Charge. This charge is incurred to finance arrangements under Part 6 of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2012 to ensure protection of enrolled learners. International International Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.