Program Overview

MA Music

Overview

The MA Music course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in music, covering a range of genres and styles. The course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and masterclasses, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including recording studios, practice rooms, and performance venues.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: One year, Two years
• Next Enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

The MA Music course is about expanding your horizons, working together, and immersing yourself in the training you need to establish a successful career in the music industry. The course offers three specialist pathways: Composition, Performance, and Interactive Music and Advanced Studio Production.

Pathways

Composition Pathway

• Core Modules:
  • The Musical Text (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Ethnomusicology, Community and Pedagogy (30 credits, trimester two)
  • Negotiated Final Project (60 credits, trimester three)
• Optional Modules:
  • Composition Skills (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Immersive and Interactive Sonic Experiences (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Applied Composition Skills (30 credits, trimester two)
  • Audio Programming (30 credits, trimester two)

Interactive Music and Advanced Studio Production Pathway

• Core Modules:
  • The Musical Text (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Ethnomusicology, Community and Pedagogy (30 credits, trimester two)
  • Negotiated Final Project (60 credits, trimester three)
• Optional Modules:
  • Advanced Studio Production Techniques (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Immersive and Interactive Sonic Experiences (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Location Sound Capture and Reinforcement (30 credits, trimester two)
  • Audio Programming (30 credits, trimester two)

Performance Pathway

• Core Modules:
  • The Musical Text (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Individual Performance (30 credits, trimester one)
  • Ethnomusicology, Community and Pedagogy (30 credits, trimester two)
  • Group Interactions in Performance (30 credits, trimester two)
  • Negotiated Final Project (60 credits, trimester three)

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching: The course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and masterclasses.
• Assessment: Formal assessment will be completed through a combination of practical and performance examinations and the building of a coursework portfolio.

Facilities

• Recording Studios: Six studios containing analogue recording hardware, tape machines, and software platforms.
• Voice Acting Studio: A recording environment for radio drama or video game production.
• Computer Suite: Twenty-six workstations equipped with software platforms such as Logic X, Pro Tools, and Ableton.
• 7.1 Mix: A teaching space designed for mixing in 7.1 and 5.1 surround.
• Studio 9 – Composition Lab: A studio facility equipped with hardware synthesizers and a full MIDI interface/patchbay.
• Rehearsal Facilities: Twenty-six rehearsal spaces designed to facilitate popular and classical ensemble rehearsals.

Performance Spaces

• Peel Hall: A three-hundred seat concert hall with excellent acoustics.
• New Adelphi Theatre: A 350-seat theatre featuring flexible seating configurations and a range of intelligent and generic lighting.
• Atmosphere: A student union bar and venue hosting staff and student-led performances.

Staff Profile

• Programme Leader: Dr Phil Brissenden, a musical instrument designer, composer, and performer.

Employment and Stats

• Employment: The course focuses on sharpening practical and professional music skills to apply within a range of related careers.
• Further Study: Graduates can pursue further academic research through doctoral (PhD) programmes.

Requirements

• Standard Entry Requirements: A good honours degree preferably in Music or a related subject and/or evidence of industry/professional practice experience.
• International Students: IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5.
• Alternative Entry Requirements: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

Fees

• Type of Study: Full-time, Part-time
• Year: 2024/25, 2025/26
• Fees: £8,820 - £17,000 per year

Scholarships

• Scholarships for International Students: Available for high-achieving international students.