Students develop their compositional skills, study the technology used in soundtrack production, and gain insights into the business and copyright aspects of the industry.

This course explores how music creates atmosphere, conveys mood and depicts setting, character and action. You will examine the relationships between composer and producer, directors and music editors. You will study the technology used to produce high-quality soundtracks as well as business and copyright issues. In the case of the creative work, students will also undertake related research which culminates in a paper or critical commentary to complement and support their creative work. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of instrumentation and orchestration alongside practical aspects of the business working as a media composer. They will compose music to picture scored for a small ensemble which will be recorded in the Visconti studio. Students will also be required to engage in post-production mastering and mixing, to achieve a fully professional result. Module content also includes in-depth study of real-world aspects of composition, production and exploitation of music in the media.

• Researching Music: Researching Music is designed to prepare students for their research and writing on the Music Masters' programmes.
The teaching covers academic referencing, creating a bibliography, library skills, use of research on-line indices such as RILM, writing skills, and approaches to research. Subjects covered include the use of Main Themes, underscoring and the harmonic languages of soundtracks, in both big and small screen contexts. It will look at a range of recording techniques and will provide students with the opportunity to gain fluency in the operation of a recording studio. The role of the Producer in creating, developing, managing and presenting a recording project will be studied and students will be equipped with the faculties to produce work which demonstrates creativity and is of a professional standard.
• Commercial Music: This is a Level 6 optional module and will see students collaborating on the creation of music as part of a production team.
The writing, performing, recording, mixing and mastering of music to a professional standard will be studied, as well as its distribution, marketing and retail.
• Constructing Music Education in the UK: This module examines the diversity of practice associated with school-based music provision in the UK maintained sector and associated research.
The module will address the practical issues of preparing and delivering a musical performance. Practical workshops will provide feedback on a range of technical, interpretational and presentational issues and lectures will prepare students for the written elements. Students will develop their creative work, by applying their analytical understanding of a chosen style to creating new arrangements and orchestrations. Students will take over operations of the Kingston University Radio Station and gain hands-on experience in studio operations, production preparation, and broadcast engineering.

Assessment:

Assessment typically comprises coursework (e.g. composition, essay), and some practical elements (e.g. presentations, performance).

• Coursework: 91%
• Practical: 9%

Teaching:

As a music student, you'll be taught a range of musical styles and encouraged to explore a wide range of musical genres, taking a hands-on, practical and creative approach to learning and develop your critical skills through engagement with new ideas and methods.

• Guided Independent Study (Self-Managed Time): When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.
This typically involves reading and analyzing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.
• Workload: Year 1: 12% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.
Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
• Type of Learning and Teaching:
• Scheduled learning and teaching: 140 hours
MPhil/PhD). For those students who are already in employment and undertake the course part-time, the award may accelerate promotion and open up new opportunities.
• Studio-based technical and creative work
• A portfolio career as a composer, producer and performer.

Other:

The Art School Experience: As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.

Facilities:

Music courses at Kingston University are designed to provide a mixture of practical, theoretical and academic learning, with the main focus being on creativity through composition or performance. We are not genre specific - you will study a broad range of music. The tape-based studio also features a unique collection of instruments including a Mellotron, a Hammond organ with Leslie cabinet, and a Steinway concert grand piano. We also have a double-size Javanese gamelan and a set of djembe drums. Room bookings can also be made through this system, and the studios can be used 24 hours a day. It encompasses all possible combinations of music, dance and drama.

Home 2025/26 MMus full time £10,300 MMus part time £5,665 International 2025/26 MMus full time £20,700 MMus part time £11,385 Home 2024/25 MMus full time £9,900 MMus part time £5,445 International 2024/25 MMus full time £19,900 MMus part time £10,945

Kingston University

Overview:

Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.

Services Offered:

Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Guidance and resources for academic success.

Career Services:

Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Wellbeing Services:

Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Library and Learning Resources:

Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.

Student Union:

A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:

Active Student Union:

Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.

Location Advantages:

Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.

Key Reasons to Study There:

TEF Gold Rating:

Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.

Future Skills Focus:

Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.

Strong Industry Links:

Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.

Diverse and Inclusive Environment:

Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Study:

A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.

Research:

Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.