Students can specialize in areas such as music education, performance, composition, and music production through a major project and a range of optional modules. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and research, preparing graduates for careers in the music industry, teaching, and related fields.

It offers a core module introducing research methods and various music issues. A major project allows students to specialize in an area of their choice through written work or a composition folio.

Outline:

The Music MA program comprises core modules focusing on research methods and colloquia, exposing students to diverse music issues. Options include:

• Dissertation
• Folio of produced popular music compositions/covers
• Folio of compositions to moving image
• Folio of compositions
• Performance
In the case of creative work, students undertake related research culminating in a paper or critical commentary complementing and supporting their creative endeavor.
• Researching Music (30 credits): This module prepares students for their research and writing on the Music Masters' programs.
The curriculum covers academic referencing, creating a bibliography, library skills, online research indices like RILM, writing skills, and research approaches. Students will learn about the producer's role in creating, developing, managing, and presenting a recording project. Topics include:
• Microphone techniques
• Digital recording and editing techniques
• Advanced sequencing
• Mixing and mastering techniques
• Creating arrangements
• Communicating with artists and session musicians
• Investigating genre-specific production techniques
• Analyzing contemporary and historical recordings
They will also develop and present a recording project with supporting documentation. The module also includes pitching music to replicate real-world scenarios of securing funding or collaborative partners in the creative industries.
• Composing and Marketing Popular Music (30 credits): This module provides a deep understanding of popular music composition processes and techniques, equipping students to produce professional-level work.
Students learn compositional techniques applicable to diverse popular music genres and use these techniques to enhance their personal style and create a composition portfolio. Topics include:
• Collaborator communication (co-writers, band members)
• Popular music terminology and notation
• Manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and sale of popular music from a global perspective
• Factors driving this change
• Major and independent record labels
• Management strategies
• Target audience identification
• Publicity and marketing in various territories
• Financing
• Format choice
• Music video
• New media
• The live industry
• "Going it alone" strategies
• The value of popular music as a commodity
Students are assessed on a portfolio of work, including a project demonstrating the marketing and promotion of one of their popular music compositions.
• Constructing Music Education in the UK (30 credits): This module examines the diversity of practices associated with school-based music provision in the UK maintained sector and related research.
Students develop a critical response to course themes by designing a short investigation exploring the transactional nature of pedagogy in UK music lessons. This investigation is ideally conducted in a school, supported by DBS checking (and ethics clearance if necessary), or alternatively, based on peer teaching. It considers performance roles, values, practices, meaning in music, and emotional responses to music. Themes include:
• Authenticity
• Value judgments
• Virtuosity
• The performer's role
These discussions are then consolidated through debates relating ideas to specific texts, repertoires, and personal performances.
• Live Sound and Event Management (30 credits): This module provides hands-on experience in live sound reinforcement and event management.
Topics include:
• Monitoring
• Lighting and projection
• Stage design
• Professional conventions
• Working with performers and promoters
• Logistics
Students receive training on live mixers and gain experience in live sound engineering at events held in various external venues. They also organize shows and a small tour, collaborating with local venues and promoters.
• Music and Technology in Education (30 credits): Students examine music pedagogy and the use of specialist and inclusive technologies in diverse educational phases (early years, primary, secondary, FE), settings, and across genres.
Students can gain experience through a work placement or research and develop new ways to use music and technology for education, play, therapy, and enhanced accessibility in a specific setting.
• Special Study: Music Journalism (30 credits): This module explores London culture through research and writing music criticism, journalism, researching a scene, and examining case studies.
Students publish their materials and contribute to a unique Kingston University archive. They also have the opportunity to create radio journalism in collaboration with students from other program areas. Topics include:
• Main themes
• Underscoring
• Harmonic languages of soundtracks in both big and small screen contexts
Coursework includes several compositions to image designed to encourage musical diversity and stylistic exploration, along with a written commentary.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary and include:

• Essays
• Critiques
• Position papers
• Ensemble performances
• Portfolio of compositions/recordings
• Practical projects
• Recording projects
• Presentations
• Research papers
• Dissertation

Teaching:

The Music MA program uses various teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, and seminars conducted by experienced academic staff who are also active performers, composers, and producers. Classes are held throughout the day and evening, with regular concerts, gigs, and recitals taking place during the academic year. Music industry guest speakers and performers are a significant feature of the course, offering masterclasses that enhance the learning experience.

Careers:

A significant number of Music MA graduates pursue careers in the music profession, related fields, teaching, or further study (e.g., PGCE, MPhil, or PhD). The Music MA's combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills across a broad musical curriculum equips graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

• The music business
• School, higher education, and instrumental teaching
• Outreach work and educational workshops
• Music composition and arranging
• Professional performance and conducting
• Music publishing
The high level of research and transferable skills acquired during the program also opens doors to careers in broader commercial and business environments.

Other:

• Students have access to recording studios, rehearsal rooms, a synthesis/sampling lab, and the analogue/digital hybrid Visconti Studio, which has a 300m² live room and rare and vintage recording equipment.
• Students can join University ensembles or form their own.
• Masterclasses and workshops are conducted by performers and composers.
• Students have access to live performances throughout the year.
• The program is part of Kingston School of Art, providing students with a creative community where collaborative work and critical practice are encouraged.
• Workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, idea sharing, and multi-disciplinary making.
• The Music MA is designed to provide a combination of practical, theoretical, and academic learning, with a focus on creativity through composition or performance.
• The program is not genre-specific; students study a broad range of music.
• Students can access an extensive collection of instruments, including pianos, a harpsichord, stage pianos, drum kits, orchestral instruments, a double-size Javanese gamelan, and a set of djembe drums.
• Studios can be used 24 hours a day.
• The music library holds a wide collection of books, anthologies, scores, sheet music, periodicals, and audio and video recordings.
It is equipped with a 300m² live room stocked with rare and vintage recording equipment.

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