Program Overview

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MA Composition of Music for Film and Television

Overview

This programme provides professional training in composition for screen media. Taught by staff and guest composers from the professional world, you will develop a strong technological foundation in the subject, along with specialist understanding of television and screen scoring.

The MA is taught within our high-specification composition and recording studios, which have full-time technical support. You will be actively encouraged to build opportunities and networks, both within and beyond the University, for projects in film, animation, documentary, games and more.

In the first term, you will study units introducing you to working and recording in studios, and the core skills of film scoring. You will also take one elective unit. In the second term, the programme moves on to critical analysis of media music, and media composition practice including production music, TV and documentary. This work feeds into original collaborations that you may choose to include in your final portfolio.

The vibrant musical life of the Department of Music provides opportunities for student and professional performance, and we are located at the heart of one of the UK's leading cities for broadcast, commercial and creative screen media.

Key Information

Programme Duration

One year full-time.

Start Date

September 2025

Application Deadline

• Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
• Home applicants: 8 August 2025

Delivery Method

On-Campus

Location

Clifton

Awards Available

MA

Programme Structure

There are four core units and you will be able to choose two optional units from a wide selection that address further compositional skills, and the study of film, TV and other screen media. You will also complete a media composition portfolio/dissertation: a substantial portfolio of original music for new collaborative films and/or extracts and related projects (a total of approximately 18 to 20 minutes of music for up to 50 minutes of footage).

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Music, plus experience as a composer, demonstrated by a portfolio of your music. For further information on the required portfolio and the expected format, please see the Department of Music website. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• Evidence of significant, relevant work experience – such as media composition, professional musician, studio work, film work;
• A relevant postgraduate qualification.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Admissions Statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and Funding

Home: Full-Time

£13,700 per year

Overseas: Full-Time

£29,500 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found on the MyWorld website.

Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

Students who have completed the MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television have taken up careers as music composers, sound designers, recording managers and educators.