| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The MA Music program offers five pathways:
- Performance
- Composition
- Musicology
- Medieval Music
- Russian Music
The units taken will vary according to the chosen pathway, but all include shared training units, such as Research Skills for Musicians, specialized units specific to the pathway, and a large menu of optional units tailored to the student's interests. These are followed by a major project: a dissertation or edition for musicologists (including those on the Russian Music and Medieval Music pathways), a recital for performers, or a portfolio of compositions for composers.
Key Information
Programme Duration
- One year full-time
- Two years part-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 is one core unit, Research Skills for Musicians, which is common to all pathways, and there are a number of other core and optional units depending on which of the five pathways the student is following. The content, especially of the pathway-specific and optional units in this MA program, relates closely to the research interests of the academic staff.
World-Leading Research
- The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
- 94% of the university's research is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry Requirements
- Typically, an upper second-class honors degree or an international equivalent in Music is required.
- Applicants for the Composition or Performance pathways are required to submit a portfolio of work.
- Applicants for the Musicology Pathway will need to ensure that their personal statement addresses specific areas, including what they hope to gain from the program, influential texts on Western music history and analysis, and their dissertation topic.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
- Home: full-time - £13,300 per year
- Home: part-time (two years) - £6,650 per year
- Overseas: full-time - £29,500 per year
Alumni Discount
- University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.
Funding and Scholarships
- MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this program may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees.
- Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences funding pages.
Career Prospects
Students who complete the MA in Music have gone on to varied careers, some within the music industry (for example, as performers, senior music assistants, music teachers, arts administrators, and self-employed composers). Some continue into doctoral studies. Others apply the transferable skills of the MA in Music to succeed in unrelated professional careers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MA in Music program at the University of Bristol is a flexible one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that offers five pathways: Performance, Composition, Musicology, Medieval Music, and Russian Music. The program provides students with specialized training in their chosen pathway, as well as shared training units such as Research Skills for Musicians. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of optional units tailored to their interests. The program culminates in a major project, which can be a dissertation or edition for musicologists, a recital for performers, or a portfolio of compositions for composers.
Outline:
The MA in Music program has a core unit, Research Skills for Musicians, which is common to all pathways. In addition, there are a number of other core and optional units depending on the pathway chosen.
Careers:
Students who complete the MA in Music have gone on to varied careers, some within the music industry (for example, as performers, senior music assistants, music teachers, arts administrators and self-employed composers). Some continue into doctoral studies. Others apply the transferable skills of the MA in Music to succeed in unrelated professional careers.
Other:
The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education), with 94% of its research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
UK: full-time £12,800 per year UK: part-time (two years) £6,400 per year Overseas: full-time £28,400 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
University of Bristol Summary
Overview:
The University of Bristol is a renowned public research university located in Bristol, England. It is known for its high academic standards, strong research output, and vibrant campus life. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, consistently attracting top students and researchers.
Services Offered:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:
A diverse selection of academic programs across various disciplines.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Students' Union:
A dedicated student organization providing support, activities, and representation.Library:
Extensive library resources and facilities for research and study.Sport, Exercise, and Health:
Opportunities for participation in sports and fitness activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bristol enjoy a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, fostering a strong sense of community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Academic Standards:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, offering high-quality education.Strong Research Output:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community.Location in a Dynamic City:
Bristol is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture.Excellent Career Prospects:
Graduates from the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers.Academic Programs:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, and more.Science:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.Engineering:
Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and more.Medicine and Dentistry:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Politics, Sociology, and more.Law:
Law, Criminology, and more.Entry Requirements:
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Music. Applicants for the Composition or Performance pathways are required to submit a portfolio of work. Non-traditional qualifications may also be considered. For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies. We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. Specific module requirements may still apply. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following: evidence of significant, relevant work experience such as work in industry, or as a composer; a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications. Applicants for the Musicology Pathway will need to ensure that their personal statement addresses the following areas: What do you hope to gain from the Music (MA) programme and from your time in Bristol? Which two texts on Western music history and analysis that you have read in the last two years have you found to be the most influential, and why? Please explain in what context you have encountered these writers.
