Master of Music (Composition)

Program Overview

Music (Composition) Ceol (Cumadóireacht)

Overview

The Master of Music in Composition is designed to provide a tailored learning experience, specific to each student, while enabling a mastery of music creation. It draws upon the strengths of TU Dublin Conservatoire as a centre of excellence in classical music performance. Students will be supported and enabled in the development of their own creative voice, through individual composition tutorials. Complementary modules provide a firm technical foundation and acquisition of skills, arranged around the student’s creative interests. The Conservatoire offers a wide range of expertise, whether in music notation, use of electronic platforms, improvisation, or collaboration with instrumental and vocal performers.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU388
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Master of Music
• ECTS Credits: 90
• Duration: 1 Year
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: Full Time
• Method of Delivery: On-Campus
• Commencement Date: September 2025
• Location: Grangegorman
• Fees: €8,500 Total Fee (EU), €13,500 Total Fee (Non-EU)

What is Music (Composition)?

The composition culture at TU Dublin is to encourage originality in any form, with a concentration on the avant-garde, experimental and improvised through a multiplicity of approaches. The MMus in Composition is inclusive of genre. While a primary music degree is preferable, it is not a prerequisite. The main focus is an aspiration to experience creative practice in composition through exploration and improvisation methodologies, in consultation with experienced staff.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants for the MMus in Composition will normally hold:

• An honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent qualification, and experience as a creative musician.
• Equivalency for international degrees will only be checked on submission of an application.
• If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit the following along with the application:

• CV with details of your composition and music experience, training and relevant experience/education
• Statement of Purpose outlining your aims and objectives for undertaking postgraduate study in composition
• A portfolio of creative works (e.g. 2-3 scores of different combinations, either notated or graphic notated; audio or midi mock-up; video demonstration of an installation; improvisation; or electronics)
• A recent example of academic writing in music, e.g. a short synopsis of your work in general or a detailed programme note
• Academic Transcripts
• Two references relating to your creative music experience

Interview

Suitable applicants will be invited to the Conservatoire to undertake an interview. The composition portfolio submitted with the application is viewed and only candidates who pass this pre-selection stage will be invited to an interview. The interview is intended to assess your suitability for entry to the programme. You should be prepared to answer questions about your music studies, creative work, creative practice interests and career plans. International applicants who are unable to attend an interview in person will be facilitated with an online interview usually via Microsoft Teams.

Course Content

• Composition Portfolio [Mandatory]
• Lecture-Recital [Mandatory]
• Composition Techniques for the Creative Practitioner [Mandatory]
• Approaches to Composition Research Documentation [Mandatory]
• Professional Portfolio [Mandatory]
• Creative Project [Mandatory]

Schedule

Classes will normally take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Composition tutorials are arranged between the lecturer and student.