Music MA (Performance/Composition)

Overview

Develop your creative and professional music skills and shape your future in the music industry.

On our Music MA degree you'll study with world-class specialists attuned to your individual aspirations and collaborate with a vibrant creative community.

Focus on your personal musical aims by specialising in performance, composition, or a structured mixture of both

Develop the professional skills needed to work within the contemporary musical world and utilise your skills and knowledge to teach the next generation of musicians.

Choose to specialise in:

• Western Classical Music
• Contemporary Pop
• Folk Music of Britain, North America, and Northern Europe
• Opera
• Jazz
• DJ-ing and Turntablism
• Improvised Music
• Electroacoustic Music and Sound Art

Studying a Music Master's in Newcastle

Newcastle is one of the most exciting and diverse places to study music in the UK. We're home to The Royal Northern Sinfonia, based at The Glasshouse, the renowned international music venue in Newcastle-Gateshead.

Many of the orchestra’s players teach on our classical music strand.

Newcastle is also a national centre for folk music. We have tutors who perform worldwide and one of the most innovative centres for experimental music in the country.

On our programme you’ll specialise in either:

• Music Performance
• Music Composition

You'll develop professional and career skills in the contemporary musical world and understand how your knowledge may teach the next generation of musicians.

There are also many extra-curricular opportunities for performers. These include:

• the Newcastle University Symphony Orchestra
• a specialist chamber choir
• a contemporary jazz big-band
• musical theatre projects
• folk music groups

You'll also have a wide range of popular music opportunities both inside and outside of the university.

This course was formerly titled the MMus Music, course code 5811F.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Your future

Further study

This course can provide preparation for PhD level study in music as a creative practice or in artistic research. 

Careers

Our programme prepares you for a wide range of careers such as:

• Professional performing musician
• Professional composer across a range of genres
• Producer of music in many different practical applications
• Instrumental and/or vocal music teaching
• Music and arts administration
• Collaborations involving music in many different areas of practice such as film, theatre, games.