Musical Composition,MA by Research

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Birmingham /University of Birmingham/Musical Composition,MA by Research

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,390 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Musical Composition,MA by Research

About

Course overview

Discover your own path as a composer. We welcome traditional and innovative composition styles, offering you opportunities to combine instruments and the latest technology to produce new compositions.

On this course, you can create musical and sonic artworks using electroacoustics and computer technology, traditional (or not so traditional) instrumental and vocal composition, or a combination of these. We're also excited by projects involving interactive systems, multimedia, and sound installations with a range of music facilities on campus for you to use.

Course structure

It usually takes three years (full-time) or six years (part-time) to complete a PhD, while the normal length of an MA by Research is either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

In the first year (or part-time equivalent) of this PhD you'll begin working on your compositions. You'll also begin to undertake relevant training as part of a Departmental training programme. Your portfolio of compositions is usually produced in stages over the course of your PhD, and you’ll receive regular feedback.

For an MA by Research, these timescales are condensed into one year (or two years if studying part-time).

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Music

Birmingham's Music postgraduates work in a wide range of careers within and beyond the music world. A postgraduate degree in Music develops a broad base of skills including general skills such as communication, problem solving and research, and also specific skills developed by practice and performance such as self-management, team work and presentation.