MA Music (Composition) at Kingston University

Programme overview

Join a vibrant community of sonic innovators where your unique musical voice takes centre stage. Our MA Music: composition pathway offers a dynamic environment where you can refine your craft across a range of styles, from contemporary classical and experimental sound art to scoring for film, games, and digital media. You will be able to master traditional techniques and explore the new possibilities of cutting-edge music technology.

Faculty: Kingston School of Art | Duration: 1 year full time / 2 years part time / 2 years full time including professional placement | Study mode: full-time, part-time (optional professional placement year) | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Kingston upon Thames, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

You will learn alongside other MA Music pathways in three core modules integrating practical and theoretical learning through project-based, interdisciplinary approaches rooted in arts school pedagogy. You will also develop an understanding and critical awareness of contemporary issues, debates, and practices informed by the discipline. Modules: Advanced Studies in Composition, Leadership and Collaboration in Creative Arts Practice, Major Project, Researching Music, Sound Materials. Optional placement year: Professional Placement School of Arts.

Career pathways

You will complete this programme with a blend of compositional and practical skills, plus the theoretical knowledge and transferable skills you need to succeed professionally.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: The typical offer for this course is a 2:2 or higher in music from the UK or abroad. If you don’t have a music degree, we will consider your application individually if you have:; Relevant experience in music composition (as evidenced through a portfolio) and qualifications in other subjects, such as an honours degree in a different subject; Equivalent professional experience, such as work as a professional performer or composer; Advanced conservatoire study, which has not led to a degree We will ask you to submit a link to an online portfolio of three compositions in any style The portfolio should aim to showcase your compositional skill and invention. English language: Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 5.5.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,100 a year (2027/28). Home (UK) full-time annual tuition fee Source

International applicants: GBP 22,300 a year (2027/28). International full-time annual tuition fee Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full time / 2 years part time / 2 years full time including professional placement

Apply through the official page: https://osis.kingston.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=PFMUC1MUC20BD01&code2=0101

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