MMus Music at University of Aberdeen

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements Candidates must normally have a degree at 2(ii) or above, or equivalent qualification or proven experience in Music. References are not required for applicants to apply. They are not usually required for a decision to be made but in certain cases, applicants may be asked to provide a single academic reference at the request of the academic selector. An example of work relevant to the applicant’s study path is required with the application. Anyone applying for more than one study path should provide examples of work in both areas. For performance, submit two contrasting songs/pieces totalling 7-15 minutes. By ‘contrasting’ we mean songs/pieces that showcase different aspects of the applicant’s musical and technical abilities. We will assess performers working in many genres and styles, e.g., musical theatre, pop vocals and/or classical, operatic singing. A list of our current visiting tutors for performance can be found on the Department of Music web pages. If you cannot see a tutor for your chosen study, please use the email address or Enquire Now button (above) to ask about possible tuition. Whilst we will try to accommodate specific genres/specialisms/instruments, this is not always possible. All performances submitted with applications should be recorded as if live, i.e., without significant editing. Applicants typically include a link to an online video at the end of their personal statement. The video does not need to be made to professional standards; the important thing is that it lets us assess the quality of the performance. Details about applying for other study paths are in the box below. Qualifications The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen. For composition, submit at least two contrasting notated compositions. By ‘contrasting’ we mean compositions that showcase different aspects of the applicant’s abilities. Since most composition tuition in the Department involves some form of notation in the tradition of Western art music, we must see the scores for the submitted compositions. If applicants also wish to provide audio or video files of their compositions, we will assess those, but only the notated scores are required. Applicants typically include (a link to) score files and a brief commentary (no more than 500 words) on the submitted work. We will assess composers working in many genres and styles; what we are looking for is evidence of creativity and experimentation as well as a sufficient craft to thrive at master’s level. For musicology, submit one essay in English of approximately 2000 words. We can assess essays on any music-related topic, and we welcome students adopting any methodological approach (ethnographic, historical, theoretical, etc). The main things we are looking for are coherent academic English and evidence of engagement with relevant scholarly literature (e.g., references to academic sources). We hope to see evidence of a reflective approach to the topic, ideally engaging with recent debates in the field. For sonic arts, submit at least two contrasting compositions that make good use of technology, which can include electronic music, soundscape composition, audio-visual composition & sound design and music for film and/or games. By 'contrasting' we mean compositions that showcase different aspects of the applicant's technical and creative abilities. Applicants typically include (a link to) audio files and a brief commentary (no more than 500 words) on the submitted work.