MPhil in Music (Composition) at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A two-year full-time MPhil for students wishing to develop a thorough grounding in composition at an advanced level, either as preparation for doctoral research or as a standalone qualification. It introduces a broad range of current methodologies and approaches in music scholarship; the first year is identical to that of the MSt in Music (Composition).

What you will study

Core topics in Michaelmas term (historical musicology, current trends in music theory, aesthetics, the social and cultural study of music, performance and composition), elective seminars mostly in Hilary term (for example Distributed Creativity in Composition and Performance or Music and Race) and presentation seminars in Trinity term. The second year is coursework comprising a project (short dissertation, analysis portfolio, ethnomusicological essays or critical edition) and a portfolio of at least two well-contrasted compositions.

Career pathways

Typical destinations include doctoral research in music, teaching, arts management, performance and other music-related or broadly cultural professions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An average mark of 67% or higher in a UK undergraduate degree with honours in music or related fields, or equivalent; entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or equivalent. Relevant professional experience may be considered as a substitute for academic attainment. US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0 (most successful applicants 3.7). No GRE/GMAT. Application includes three referees (academic preferred; one professional allowed), transcripts, a statement of purpose (maximum 1,000 words), one written essay (maximum 3,000 words, generally about composition) and a portfolio of two or three compositions with recordings (combined duration 30 minutes). Interviews are not normally held. Progression to the second year normally requires an average of 60% across the Michaelmas composition and Hilary term assessment. English (higher level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Final application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on 5 January 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,980 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee Source

Intake: 10 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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