MSt in Music (Composition) at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A one-year full-time MSt serving either as a self-contained course for advanced study in composition or as preparation for doctoral research. It introduces a broad range of current methodologies and approaches in music scholarship, with individual supervision in composition, and follows a common structure with the Faculty of Music's MSt courses in musicology and performance.

What you will study

Six core topics (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 Brazilian Music or Music and Islamic Culture) and presentation seminars in Trinity term. Assessment comprises a composition at the end of Michaelmas term, a musicology essay or composition at the end of Hilary term, and a final portfolio of compositions with a related essay.

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. 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: 9 months full-time

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