About the course

Our research degree in composition aims to foster your skills as you navigate an exciting new musical world, which combines tradition and innovation, bringing together instruments and the latest in high technology.

　　On this programme, you can create musical and sonic artworks using electroacoustics and computer technology, traditional (and not so traditional) instrumental and vocal composition, or a combination of these aspects. Projects involving interactive systems, multimedia, and sound installations are also welcome, and you are encouraged to find your own individual path.

　　The Department of Music offers two options for postgraduate research, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or to pursue Masters-level research following an undergraduate degree in a related field. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 1 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Open intake available until (December), 2023	Birmingham
Spring (January), 2024	Birmingham
Autumn (September), 2024	Birmingham
Open intake available until (December), 2024	Birmingham
Autumn (September), 2025	Birmingham
Open intake available until (December), 2025	Birmingham
Spring (January), 2026	Birmingham
Autumn (September), 2026	Birmingham
Open intake available until (December), 2026	Birmingham
Open intake available until (December), 2027	Birmingham

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Birmingham

For MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree in Music or a related subject, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK. Applicants must submit sample compositional work in the form of scores and/or recordings (as appropriate to specialty). These can be submitted by mail, or (preferably) electronically, using wetransfer or similar or a weblink.

　　IELTS - 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band , TOEFL - 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing , To gain admission to a research degree programme (with the exception of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD)) an applicant must comply with the following entry requirements:

　　Attainment of an Honours degree (normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent) in a relevant subject awarded by an approved university, or

　　Attainment of an alternative qualification or qualifications and/or evidence of experience judged by the University as indicative of an applicant’s potential for research and as satisfactory for the purpose of entry to a research degree programme.

　　In addition:

　　Admission and registration for a research degree programme may be conditional on satisfactory completion of preliminary study, which may include assessment.

　　In some cases you will also need to have completed a Masters degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 88.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of Birmingham. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　101st / 1250

　　THE World ranking14th / 130

　　Complete University guide

　　

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