About the course

This programme combines a solid grounding in the creative history and technique of Western art music with the latest twenty first century compositional techniques. Instruction in practical aspects - for example advanced orchestration, post-serial and post-spectral techniques, computer-assisted composition - is combined with the development of theoretical knowledge and critical faculties.

　　The MA in Music at Birmingham offers first class, world-recognised staff who are experts in their fields meaning students learn from people who really are the best at what they do.

　　Students study within the excellent facilities available with the Elgar Concert Hall, which is one of the most flexible concert halls of its type in any UK university.

　　At Birmingham, Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research students also have the opportunity to learn graduate academic languages free of charge, to support your studies. 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
Autumn (September), 2024	Birmingham
Autumn (September), 2025	Birmingham
Autumn (September), 2026	Birmingham

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Birmingham

We usually ask for a good Honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in Music or a related subject with a substantial musical component. Degrees in other subjects will be considered where candidates have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications.

　　Your application should include a personal statement of approximately 5,000 characters. You should use your personal statement to explain why you are interested in studying this programme. In order to expedite processing, please clearly state the pathway to which you are applying within the first paragraph of your personal statement.

　　All prospective students must also submit a sample of written work of at least 3,000 words - in English - in addition to the usual supporting documents. This should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references , 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 , University of Birmingham graduates do not need to provide transcripts or copies of degree certificates, however we advise applicants who graduated prior to 2000 to provide copies of their qualifications as they may take longer to verify. Personal statement, approximately 5000 characters, explaining why you are interested in studying on your chosen programme. This can be uploaded to the personal statement section in PDF or Microsoft Word format. Alternatively, you can type this within the application portal. On your application, you will be asked to supply contact details of two academic referees (or one academic reference if applicable to the course/programme appled for). Employment references may be acceptable for certain courses which require them.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　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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