MA Music
Overview
There are five pathways in this flexible MA programme:
- Composition
- Medieval Music
- Musicology
- Performance
- Russian Music.
The units you take will vary according to your chosen pathway, but all include music training units, such as Research Skills for Musicians, specialised units specific to the pathway, and a large menu of optional units tailored to your interests. These are followed by a major project: a dissertation or edition for musicologists (including those on the Russian Music and Medieval Music pathways), a recital for performers, or a portfolio of compositions for composers.
Programme structure
There is one core unit, Research Skills for Musicians, which is common to all pathways and a number of other core and optional units depending which of the five pathways you are following. The content of this MA programme relates closely to the research interests of the academic staff.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Music.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in music, as well as suitable skills and experience in music. All applicants will be asked a series of subject-specific questions as part of the application. Applicants for the Composition or Performance pathways are required to submit a portfolio of work. For further information on the required portfolio please see the Department of Music website. Non-traditional qualifications may also be considered.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £11,700 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £5,850 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £25,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Bristol Master's Scholarship
£2,000 scholarships available for UK students from underrepresented groups applying for full-time master's programmes. Find out more about the Bristol Master's Scholarships and check your eligibility to apply.
Funding for 2023/24
Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts funding pages.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Students who complete the MA in Music have gone on to varied careers, some within the music industry (for example, as performers, senior music assistants, music teachers, arts administrators and self-employed composers). Some continue into doctoral studies. Others apply the transferable skills of the MA in Music to succeed in unrelated professional careers.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools
- Departments