Music (Performance/Composition)

Entry requirements

A 2:2 or above from a UK university, conservatoire, or international equivalent, in music, or a related equivalent degree with a equivalent specialism in either musical performance or composition.

If you did not study performance or composition as part of your degree, but have a high level of skill (portfolio or audition at application) there may be circumstances where professional, or equivalent experience in the field may be considered alongside an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your music performance or composition skills vital for your career as a professional musician or teacher, or combine them together as you develop real world skills.

Overview

Develop your creative and professional music skills and shape your future in the music industry.

On our Music MA degree you'll study with world-class specialists attuned to your individual aspirations and collaborate with a vibrant creative community.

Focus on your personal musical aims by specialising in performance, composition, or a structured mixture of both.

Develop the professional skills needed to work within the contemporary musical world and utilise your skills and knowledge to teach the next generation of musicians.

Choose to specialise in:

• Western Classical Music
• Contemporary Pop
• Folk Music of Britain, North America, and Northern Europe
• Opera
• Jazz
• DJ-ing and Turntablism
• Improvised Music
• Electroacoustic Music and Sound Art

What you'll learn

On our programme you'll:

• develop your musical skills in a chosen area of specialisation
• learn the value of collaboration and communication with other musicians
• build networks extending beyond the classroom and into the wider music community
• gain a professional level of understanding of contemporary musical life
• develop your own strategies to support your future artistic development, as a performer, composer, or both

Music Performance Pathway

On the Music Performance pathway, you'll develop your solo performance skills through expert-led instrumental or vocal lessons tailored to you as an individual musician.

You'll learn ensemble musicianship, creative collaborations, and career development to prepare you for life as a professional musician.

There'll also be many opportunities for live music in the city as both a performer and spectator. Major touring professional musicians play every week in the university's free concerts series, as well as at The Glasshouse, and many other smaller venues.

You'll develop employability skills in vocal and instrumental teaching, as well as modules that include live music events, music in the community, and wellbeing.

On this pathway you'll work towards a major public performance project.

Music Composition Pathway

On the Music Composition pathway, you’ll work with a teacher to develop your technical and creative skills.

Combining what you've already learned, you'll discover and evolve new approaches and techniques to help you to realise your aspirations and potential as a musician.

You'll collaborate with other musicians on creative music projects, gaining insights into what's needed to engage with the contemporary musical world.

On this pathway you'll work towards presenting a portfolio of creative work, either live, or as a recording.

Information for international students

See Newcastle University's course entry for more information

Fees and funding

See Newcastle University's course entry for more information