Music (Composition)

Entry requirements

Upper 2nd Class Honours degree or equivalent in Music or related subject. For the Composition pathway, you'll need to submit a portfolio of 2 to 4 compositions. These should total 15 to 20 minutes of music, showing your range and compositional techniques.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MMus Music Composition programme gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of musical composition. You’ll learn current trends in composition, 20th and 21st century musical developments, aesthetic, technical and critical issues in modern compositional practice, in-depth analysis of your chosen compositional genres, materials, techniques and forms.

Our academic staff are internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers, and established composers of contemporary art music, electronic music, media music (for example, in film, TV and videogames), and jazz. These world-leading experts offer you intensive one-to-one tuition in music history, culture and performance.

On the Composition pathway, you’ll work towards the final goal of a composition portfolio. We’ll work with you to create a portfolio that’s relevant to your career aspirations. You can also mix your composition modules with topics from other MMus pathways to develop a wider range of skills and personalise the course to your interests.

Our Digital Humanities facilities will also allow you to study and research through cutting edge technology, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audiovisual centre.

Information for international students

Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components, or an equivalent standard in another qualifications approved by the University.

Fees and funding

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources. Please check the website for more information.