Master in Music MA: Instrumental Vocal Composition pathway

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.

The Master in Music MA: Instrumental Vocal Composition pathway is a one-year program for students who want to develop their compositional skills. This master's degree is taught in English and focuses on advanced compositional techniques and notation.

The curriculum includes core modules like Advanced Studies in Instrumental/Vocal Composition and Composition Tutorials. These modules help students develop their compositional technique and personal style through one-to-one tutorials and composition exercises. Students also choose optional modules to broaden their range of compositional practice.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Composers, Music Producers, Sound Designers, Music Teachers, or Orchestra Conductors. They can work in the music industry, academia, or as freelancers, applying their compositional skills to create innovative music and collaborate with other artists.