Master in Music MA Open Pathway with Performance

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 Open Pathway with Performance at the University of Birmingham is a one-year program for students who hold a Bachelor's degree. This Master's degree focuses on advanced performance and helps students establish technical skills and hone their performance abilities.

The curriculum includes core modules such as Advanced Performance 1 and 2, where students develop their technical skills through individual tuition with experts. Students also choose four optional modules from a range that includes Advanced Studies in Electroacoustic Composition, Historically Informed Performance, and Introduction to Musicology. The program also includes a final project, which can be a composition portfolio, musicology dissertation, recital, or recital with commentary.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers such as Professional Musician, Music Educator, Performance Coach, Music Director, or Arts Administrator. They can work in industries like music performance, education, or arts management, and potential employers include orchestras, music schools, or concert halls.