About This Course
The MMus in Composition and Sonic Art allows you to develop your skills and understanding of contemporary practices in music composition and sonic art. The programme will equip you with the knowledge required to compose in a range of styles and genres, while enabling you to develop high-level skills in a compositional field of your choice. You will learn more about the concepts of research-led practice, and will hone high-level transferable skills in critical thinking, conceptual thinking, problem solving, analysis, communication, self-direction, creativity and originality.
Specialism is offered in a range of styles and genres, including writing for instruments and/or voices, acousmatic composition, composition for live musicians with electronics, popular song composition, and composing for film, television and other media.
You will work closely with professional composers and established researchers, most of whom have international profiles. The School enjoys close links with industrial and third-sector partners such as Music Theatre Wales, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Blipfonica, and it is often possible for students to undertake a work placement during the course of the programme.
Programme Length
MMus: 1 year full-time, 2-5 years part-time.; Diploma: 30 weeks full-time
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
The programme is divided into two parts: two semesters of taught study (Part 1, 120 credits) and a substantial recital prepared over the summer (Part 2, 60 credits).
Part 1 (Diploma):
In each semester you will take a supervised Independent Composition Project in your chosen style and medium. These modules are complemented by Composition in Context (Semester 1), in which you will become familiar with the latest developments in composition and with the concept of creative practice as research, and Contemporary Music Practice (Semester 2), in which you will share ideas with musicologists and performers.
Part 2 (MA):
The Part 2 Project, completed over the summer months, normally takes the form of a substantial original composition, or a coherent portfolio of works.
Teaching is provided through a combination of individual tuition and small-group seminars.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Composition and Sonic Art Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
- A first degree at 2.ii standard or higher (or equivalent) is required.
- Candidates with a 2.ii degree must however achieve a 2.i in a substantial project in their chosen area of study (e.g. a portfolio of compositions).
- Applicants may be asked to submit 2-3 representative samples of their creative work (these can be notated scores, or audio recordings, or both, and can be uploaded as documents or weblinks such as to Dropbox, YouTube or similar).
- English proficiency (for non-native English or Welsh speakers): IELTS English test with a score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5).
Careers
The MMus in Composition and Sonic Art will allow you to develop a strong original voice in an academic environment, and is an ideal preparation for further creative work at PhD level and beyond. The programme will also equip you with skills in critical thinking, creativity and communication which are valued by employers both within and outside the field of music. Recent graduates have pursued successful careers as professional composers, arrangers, music typesetters, arts administrators, teachers, educational advisers, performers, and business people.
