Composition MusM

This programme is intended for those pursuing both research and practical training in composition at postgraduate level, and it makes an excellent preparation for doctoral work.

There are a significant number of opportunities to have your pieces professionally workshopped, recorded and performed, particularly by Psappha, Music's contemporary ensemble-in-residence, and the University's quartet-in-residence, the Quatuor Danel. Vaganza - the student new music ensemble - and the student orchestra Sinfonietta also perform new music by student and professional composers to a very high standard. New state-of-the art facilities housed in two adjacent buildings cater for a wide range of compositional output ranging from concert hall to multimedia music.

You will be allocated a supervisor relevant to your compositional interests, from whom you will receive regular individual supervision.

Students will take Composition Etudes, Composition Project and Contemporary Music Studies, which enable them to develop their compositional skills and to further their knowledge of recent repertoire. Students then choose an additional module from Core Study (independent project), Historical or Contemporary Performance, Advanced Orchestration or an electroacoustic module. Throughout the programme, students also work on Composition Portfolio that consists of three varied compositions to be submitted upon completing the previous four modules.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous performance opportunities in the Music Department and elsewhere in Manchester to hear, learn and record their work before it is submitted.

Please see the school website.

For details of the next University Postgraduate open day, visit open days and visits