Music MA
Subject and course type
- Creative Arts
- Music
- Postgraduate
Ready to refine your creative practice and expand your knowledge of music? Kingston University’s Music MA will give you the practical, theoretical and academic skills you need to broaden your career horizons in the industry and beyond.
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Become the musician you want to be
From music education and performance to music production and composing for media, you’ll explore a range of musical topics.
Studying an MA in Music at Kingston University could lead to a range of careers, both in the industry or in a related field. Previous graduates have gone on to work in performance, teaching, publishing, outreach, composition and more. If you’re already employed, this programme could accelerate your promotion prospects.
During the course, you’ll explore research methods alongside hands-on, creative learning. You’ll focus on a particular area of your choice for a major written or composition folio project – a great way to showcase your skills and prepare for future opportunities. Kingston’s music courses focus on creativity, which makes this programme perfect for taking your composition or performance skills to the next level.
Outside the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to join University ensembles and form your own. Throughout the year, you’ll be able to attend masterclasses and workshops with performers and composers, as well as live performances at London’s major venues.
The Music MA allowed me to tailor the course, so I could study exactly what I wanted to – no other University I looked at was as flexible as Kingston.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. We’re ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and our highly experienced academic staff are active performers, composers and producers themselves.
The Coombehurst Complex and Visconti Studio
As a music student, you’ll access a range of professional studio facilities and practice rooms in our Coombehurst Complex. Here you'll find five recording studios, a computer suite with iMac workstations, plus audio and video editing facilities and band rehearsal rooms.
You’ll even be able to use our flagship Visconti Studio, an analogue-meets-digital space with a 300m² octagonal live room and a selection of vintage and rare recording equipment. This tape-based studio features a unique collection of instruments including a Mellotron, a Hammond organ and a Steinway concert grand piano.
Access to instruments and loans system
Our extensive instrument collection includes around 30 pianos, a harpsichord, drum kits and orchestral and classroom instruments. We also have a double-size Javanese gamelan and a set of djembe drums.
What's more, you can book a range of recording and performing instruments, rooms and equipment through our online system. Studios are open for use 24 hours a day.
Music in the library
The Nightingale Centre’s music library holds an extensive collection of books, anthologies, scores, sheet music, periodicals, and audio and video recordings. Kingston also subscribes to Grove Music Online, RILM and the Naxos online recordings catalogue. You can access these resources from any University workstation.
The Art School Experience
As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where we encourage collaborative working and critical practice.
Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
Course content
The core modules on this Music MA concentrate on research methods and colloquia, and will introduce you to a broad range of issues in music. Subjects are based in music education, performance, composing for media, and music production.
You'll need to take two compulsory modules, totalling 90 credits.
You can then choose a further three optional modules, to total 180 credits altogether.
Please note, optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
The major project offers you the opportunity to focus on an area of your own choice and specialise through written work or composition. You can choose from a wide range of possible topics in composition, production, performance, and education relating to your own interests. In addition, you can join any of the variety of University ensembles or form your own ensemble.
Core modules
60.00 credits
This module supports the development of a major piece of research, or creative work, or performance which is focused on the subject of the student's programme of study. Therefore the nature of the project is chosen from the following: a dissertation; a folio of produced popular music compositions/covers; a folio of sonic arts work; a folio of compositions to moving image; a folio of compositions; or a performance. In the case of the creative work, students will also undertake related research which culminates in a paper or critical commentary to complement and support their creative work. The module is taught through a mixture of seminars and individual tutorials.
30 credits
Researching Music is designed to prepare students for their research and writing on the Music Masters' programmes. The teaching covers academic referencing, creating a bibliography, library skills, use of research online indices such as RILM, writing skills, and approaches to research. Later in the module research seminars will be given by Kingston and visiting researchers/composers/performers which provide opportunities for student discussion on a variety of issues in current music research. The module is assessed through a folio of written work including an extended annotated bibliography, an extended research paper and an online forum.
Optional modules (Please note, these optional modules will vary from year to year)
30 credits
This module gives you a deep and thorough understanding of the processes and techniques involved in recording and producing popular music. It will look at a range of recording techniques and provide you with the opportunity to gain fluency in operating a recording studio. The role of the producer in creating, developing, managing and presenting a recording project will be studied, and students will be equipped with the faculties to produce work that demonstrates creativity and is of a professional standard.
Topics covered will include microphone techniques, digital recording and editing techniques, advanced sequencing, mixing and mastering techniques, creating arrangements and communicating with artists and session musicians, investigating genre-specific production techniques, and analysing contemporary and historical recordings. You will also look at the relationship between the producer and the recording and media business. You will be trained to critically evaluate your own work and position it in the context of the wider music and media business environment. You will use these techniques and skills to create a portfolio of short recordings, accompanied by a commentary detailing the techniques employed, and to develop and present a recording project, with supporting documentation.
30.00 credits
The module is designed to give you a deep and thorough understanding of the processes and techniques involved in popular music composition, and to equip you with the faculties to produce work of a professional standard. You will learn compositional techniques applicable to a range of popular music genres and will employ these to enhance your own personal style and create a portfolio of compositions. The nature of the creative process, how collaborators (co-writers, band members) communicate with each other and with other artists, and how popular music terminology and notation is utilised will be discussed. The position of the songwriter and popular music composer within contemporary society and the wider music and media business will also be examined.
This module will also explore strategies behind the manufacture, marketing, distribution and sale of popular music from a global perspective. You will examine music industry models in an historical context, exploring how practices are evolving through the advent of digital technology. You will explore the factors driving this change with critical appraisal of methods used. Topics covered will include the structure of major and independent record labels, management strategies, identifying a target audience, publicity and marketing within different territories, financing, choice of formats, music video, new media, the live industry, going it alone and the value of popular music as a commodity. You will be assessed on a portfolio of work including a project that demonstrates the marketing and promotion of one of their popular music compositions.
30.00 credits
This module examines the diversity of practice associated with school-based music provision in the UK maintained sector and associated research. Current positions concerning universal entitlement to the subject will be explored and traced back to influential antecedents. You will formulate a critical response to course themes by designing a short investigation exploring the complex transactional character of pedagogy which typifies music lessons across the UK. It will be located in a school if possible, supported by DBS checking (and if necessary, ethics clearance), or alternatively, will be based on student peer teaching.
30.00 credits
This module is core for MMus Performance and is offered as an option for other MA and MMus programmes. The module will address the development of critical and aesthetic insights into both the substance of music and the varied practices of performance required to deliver high quality musical experiences across a range of genres. It considers performance roles, values and practices including issues of meaning in music and emotional responses to music. It will trace the development of aesthetic attitude theories and post-structuralist approaches to understanding and performing a wide range of musical repertoires. Themes explored will include: issues of authenticity, value judgements, virtuosity and the role of the performer. Themed lectures will introduce topics, followed by seminars which will provide opportunities for students to reflect and discuss issues raised in lectures, which are then consolidated in debates that relate ideas to specific texts, repertoires and personal performances. Assessment will be through prepared debates, on topics suggested by the tutor, a critical reflection of a filmed performance and an essay on a related topic selected from a choice provided by the tutor.
30 credits
The module is core for MA Music Education and is offered as an option for the MA Music and other MMus programmes. The module will consider the psychological processes that underpin musical understanding; interpersonal communication; the social construction of meaning and how such processes contribute to the educational philosophies of world cultures. There will be opportunities to investigate the philosophies and practices in music education in a variety of cultural and international contexts including the UK and those of the students themselves.
30 credits
This module is core for MMus Performance and is offered as an option for other Level 7 Music programmes. The module will address the practical issues of preparing and delivering a musical performance. Individual lessons will provide expert tuition on the students' instrument. Practical workshops will provide feedback on a range of technical, interpretational and presentational issues and lectures will prepare students for the written elements. Assessment will be through a recital of 20 minutes duration, a portfolio of promotional and presentational materials for the recital and a critical self evaluation of the performance itself.
30 credits
The module allows the student to develop further understanding of a range of professional roles undertaken by media composers. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of instrumentation and orchestration alongside practical aspects of the business working as a media composer. They will learn traditional and contemporary techniques of writing for instruments and apply those when working with both real and virtual instruments. They will compose music to picture scored for a small ensemble which will be recorded in the Visconti studio. Students will also be required to engage in post-production mastering and mixing, to achieve a fully professional result. Module content also includes in-depth study of real-world aspects of composition, production and exploitation of music in the media. The assignments set reflect these areas of study – from developing musical ideas and producing a detailed score, to dealing with project management, copyright and budget issues.
Kingston University is a great place to develop as a musician, and I've had a fantastic time here. The staff are really helpful and the Visconti Studio is a brilliant place to record.
Career opportunities
Music making at Kingston
Our Performing Arts and Community Engagement (PACE) programme brings together students, staff, alumni and members of the local community. It encompasses all possible combinations of music, dance and drama.
After you graduate
You could go on to a role in the music profession, a teaching position or even further studies such as a PGCE, MPhil or PhD. The blended nature of this MA means you’ll graduate equipped for a range of careers in areas like:
- Music and arts administration
- The music business
- School, higher education and instrumental teaching
- Outreach work and educational workshops
- Music composition and arranging
- Professional performance and conducting
- Music publishing
- Wider commercial and business environments
Teaching and assessment
Our Music MA allows you to design your own programme of study to match your interests, strengths and career aspirations. You select three optional modules from a wide range of music topics and/or closely related subjects.
You undertake a variety of forms of assessment, including essays, critiques, position papers, ensemble performances, a portfolio of compositions/recordings, practical projects, recording projects, presentations, research papers and a dissertation.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically involves reading and analysing articles, regulations, policy documents and key texts, documenting individual projects, preparing coursework assignments and completing your PEDRs, etc.
Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the University's online virtual learning platform.
At Kingston University, we know that postgraduate students have particular needs and therefore we have a range of support available to help you during your time here.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 10% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Depending upon modules chosen:
- 92% coursework, 8% practical
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
To give you an indication of class sizes, these will vary depending upon which options you choose from 10 to 30; however this can vary by academic year. The shared research module for all masters students may enroll up to 60.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,300 |
| Part Time | £5,665 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £20,700 |
| Part Time | £11,385 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £9,900 |
| Part Time | £5,445 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,900 |
| Part Time | £10,945 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
Interested in studying a Music MA at Kingston? The following funding support is available:
Get a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. Find out more.
Receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in your first year of study. Find out more.
Get a 15% reduction in tuition fees. Find out more.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full- and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni. Visit our alumni discount page to find out more.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you attend events outside of University, you’ll need to cover the entrance fees and travel costs. We estimate museum and exhibition entrance fees to be around £50.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
After you apply
If the admission tutor wants to see your portfolio, we will email asking you to upload your zipped portfolio to the OSIS portal within three weeks. If we need more information or want to invite you for an interview, we will be in touch directly. After that you will then hear whether your application has been successful.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
