Master

In Manchester

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Master

  • Location

    Manchester

  • Duration

    3 Years

  • Start date

    September


Our Master is a dynamic, well-established and highly regarded three-year course which admits students of a high calibre. With a range of options to choose from, the Master at Manchester enables you to build upon existing interests while allowing you the room to discover new forms of music and new ways of understanding, performing and creating music. Regular updates in the course content reflect the latest research in music scholarship and our internationally recognised academics, together with our roster of professional instrumental and vocal tutors, provide the platform for excellence in both practical music making and academic study.

The Master provides excellence across four strands of musical study:


Performance


Composition


...

Facilities

Location

Start date

Manchester (Greater Manchester)
See map
Oxford Road, M13 9PL

Start date

SeptemberEnrolment now open

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Subjects

  • Voice
  • Staff
  • Drama
  • Composition
  • Sound
  • Art
  • University
  • Joint
  • Music
  • Humanities
  • Musical
  • Musicology

Course programme


The course aims to:
Enable you to engage in the advanced study of musical performance, musical composition, musicology, ethnomusicology and music analysis within a research-rich and musically lively environment.
Provide opportunities for you to develop specialized and high-level skills in the sub-disciplines of musical performance, musical composition, musicology, ethnomusicology and music analysis.
Stimulate your curiosity and enthusiasm to study music in its practical, creative and intellectual contexts, and to explore the inherent interconnections between these three facets of the discipline.
Enable you to investigate the innate interdisciplinarity of music by exploring the broader social, cultural, aesthetic and scientific contexts in which it is created, heard and received.
Enable you both to develop your strengths and specialisms, and to explore new aspects of the discipline by allowing the maximum possible flexibility and choice of course-units within the programme.
Facilitate the development of your creative imagination and skills of critical self-awareness.
Enable you to develop skills in interpreting, synthesizing and critically evaluating information.
Encourage the use of technology as applicable to the study of music as a creative art.

Prepare you for the successful development of careers - both within and outside the field of music -
that involve critical judgement, creative problem-solving, teamwork and well-developed communication skills.
The superb Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall at the heart of the department, part of the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
Regular performances of student work by Vaganza, the student-run new music group

Over 50 concerts organised and performed by the Manchester University Music Society
every year
Over 100 concerts and events presented by the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama

NOVARS Research Centre
for innovations in electroacoustic composition, sound art and computer music
An inclusive series of Thursday afternoon research events that bring together academic staff, professional performers and composers, postgraduate students and undergraduate students
A cosmopolitan city bursting with music, the arts and the creative industries
A large and diverse university community with an award-winning careers service
Access to a range of course-units beyond Music, from modern languages to the Manchester Leadership Programme

The Study Abroad
programme provides an option to study at a partner institution during your second year of the Master
With a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and one-to-one performance coaching, our learning environment is open, friendly and designed to inspire. By providing a challenging, flexible and exciting course, we help students to reach new heights in all areas of study and musical activity, developing the well-rounded skillset required of today's graduates. Naturally, an important element of your time at university is to develop as an independent learner, and there are many formal assessments as well as unassessed weekly tasks that require dedicated, self-motivated study and practice.
Our model of research-bachelorsed teaching places students at the heart of the learning process, enabling them to ask complex, original questions and to apply different methods for answering them. But making the step up to university study can be quite a challenge, especially if you have limited experience of independent study. The Music department and the university more widely therefore offer a range of support to help you make the transition. In first year, for example, all Music students are assigned to a small tutorial group which meets most Mondays during term time. The group is run by your academic tutor and provides you with an opportunity to try out new ideas and receive feedbachelorck on your progress. All academic staff run two weekly consultation hours, where the office door is open for any question relating to your studies, progress or university life. We also host an active peer support network, including weekly study sessions organised and run by second and third year students. And music students at Manchester are always developing their knowledge and skills beyond the course, through the large range of extra-curricular opportunities provided by the Music Society, from performance and rehearsal to concert management and marketing.
Coursework is regularly assigned and assessed either continually or at the end of the semester, depending on the course units taken. Students have opportunities to take classes in which presentations may count as an assessed element. Many of our students choose to present a formal recital for assessment on their instrument. Methods of assessment are clearly published six months before the unit begins.
In the first year of the programme students are automatically enrolled on courses in solo performance and aural skills but you may opt not to take them once you begin your studies. As you'll see from the list of course units provided below, the compulsory, introductory units during first year include composition (`Sonic Invention'), music theory/analysis and musicology.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optionalTonality: Form and Function
MUSC10011
10
Mandatory
Sonic Invention A
MUSC10311
10
Mandatory
Sonic Invention B
MUSC10312
10
Mandatory
Approaches to Musicology
MUSC10511
20
Mandatory
Music and Its Contexts
MUSC10512
20
Mandatory
Tonality: Motive and Meaning
MUSC10022
10
Optional
Techniques of Tonal Harmony
MUSC10112
10
Optional
Musical Notation
MUSC10212
10
Optional
Aural Skills
MUSC10221
10
Optional
Solo Performance 1
MUSC10600
20
Optional
There are no compulsory course units. Certain course units in year 3 require pre-requisites to be taken in year 2 (e.g., you must study Solo Recital in year 2 in order to take Recital in year 3).
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optionalAnalysis
MUSC20011
20
Optional
Harmony and Counterpoint
MUSC20112
10
Optional
Sound Design
MUSC20151
10
Optional
Electroacoustic Composition ( Fixed and Interactive) A
MUSC20161
10
Optional
Electroacoustic Composition (Fixed and Interactive) B
MUSC20162
10
Optional
Sound & Digital Entertainment Technologies
MUSC20172
10
Optional
Music post 1900
MUSC20221
20
Optional
Instrumental Composition
MUSC20321
20
Optional
Vocal Composition
MUSC20362
10
Optional
Music & Consumption in the Digital Age
MUSC20511
20
Optional
Solo Performance II
MUSC20600
20
Optional
Ensemble Performance 20 Credits
MUSC20630
20
Optional
Ensemble Performance 10 Credits
MUSC20640
10
Optional
Music Cultures of the World
MUSC20721
20
Optional
Early Opera
MUSC20932
20
Optional
The String Quartet
MUSC21022
20
Optional
Classical Harmony
MUSC21031
10
Optional
Displaying 10 of 17 course units for year 2
Display all course units for year 2
There are no compulsory course units but students must select at least one 40-credit course-unit and may opt to take two.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optionalAnalysis
MUSC30011
20
Optional
Composition Portfolio
MUSC30300
40
Optional
Dissertation
MUSC30400
40
Optional
Aesthetics
MUSC30502
20
Optional
Advanced study in Musicology or Ethnomusicology A
MUSC30510
20
Optional
Advanced Study in Musicology or Ethnomusicology B
MUSC30520
40
Optional
Composition for Film and Interactive Media: Film Music
MUSC30541
20
Optional
Recital
MUSC30600
40
Optional
Participatory Music in Theory and Practice
MUSC30801
20
Optional
Making Art Public
SALC30061
20
Optional
Modern Spanish Music: A Cultural History
SPLA31082
20
Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 3
Display all course units for year 3
(Students on Joint Course with RNCM only)

Following graduation from the Master, students complete the GRNCM at the college during year 4.
'The best thing about studying Music is that you're not anonymous. The tutors all know who you are, and are always willing to help you out in any way they can' (Laura Kirker, Master).
`The nature of the Music department at the University of Manchester is such that any person involved with it feels like part of a family, and, as such, many of those people have a positive university experience that is unique, differing significantly from many students studying different degrees at different universities. I felt privileged to be part of that' (Alex Plim, Master).
`The Music Department felt like a very supportive environment in which you would be encouraged to follow whatever path most interested you' (Helen Tonge, Master).
`The work ethic, high standards and wonderful enthusiasm and love for music I picked up during five years studying music at Manchester has been a constant source of inspiration' (Rob Stewardson, Master, MusM).
`Manchester University was a brilliant preparation for life as a freelance musician....I loved my time at the University and was surrounded by supportive people, both staff and fellow students, who helped me to get the most out of myself' (Sophie Mather, Joint Course).
`The facilities for electroacoustic music at Manchester were key to my success during my degree. I had access to an unrivalled studio space that cultivated my craft and facilitated my creativity. In addition to these fantastic resources I also benefited from the strong composer community that provided a sounding board for many of my ideas, music and aspirations. The standard of the music and research from this community was incredibly high and instilled within me a meticulous desire for quality' (Manuella Blackburn, Master, MusM, PhD).
The  Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama 
 was opened in 2003, following a £6 million investment from the university. As a result students can take advantage of state-of-the-art equipment and resources, including the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall, The John Thaw Studio Theatre, the Lenagan Library and the John Casken Lecture Theatre, as well as specialist rehearsal and practice spaces. In addition, £2.2 million was invested in new electroacoustic composition studios, which opened in 2007 and are the home of the  NOVARS Research Centre
.
Beyond the Martin Harris Centre, the University of Manchester Library is a national research library with extensive collection of scores, sound recordings, books and a huge range of electronic resources. The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons provides a state-of-the-art study space with meeting rooms, presentation facilities and computer facilities.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants from the Disability Support Office: disability@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
A Music degree from Manchester provides excellent training for a host of careers, both within and outside of Music: it doesn't limit you - employers will recognise that you are dedicated, creative, versatile, an excellent team player, highly organised, can work independently and have exceptional powers of concentration. Since 2010 our graduates' career destinations include:
Associate Conductor, Hallé Orchestra
Digital Content Producer, BBC
VoiceLab Manager, Southbachelornk Centre
NHS Graduate Management Scheme
Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Music Supervisor, PlayNetwork,
Account Manager, Saatchi & Saatchi
Composer, Faber Music
Marketing Officer, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Many of our alumni and recent graduates have established successful careers as freelance performers and composers. Manchester has a proud history of producing graduates who have gone on to careers as professional musicians; with our strengths in this area, many students choose the Master as a platform for postgraduate training at one of the leading conservatoires.

See our list of alumni and recent graduate profiles

The University holds Open Days regularly (usually June, September and October) where you have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about the facilities and courses we offer.
On this day you will find out more about the School and its resources, and meet members of academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

36-35 points overall (core points accepted), inc. 6 or 7 in three Higher Level subjects, one of which must be Music.
Also required is Associated Board (or equiv. examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.

NB: Joint course with RNCM requires 35-37 points (core points accepted), inc. 6 in Music at Higher level.
A2A2A2B2B2 at Higher Level, to include A in Music
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice. General Studies and Practical Music are welcomed but not included as part of the standard offer.
Grades AAAAB: accepted only in conjunction with 3 Advanced Highers at Grades shown.

NB: Joint course with RNCM requires Grades AAAAA-AAAAB plus 3 Adv Highers, to include Grade A in Music.

See also Advanced Highers, for Practical Music qualifications required.
Grades AAB with grade A in Music.
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice. General Studies and Practical Music are welcomed but not included as part of the standard offer.

NB: Joint course with RNCM requires AAA-AAB with grade A in Music.
We welcome and recognise the value of the Advanced Welsh bachelorccalaureate and normally require two A Levels to be included within this. For applicants holding the newly reformed Advanced core (first teaching 2015), the grade required will normally be the same as the lowest A Level grade listed in the course entry requirements. We advise you to contact us if you require clarification on the acceptability of your specific portfolio of qualifications.
77-75% with a mark of 10 in Music
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.
We welcome the AQA bachelorccalaureate - offers will be made on the bachelorsis of the A-level components.  See A-level section for subject and grade requirements. General Studies and Practical Music are welcomed but not included as part of the standard offer.
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.
The University of Manchester has a rich academic heritage and is one of the world's leading research-intensive universities. It also has a long history of welcoming international students and seeks to continue this tradition by admitting excellent students from across the world. Details of country specific entry requirements are available from the University website
.
BTec Diploma in a Humanities-related subject, with a minimum of 60 credits awarded at Distinction, 50 credits at Merit and 10 credits at Pass, PLUS A-level Grade A in Music.
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.
Not accepted unless accompanied by Grade A in Music at A-level.  Overall 60 credits are required with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade (15 of which must be in English), plus 15 credits with a Merit grade in a Humanities-related subject.
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.
The University welcomes applicants with the AP qualification. Such applications will be considered on an individual bachelorsis.
Both the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, and Principal Subjects in combination with A levels, are accepted by the School. Please see A-level requirements for grades and subject requirements for individual courses. For admissions purposes grade D3 will be considered comparable to grade A at A level and grade M1 comparable to grade B at A level.
Also required is Associated Board (or equivalent examinations) grade VIII, preferably at Distinction, on an instrument or voice.
The Globachelorl Perspectives short course will not form part of your offer.  However, we recognise the value of this course and recommend that you draw upon this learning and experience when composing your personal statement.
The University of Manchester welcomes the introduction of the level 3 specialised diplomas. We look forward to providing guidance regarding progression opportunities and subject and grade requirements for Music courses when further details on the Humanities
 Line of Learning is published.
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project (EP) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. The Extended Project is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result the University will not include it in the conditions of any offer made to you. However, if you choose to undertake the EP we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as it may be taken into account when your application is considered.
If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher...

Music Master

Price on request