Music MA

Our Music MA allows you to design your own programme of study to match your interests, strengths and career aspirations. You select five optional modules from a wide range of music topics and/or closely related subjects.
You also enhance your research/project development skills and broaden your knowledge base through studying four core modules.
You further tailor the course to your own interests by undertaking either:
a major piece of original research on a topic of your own choice - this takes the form of a dissertation. You will receive guidance from a specialist tutor plus core modules teaching research, project planning and development skills; or
develop a folio of compositions with supporting recording and critical commentary. You will receive guidance from a specialist tutor plus core modules teaching research, project planning and development skills.
The curriculum is enriched by the eclectic view we take of musical styles and genres at Kingston, exploiting the diversity of a repertoire encompassing western classical music, popular and world musics.
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.
We offer a part-time option to enable you to complete your MA alongside other commitments.

A high proportion of Music MA students obtain employment on graduation – either in the music profession itself, in related areas or in teaching – or enrol for further study (eg PGCE, MPhil or PhD). For those students who are already in employment and undertake the course part-time, the award may accelerate promotion and open up new opportunities.

The nature of the Music MA at Kingston – combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills across a broad musical curriculum – equips graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

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; and
music publishing.
The high level of research and transferable skills you acquire during your studies also makes careers in the wider commercial and business environments available to you.

A good honours degree in music from either the UK or abroad (this may be in a specialist field such as popular music, music education or music technology). Typical entry qualifications are an honours degree in music at 2.2 or above (2.1 preferred).
We may ask applicants to submit an essay as evidence of strength in written work, and applicants who wish to specialise in composition in the Major Project must submit a folio of three contrasting compositions.