Music (Performance, Composition, Musicology)

We offer a broad-based MMus programme with three pathways: musicology, performance and composition. All three pathways can be used as professional training for themselves, or as preparation for PhD study. Students in our MMus programme benefit from intensive one-to-one instruction with world-leading experts in music history, cultural studies of music, performance studies and analysis; internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers; and prominent composers of contemporary art music, electronic music, media music (including film, television and video game music) and jazz.

The MMus programme in music provides a flexible course of study. Its goal is a professional research project, recital or composition portfolio.

Tutors work with each student from the outset of the course to form a portfolio relevant to the student's specific professional aims, whether further research at doctoral level, a career in the music industry or the wider cultural sector, or work as a teacher or free-lance musician. We recognise that music has increasingly become a 'portfolio career' and aim to provide our MMus students with a platform for success in whatever area of music their aspirations lie. Thus the broad modular structure of our programme allows for cross-over between the pathways.

Programme Structure

This programme is divided into 180 credits. 105 credits are obtained from taught modules with the remaining 75 credits relating to the dissertation.

Typical course content

Composition

Compulsory modules: Composition portfolio, Composition seminar and Analytical Techniques, Individual Research Project Optional module: One from: individually negotiated topics; or modules from other music pathways or another Humanities MA programme

Musicology

Compulsory modules: Analytical Techniques; Critical Practice in Musicology; Research skills 1 and 2, Individual Research Project One optional modules: Either individually negotiated topics; or modules from other music pathways or another Humanities MA programme Plus: Dissertation (20,000 words)

Performance

Core modules: Elements of musical performance; Performance teaching seminar; Research skills 1; Professional recitals 1 and 2Compulsory modules: Individual Research Project Optional module: Individually Negotiated Topic (see Musicology), or another Humanities MA module.

Year 1

• Different core and option modules apply for the different pathways. These are shown by letters after the module codes. M = Musicology, P = Performance and C = Composition

• By special arrangement Performance pathway students may choose MUSI6026 in Semester One although this will result in a high workload

• Students may take a 'free elective' for all music pathways - they should contact MMus Convenor if they wish to take a non-Music option
• MUSI6035 Individuual Reserach Project is Compulsory for all MMUs pathways, but students can choose whether to take the module in Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Therefore it is listed below in both smesters, but this does not mean it is started in Semester 1 and contuined into Semester 2).

DegreeFirst- or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in Music or related subject.English LanguageIELTS 6.5, or equivalent in other approved English language test.Selection process: Intake: Variable Average applicants per place: 4Musicology: a sample of written work (eg. an undergraduate essay) Performance and Composition: a live or recorded audition or a portfolio of compositions. The MMus admissions tutor hears live auditions each year in Asia, the Middle East and North America. Please contact him for further information.Admissions Tutor: Dr Valeria De Lucca; V.Delucca@soton.ac.uk English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

AHRC Block Grant; Faculty studentships may be available.