Overview

This programme provides professional training in composition for screen media. Taught by staff and guest composers from the professional world, you will develop a strong technological foundation in the subject, along with specialist understanding of television and screen scoring.

The MA is taught within our high-specification composition and recording studios, which have full-time technical support. You will be actively encouraged to build opportunities and networks, both within and beyond the University, for projects in film, animation, documentary, games and more.

In the first term, you will study units introducing you to working and recording in studios, and the core skills of film scoring. You will also take one elective unit. In the second term, the programme moves on to critical analysis of media music, and media composition practice including production music, TV and documentary. This work feeds into original collaborations that you may choose to include in your final portfolio.

The vibrant musical life of the Department of Music provides opportunities for student and professional performance, and we are located at the heart of one of the UK's leading cities for broadcast, commercial and creative screen media.

Programme structure

There are four core units and you will be able to choose two optional units from a wide selection that address further compositional skills, and the study of film, TV and other screen media. You will also complete a media composition portfolio/dissertation: a substantial portfolio of original music for new collaborative films and/or extracts and related projects (a total of 18 to 20 minutes of music for up to 50 minutes of footage).

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Music, plus experience as a composer, demonstrated by a portfolio of your music. For further information on the required portfolio and the expected format, please see the Department of Music website. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£13,200 per year
Overseas: full-time
£28,400 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found on the MyWorld website

Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Students who have completed the MA in Composition of Music for Film and Television have taken up careers as music composers, sound designers, recording managers and educators.

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