MA Composition of Music for Film and Television
- MA
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 and creative experience in television, film and game scoring, and practical insight into today’s media industry.
The MA is taught within our high-specification composition and recording studios, which have full-time technical support. You will make the most of the collaborative opportunities we set up, within and beyond the University, for projects in film, animation, documentary, games and more. You will also be actively encouraged to develop your own opportunities and networks.
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 media composition practice including production music, TV and documentary, and to music for games and other non-linear forms. 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 related screen media projects (a total of approximately 18 to 20 minutes of music for up to 50 minutes of viewing time).
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
You will typically need 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.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of six months relevant work experience in media composition, professional musician, studio work, film work
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
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.
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
- Home: full-time
- £13,700 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,500 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 and scholarships
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.
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.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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