Course summary
Train in live and synth/sample-based music for moving image productions. Modelled on industry working practices, you will compose for a wide variety of audio-visual material and work closely with other students including those from Editing and Sound Post Production, increasing your understanding of the relationship between audio and moving images. You will graduate with a number of credits which can include fiction, animation and science and natural history films, television and games. Oscar winning NFTS Graduate Dario Marianelli - "I didn't just learn about music in films: I learnt to collaborate and communicate with film-makers, in a very fruitful and stimulating way." We offer a flexible curriculum adaptable to our students’ individual needs, with access to individual music suites, recording sessions with live musicians and education in business, legal and professional skills. On graduating, you’ll be qualified to take on all forms of work in film and television, as well as productions in multimedia and interactive programming. Course Facilities You will have access to your own composing cabin which will be your exclusive studio space. Our 20 composer studios are equipped with Apple Mac workstations running Logic, Sibelius and ProTools. We also have a dedicated Music Recording Studio for recording live music.
Modules
Year One: “Springboard” Cross Specialisation Introductory Workshop; Non-collaborative Workshops; Without Images; Animation Projects; Sound & Music in Documentary; Beyond Time; Investigative Documentary; Screen Studies; Music Composition. In year one, you will be taught the techniques and contexts which inform writing music for the screen. It starts with an intensive process during which you will compose to a variety of exercises, each one chosen to focus on a particular aspect of film composition. Further exercises concentrate on scoring for live instruments, the combination of live and electro-acoustic elements and the integration of a limited range of sound design into film scores. You will also work on projects generated by other students at the NFTS and participate in visits from industry professionals. In year two, activities will be dominated primarily by films and other projects including games and science and natural history, working with students from across the School. Lectures, seminars and occasional workshops will be provided alongside to clarify and expand issues arising from those projects.
Assessment method
Assessment is based on a dissertation and a graduation film.
Entry requirements
There is no 'typical' student or perfect candidate who conforms to a mandatory list of qualifications. Students normally have a degree in music. You may have a background in the arts or equivalent practical experience, with some composing experience preferred. We look for composers with a strong personal style, a flexible approach and an intelligent feel for drama and narrative. You should normally be able to notate the music you wish to be performed acoustically, have an understanding of the main historical styles and be able to communicate with others using non-musical terms. It is essential that you have a strong and demonstrable interest in film. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students with EU settled / pre-settled status will be eligible for home fees subject to residency checks.
There is a non-refundable £25 application fee for each MA application.
A non-refundable deposit of £500 is required against the cost of your fees on confirmation of your place.
As a part of our admissions selection process for this course, following a successful interview, applicants are required to attend a selection workshop for two days, which has a fee of £70.
All production costs are included in the course fees, including the use of School facilities and equipment.
We will do all we can to help you make the finances work to come to the NFTS, so please visit our funding guide to find out more about what support is available to you.
Sponsorship information
NFTS Scholarships available for UK Students.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG