Course summary
The NFTS trains composers in both live and synth/sample-based music for the moving image in a production context closely modelled on industry working practices. Graduate Dario Marianelli won the Oscar for Best Music (Original Score) for Atonement and was BAFTA-nominated this year for Darkest Hour. Students will compose for a wide variety of audio visual material and collaborate closely with those in other specialisms to produce several films – with all production costs met by the School. In particular, composers work closely with other students in Editing and Sound Post Production, increasing their understanding of the relationship between audio and moving images. We offer a flexible curriculum adaptable to our students’ individual needs, with individual music suites, recording sessions with live musicians and education in business, legal and professional skills. Composing graduates are qualified to take on all forms of work in film and television as well as productions in multimedia and interactive programming. All NFTS students can attend Masterclasses. Recent guests include David Fincher (Fight Club), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave), Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Ben Wheatley (Free Fire), Rapman (Blue Story), Louis Theroux, Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone), Denis Villeneuve (Bladerunner 2049), Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here), Sam Mendes (1917), Asif Kapadia (Senna), Joanna Hogg (The Souvenir), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and Martin Phipps (The Crown). This course is industry recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.
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.
Assessment method
Assessment is based on a dissertation and a graduation film.
Entry requirements
The Composing MA course is part of the Post Production department, where we are looking to assemble a group of students with diverse and varied backgrounds. There is no 'typical' student or perfect candidate who conforms to a mandatory list of qualifications. You might have had some Industry experience in your chosen field, or a background in the arts or other media. You may now be looking for a further professional qualification, or wish to broaden your knowledge of composing for screen, taking you to a higher level of work. Students normally have a degree in music but applicants with equivalent practical experience are also accepted; some composing experience is preferred. We look for composers with a strong personal style, a flexible approach and an intelligent feel for drama and narrative. Candidates should normally be able to notate the music they 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 applicants have a strong and demonstrable interest in film. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26000 | Year 1 |
| International | £26000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
NFTS Scholarships available for UK Students.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG