Course summary
Hone your skills as a performer and benefit from our expertise in instrumental and vocal performance. Gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to perform at an advanced level. You'll develop and refine your skills as a performing musician through expert individual tuition and performance classes, seminars, and tutorials. As well as enhancing your professional skills as a performer, you'll gain the knowledge you need to build a music career. Our practical employability module will give you the tools to become a successful music professional. At Birmingham you'll receive instrumental or vocal tuition through one-to-one lessons by leading professional performers from the University or the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. You can also take advantage of the early performance opportunities available through our Collective for Early Music Performance and Research (CEMPR).
- We're leading developments in performing and studying music. Discover our range of module options covering current UK and global music practices.
- Access facilities including the Bramall Music Building, and the University Music Hub with a recording studio and flexible rehearsal spaces.
- Develop industry specific and transferable skills suited to a range of careers.
- Top 10 for Music in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
Modules
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit solo recital. Visit the course page on the University of Birmingham website for the most up-to-date module information.
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Music. We can consider an Honours degree in another subject if you have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. In your personal statement, please include the MA Music pathway you're applying for in the first paragraph. All applicants for pathways in performance must submit a sample of written work. This needs to be in English and at least 1,500 words. The written work should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references. You'll also need to present a 20-minute audition where you play a varied programme focusing on Western classical repertoire. The audition should include a brief spoken introduction to the programme, discussing the repertoire performed. This needs to be spoken in English. All applicants are expected to submit a video-recorded audition through an internet video link, (e.g., YouTube/Vimeo/Youku or Dropbox/WeTransfer/YouSendIt). The URL should be pasted into a text document and uploaded to the application portal. The video and written work should be submitted at the same time as your application or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If these aren't provided in this timeframe then your application may be declined.
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
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT