Course summary
Engage in a unique course that covers the diverse fields of music and sound. Within a vibrant musical community located in the heart of global London, you will develop skills in a topic of your choice including music performance and scholarship, contemporary composition and sound practices. You will learn directly from world-leading artists and scholars who are active creators and researchers. You will collaborate with international visitors in workshops and masterclasses. You will receive training in fundamental research skills, culminating in a major project in creative practice or scholarly research. You will refine and develop a topic of your choice in close consultation with an individual supervisor. Topics include notated and digital music, sound arts, interdisciplinary practices; classical, jazz, and popular performance and improvisation; historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music analysis, and sound studies. You may get involved in our research centre SPARC (Sound Practice and Research at City) and our ground-breaking record label multi.modal distributed by NMC Recordings.
Modules
On City's MA by Research in Music, you will take a 30-credits core module in which you will enhance your understanding and engage critically with current issues in music research and creative practice. You will then submit a 150-credit Major Project, which allows you to develop your research or creative practice in a variety of ways based on a topic you refine and pursue in consultation with your Major Project supervisor.
Assessment method
Engagement with professional practice will be central to your learning. You will learn through a combination of lectures, group seminars, practical workshops, one-to-one tutorials and individual learning. One-to-one instrumental or vocal tuition from leading professional performers is available to those who qualify. We give you the chance to present your work in our annual City Summer Sounds Festival, as well as at our Postgraduate Research Conference. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including:
- professional recording and composition studios
- an acoustically treated performance space
- computer laboratories
- rehearsal rooms
- and unique world music instruments.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally hold (or expect to gain) an upper second class honours degree. While most students come with a first degree in Music or Music Technology, we do consider applicants with a good honours degree in related subjects in the arts, humanities, and sciences if they can demonstrate musical expertise and experience. The application consists of: - A personal statement and topic proposal (ca. 1,000 words). Use this opportunity to demonstrate why you wish to undertake the MA, how this relates to your future career plans, and what topic you wish to research for your MA Major Project - A transcript of your undergraduate degree - An essay (2,000-3,000 words) on a musical or related topic demonstrating critical skills and writing ability. Most applicants submit an essay completed as part of their undergraduate studies - If relevant to your proposed topic, an electronic portfolio of three examples of practice-based work. Please include non-expiring links to recordings, scores, videos, multimedia work, or software - If you wish to send files or hard copies, please email [email protected]
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £6909 | Year 1 |
| England | £2625 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2625 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2625 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2625 | Year 1 |
| International | £6909 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
City, University of London
Northampton Square
City of London
EC1V 0HB