Course summary
Studying Composition at Masters level prepares you for professional life as a composer. It allows you to explore and refine your individual artistic voice within the collaborative atmosphere of a busy, modern conservatoire, while also giving you the space for self-reflection. The Master of Music in Composition (MMus) or Master of Composition [Guildhall Artist] (MPerf) is awarded to classical composition and students studying with the Electronic & Produced Music departments. Guildhall School offers some of the most stimulating and creative training for composers in the UK. Studying composition at Masters level prepares you for professional life as a composer. It allows you to explore and refine your individual artistic voice within the collaborative atmosphere of a busy, modern conservatoire, while also giving you the space for self-reflection. The programmes centre around weekly one-to-one Principal Study lessons. You will be allocated to one of the department’s distinguished faculty of composers, who will guide your creative participation on core projects across the year. The outcomes of core projects are all workshopped, rehearsed, publicly performed and recorded. Weekly composition seminars and open sessions support technical, aesthetic and professional development, and a choice of elective modules support specific aspects of your development. Programme Structure MMus – one year full-time/two years part-time MComp – two years full-time or two years part-time and one year full-time MMus/MComp is awarded to classical composition and students studying with the Electronic & Produced Music departments.
- see the Electronic Music department page for more details on the principal study options available.
Assessment method
Assessment is mostly based on evaluation of product (e.g. a composition) but learning processes are assessed too; feedback is a key feature across all methods and modules. The main focus of assessment is formative throughout with the number of summative assessments is kept each year to the minimum necessary. The main types of assessment are: composition portfolio, written assignments, individual presentations and progress reports
Entry requirements
Selection to the programme is based on evaluation of compositions and colloquium. Candidates are assessed on their potential to achieve the minimum standard of Master’s level in PS. The minimum academic qualification for entry is an Undergraduate degree with Honours in Music, or an international equivalent. Undergraduate degrees with Honours in any other subjects can be considered if accompanied by evidence of significant musical activities and achievements.
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
Fees are variable depending on the mode of study. Please consult the School website for more information: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/fees-and-funding
Sponsorship information
The School does its best to ensure that no student who is offered a place on merit is prevented from taking up that place on grounds of financial hardship and so a range of financial support is offered. The School offers a wide range of scholarships to students regardless of domicile. A scholarship award may be made to cover either the full cost of tuition fees or a fraction of them, and may include an element for maintenance. Awards are made by academic staff to individuals on the basis of their talent, their potential and their personal financial need. Applicants may be considered for a scholarship at audition and a scholarship may be given along with an offer of a place at the School. All students who accept a place at the School can also apply for scholarship support.
Provider information
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street
City of London
EC2Y 8DT