Study Music MA: Composition at Kingston University in the UK, Composition

Music MA: Composition

UK

3

What will I learn?

Join a vibrant community of sonic innovators where your unique musical voice takes centre stage. Our MA Music: composition pathway offers a dynamic environment where you can refine your craft across a range of styles, from contemporary classical and experimental sound art to scoring for film, games, and digital media. You will be able to master traditional techniques and explore the new possibilities of cutting-edge music technology. Whether you are manipulating live electronics, exploring spatial audio, or writing for acoustic instruments, you will have access to our unique studios and have opportunities to develop artistic collaborations. This pathway will give you opportunities to develop your composition skills across a wide range of genres and explore opportunities for collaborations with other musicians as well as artists working in other media.​

Studying an MA in Composition at Kingston University can lead to a range of careers, both in the industry and in related fields.​ ​Graduates can go on to work in theatre, broadcast media, music production and as freelance composers.​ If you’re already employed, this programme is an opportunity to upgrade your skills and open new opportunities.


During the course, you’ll study composition techniques across a range of musical and media styles, expand your creative horizons, and experiment with cutting-edge the technology. ​You will also have opportunities to collaborate with music students in other pathways and with students in a range of other performing arts and multimedia disciplines for example, dance, drama, animation, filmmaking and graphic design.​


Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning to your specialities and interests. You’ll analyse relevant music examples and construct creative portfolios that allow you to expand your abilities and find your own compositional voice. You’ll be able to use recording studios, rehearsal rooms and our synthesis/sampling lab to practise and improve your skills.


You’ll create a unique portfolio of music through your major project, with the support and guidance of our staff members.



Which department am I in?

Composition

Study options

Full Time (2 Years)

Tuition fees
£21,500.00 (US$ 27,766) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Kingston Hill

Kingston University,

Kingston Hill,

Kingston Upon Thames,

Surrey,

KT2 7LB, Southern England, United Kingdom

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees
£21,500.00 (US$ 27,766) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Kingston Hill

Kingston University,

Kingston Hill,

Kingston Upon Thames,

Surrey,

KT2 7LB, Southern England, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

The typical offer for this course is a 2:2 or higher in music from the UK or abroad. If you dont have a music degree, we will consider your application individually if you have:

  • Relevant experience in music composition (as evidenced through a portfolio) and qualifications in other subjects, such as an honours degree in a different subject
  • Equivalent professional experience, such as work as a professional performer or composer
  • Advanced conservatoire study, which has not led to a degree

We will ask you to submit a link to an online portfolio of three compositions in any style The portfolio should aim to showcase your compositional skill and invention. The works submitted can be audio- or score-based compositions or a mixture of approaches and genres.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About Kingston University

92 percent of Kingston University graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

  • Renowned school of art and design
  • Top national rankings in creative disciplines
  • Industry placements and Future Skills embedded into courses
  • Safe, well-connected location 30 minutes from central London

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