Los Angeles

What you'll study

The programme balances advanced musicianship and theatre-specific practice. Core academic modules typically include advanced music theory and analysis, research methods in music and theatre, and the history and aesthetics of musical theatre. Practical and studio modules commonly cover vocal and instrumental performance, repertoire and interpretation, composition and arranging for theatre, conducting and rehearsal techniques, scene study for singers, and stagecraft and production for musical performance.

Students usually choose from elective options that reflect the department's strengths and local industry connections, such as scoring for film and television, music supervision, orchestration, dramaturgy for musical theatre, voice pedagogy, movement for singers, and technology-based modules (recording, live sound and DAW-based composition).

The programme structure normally combines taught coursework with a major culminating project: either a research thesis, a public recital/fully staged production, or a capstone portfolio of compositions and production materials. Assessment methods include written essays, performance juries, composition portfolios, practical production assessments and the final project.

Entry requirements

• A UK-equivalent undergraduate degree in music, music-related studies, theatre, or a closely related discipline. Applicants with strong professional experience in performance, composition or musical theatre may also be considered.
• Demonstrated musicianship through a recorded or live audition/portfolio: examples include recital recordings, compositions, production work or video of staged performances. Specific audition requirements vary by pathway (performance, composition or research).
• Academic transcripts and a personal statement outlining your artistic goals, proposed area of study and how the programme aligns with your career plans.
• One or more academic or professional references that speak to your experience and potential for postgraduate study.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of English language proficiency at the level required by the university (such as an approved IELTS/TOEFL equivalent) is typically required.

Career prospects

Graduates proceed to a wide range of careers in performance, creation and industry-facing roles. Typical destinations include work as solo and ensemble performers, musical theatre leads and ensemble members, conductors and rehearsal pianists, composers and arrangers, orchestrators, and music directors for theatre and live productions.

Many alumni move into screen and media music roles—film/TV scoring, music supervision and studio composition—benefitting from the programme's practical training in media-related modules. Other pathways include arts administration, dramaturgy, stage and production management, voice teaching and private tuition, further doctoral study, or freelance careers combining performance, composition and production.

Why study at Los Angeles

Studying in Los Angeles places you in a global centre for live theatre, musical theatre and the screen industries. The university's location offers practical advantages: proximity to professional theatres, recording studios, production houses and a dense network of practitioners in music and film.

The programme typically leverages visiting artists, industry masterclasses and collaborative projects with neighbouring departments (such as film, dance and dramatic arts), giving students regular opportunities for interdisciplinary work and real-world placements. Facilities commonly include performance venues, rehearsal rooms, recording studios and technology suites that support both acoustic and media-focused pathways.

Whether you aim for a career on stage, in the studio or behind the scenes, the combination of high-level training, industry links and the creative ecosystem of Los Angeles provides a practical, career-oriented environment for postgraduate study in music and theatre.