University of Hull

What you'll study

The MMus is a flexible 180-credit master's programme combining taught modules, practical work and a substantial final portfolio or dissertation. You choose a pathway that reflects your interests — performance, composition, musicology, music production/technology or an interdisciplinary mix — and build a programme of advanced study and practice.

• Core research and professional skills: research methods in music, advanced analysis, and professional development for musicians, including enterprise and project management for the arts.
• Performance and repertoire: individual tuition and recital preparation, chamber and ensemble projects, and contextual study of performance practice.
• Composition and sound practice: advanced composition seminars, electroacoustic and electronic music workshops, studio composition and realisation.
• Music technology and production: recording techniques, mixing and mastering, sound design and studio-based project work using the department's production facilities.
• Musicology and cultural study: specialised seminars in music history, ethnomusicology, popular music studies or contemporary critical approaches, depending on supervisory expertise.
• Major project or dissertation: a substantial critical dissertation, practice-based portfolio (recital/recorded output), or an integrated project that demonstrates specialised research and/or artistic development.

Assessment blends essays and written assignments with performances, portfolios, studio projects and the final dissertation/major project. The programme emphasises one-to-one supervision alongside collaborative workshops and regular performance opportunities.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a good honours degree (UK 2:1 preferred) in music or a related subject. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may be considered if they can demonstrate significant professional experience or an outstanding portfolio/audition. All applicants for performance or composition pathways will be asked to submit a recording or portfolio and may be invited to an audition or interview (in person or via video).

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University's standard postgraduate English language requirement; evidence such as an approved English test is normally required. Academic references and a personal statement outlining your proposed area of study and career aims are also part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MMus go on to a broad range of careers in the music and creative sectors. Typical destinations include:

• Professional performance careers in solo, chamber, orchestral or ensemble contexts and freelancing;
• Composition and music production for concert, media, theatre and broadcast;
• Music education and community music leadership, including routes into further teaching qualifications or conservatoire pedagogy;
• Music industry roles such as recording engineer, producer, artist development, programming and arts management;
• Research and academia — many students progress to MPhil/PhD study or roles in heritage and cultural organisations.

The programme also develops transferable skills valued by employers: project management, critical thinking, communication, and collaborative working across multidisciplinary contexts.

Why study at University of Hull

Hull offers a supportive, research-active music environment with staff who combine academic and professional experience in performance, composition and production. Students benefit from dedicated rehearsal and teaching spaces, a well-equipped recording studio, departmental ensembles and regular public performance opportunities.

The department maintains links with regional cultural organisations and venues, providing practical engagement opportunities in a lively local arts scene. The University also provides careers and enterprise support tailored to musicians, plus opportunities to collaborate across arts, media and digital technology subjects.

Overall, the MMus at Hull is designed for ambitious musicians seeking focused postgraduate training within a collegiate university environment that balances practice, research and professional preparation.