City

What you'll study

This programme develops individual compositional voice through a combination of studio lessons, workshop formats, analytical study and practical realisation. You will work on a sequence of composition projects, from chamber and orchestral writing to electroacoustic and multimedia pieces, supported by technical tuition in music technology and notation.

• Individual composition lessons: regular one-to-one tutorials with established composers, focusing on creative development, score preparation and portfolio curation.
• Composition workshop and performance: collaborative rehearsals with student and professional performers, with opportunities for public performance and recording.
• Electroacoustic and studio practice: practical modules covering DAWs, sound synthesis, live electronics, spatialisation and electroacoustic composition techniques; access to dedicated studios and software tools.
• Orchestration and arranging: study of orchestral resources, scoring practice and arranging for different ensemble types.
• Analysis and context: close analysis of contemporary repertoire and compositional techniques, contextualising your own work historically and stylistically.
• Professional practice: career-facing modules on commissioning, publishing, entrepreneurship, grant applications and collaboration with other creative industries (film, theatre, games).
• Final work: for the MMus, a substantial portfolio of compositions usually presented in performance and/or recordings and accompanied by a reflective commentary; the PGDip focuses on taught modules and a significant practical portfolio without the dissertation component.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in music (typically a 2:1 or equivalent) with substantial compositional work. Candidates with a 2:2 or different academic background who can demonstrate strong practical experience and an excellent portfolio may be considered.

• Portfolio: submission of scores and recordings demonstrating recent composition; both acoustic and electroacoustic work where applicable. A concise programme note or creative statement is usually required.
• Interview/audition: short interview and/or live or recorded presentation of work; the interview is used to discuss artistic aims, technical needs and research goals.
• Music literacy: good sight-reading and aural skills, and ability to produce clear, performable scores; some programmes may require short written analytical tasks.
• English language: for international applicants, an approved English language qualification at the level required by the university.
• Additional materials: a curriculum vitae, references and, for MMus applicants, a statement outlining intended final project or research aims.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers across concert music, media and the creative industries. Typical career paths include composing for contemporary ensembles, orchestras and chamber groups; scoring for film, television, theatre and video games; sound design and audio post-production; arranging and orchestration; academic and freelance teaching; and roles within arts administration, commissioning and music publishing.

The programme’s emphasis on realisation, recording and professional practice prepares students for project-based work, freelancing and collaboration with producers, directors and performers in London’s diverse cultural sector and beyond.

Why study at City

City offers a compact, intensive composition environment with close access to London’s performance venues, ensembles and media industries. You will benefit from small cohorts and personalised supervision, enabling concentrated artistic development and frequent performance opportunities.

• Facilities: access to electroacoustic studios, notation and production software, and rehearsal space suited to both acoustic and mixed-media work.
• Location: central London location providing easy connections to professional ensembles, concert halls, recording studios and media companies.
• Interdisciplinary links: opportunities to collaborate across drama, film and digital media programmes as well as with external partners in the creative industries.
• Support: dedicated career and enterprise services, networking events, and advice on funding, commissions and entrepreneurial practice for composers.