MMus Composition
The University of Edinburgh
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( 4.2)

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Main Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

1 Year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

1 Year

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Music
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England
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Course info

This programme seeks curious, open-minded, adaptable and highly creative individuals who are keen to acquire new skills and consolidate their existing knowledge across all areas of new music creation. You may have been making music in your bedroom with experimental sound software or have three string quartets under your belt. You could be a trained performer looking to develop a new musical voice by creating new sounds, systems and music for your instrument, or you could be hoping to skill up ...Read more

This programme seeks curious, open-minded, adaptable and highly creative individuals who are keen to acquire new skills and consolidate their existing knowledge across all areas of new music creation. You may have been making music in your bedroom with experimental sound software or have three string quartets under your belt. You could be a trained performer looking to develop a new musical voice by creating new sounds, systems and music for your instrument, or you could be hoping to skill up so that you are attractive to the film and game music industries. Whatever your compositional background and whatever your compositional ambitions, if you have been composing and creating music at university level or producing work and sharing it with your community, this programme will help you learn a great deal more about your craft and to expand your potential as a creative musician. This Composition Masters Programme offers its students broad skills training aiming to prepare the most imaginative and versatile musical minds for a future in music-making across the creative industries. This is a strongly interdisciplinary programme of study during which you will have the opportunity to create: acoustic and instrumental music screen/film/animation music interactive game audio sound installations and sonic art. Graduates of the programme will have professional, practical, analytical and intellectual skills to take into music-related industries or on towards further academic study, such as a PhD. Why you should choose this programme You will receive broad skills training with access to supervision from a range of leading figures in composition and sound design. Unparalleled flexibility: the programme provides exciting opportunities for exploration across a range of creative practices and wider afield with the Schools of Art, Architecture, Design, and History of Art. Professional prospects: the practical experience you will gain will stand you in good stead for a career in music. Several of our alumni have gone on to have highly successful careers as composers. A world-class research environment: be part of an outstanding University with a world-class international reputation. A vibrant capital city: study in Edinburgh, one of the world’s great capital cities, with a vibrant music and arts scene. The beautiful highlands of Scotland are also only a short journey away.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
19th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
18th

Entry requirements

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as music, sound design, sonic arts, media arts, film and animation music, radio, accompanied by a portfolio introducing us to some recent work that you are proud of.

Your portfolio should include three pieces of work and can include a range of items such as acoustic, electronic, score-based or media music, a small collection of sound recordings, performances or documentation of a sound-based project, such as an installation, film or animation.

Whatever you include, it should clearly be your own work. A short explanation of your role in collaborative projects is required. Your portfolio is best uploaded with the application as a PDF file with explanations about the projects and links to the work hosted on a reliable and accessible online platform.

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements or if you do not have a music-related degree, we may still consider your application if you have significant professional composition-related experience supported by a substantial portfolio. Please contact us to check before you apply.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£13,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£30,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£30,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

IDP Connect

Uni info

The University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.2 miles away
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