Course description

Our MusM Composition (Electroacoustic Music and Interactive Media) master's course provides an in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge compositional techniques, methodologies and associated aesthetics in creative work that intersects with technology and other artistic or scientific forms.

It serves as excellent preparation for a career as a composer working with technology and audio-media, and provides all the training necessary for embarking on and envisioning novel strands for a PhD in electroacoustic composition, including those informed by other scientific and arts form.

All teaching, research and compositional work is carried out in the NOVARS Research Centre for Electroacoustic Composition, Performance and Sound Art, with its state-of-the-art electroacoustic studios.

Opportunities for the performance of new works are offered using the 55-loudspeaker sound diffusion system of MANTIS (Manchester Theatre in Sound) and through events such as the Locativeaudio Festival and Sines and Squares Festival for Analogue Electronics and Modular Synthesis.

Acousmatic, mixed, live electronic and multimedia works are all possible, with composers able to incorporate the spatialisation of sound and interactive new game-audio media into the presentation of their work.

You can also choose to take a placement unit where you will spend a minimum of 20 days over a period of up to 12 weeks with an arts and cultural organisation, business or service provider to gain valuable workplace experience.

Aims

We aim to:

• build on undergraduate studies, developing skills in electroacoustic composition to master's level;
• increase knowledge and a systematic understanding of electroacoustic music;
• foster the particular creative talents of each individual student;
• provide all the training necessary for embarking on a PhD in electroacoustic composition;
• prepare you for a career as a composer and in the wider music industry where critical judgement and developed powers of communication are needed.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have pursued successful careers in musical and non-musical fields. Some continue to further study via a PhD before securing an academic position. Some go on to teach in schools or further education, both in the UK and overseas.

Other areas of work for which advanced compositional training has been directly relevant include recording studios, entrepreneurships, the creative industries, music publishing, music journalism and performance.

Careers outside of music have included computer programming, theatre, accountancy, law, social work and human resources.