Postgraduate study in Music

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As a postgraduate student in Music you will join one of the most vibrant and exciting Music Departments in the world.

The Department of Music is a leader both in the UK and internationally. Building upon an illustrious history, our postgraduate programmes embody the latest cutting-edge developments in the practice and study of music.

Our world-class facilities include the £16 million Bramall Music Building, which is home to the Music Department and also features the 450-seat Elgar Concert Hall, the most adaptable space of its kind in any university in the UK. The building also contains a suite dedicated to the study and performance of early music, five electroacoustic studios and the Dome rehearsal room and concert space. The University Music Hub incorporates rehearsal, practice and recording facilities. 

We have an impressive record of postgraduate career success, with former students holding academic posts at institutions such as the University of Manchester, Edinburgh University, the University of Sheffield, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the University of Malaysia, Peabody Conservatory, and Harvard University. PG alumni hold positions with organisations such as the London Symphony Chorus, Baltimore Choral Arts, Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, the CBSO, and Sampad South Asian Arts. PG composers have been performed by Neuköllner Oper Berlin, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Callino Quartet, Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, and at festivals including Sound Around (Copenhagen), Inventionen (Berlin), Ars Electronica and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

Our Music MA caters for those with a wide range of specialisms including performance, composition, conducting and musicology. 

Our postgraduate research programmes give students the chance to develop their individual research projects alongside world-leading academics, composers, performers and scholars.

Most of our programmes are available to study full-time or part-time, and many via distance learning, empowering researchers to balance their research activities with other aspects of their careers as artists and scholars.

Postgraduate scholarships available

The College of Arts and Law is offering a range of scholarships for our postgraduate taught and research programmes to ensure that the very best talent is nurtured and supported.

Learn more about our scholarships

Jay Mountford

I’m already working as a cellist, but wanted to complete my Masters without giving up the playing I’m already doing, so part time was the answer. Added to that, I wanted to select which modules I wanted to do, but keep the performance aspect of it, so this course turned out to be perfect for me.

Jay (Read more about Jay’s story here)

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