MA Music – which Pathway should I choose?

The Music MA at the University of Birmingham is a flexible programme designed to cater for those with a wide range of interests and specialisms.

It is conceived as a ‘next step’ after the undergraduate degree, either as a stepping stone to research, to broaden experience and knowledge in preparation for school or FE college teaching, or simply to develop your musical abilities. But with ten different pathways available, which one should you choose?

For those interested in academic research 

If you simply want to study ‘Music’…

Our Musicology pathway is for you. This pathway provides instruction on scholarly research methods and contemporary approaches to musicology and ethnomusicology. You are provided with opportunities for more traditional studies of musical works, as well as more critical examinations of music’s place in the world. You will complete you studies by producing a piece of independent research.

If you want to explore popular music in today’s world…

Our Global Popular Musics pathway is for you. This pathway undertakes an ethnomusicological study of popular music making around the world. You study ways of undertaking fieldwork research to study everything from Japanese metal to Senegalese rap and electronic dance music. You will complete your degree by completing a piece of independent research.

For composers 

If you are an electroacoustic composer…

Our Electroacoustic Composition/Sonic Art pathway is for you. If you wish to develop your electroacoustic composition skills further, you will have the opportunity to work with BEAST (Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre), our acclaimed 100-channel sound diffusion system, on this course. You will complete your degree by producing a portfolio of compositions.  

If you compose for acoustic instruments or singers….

Our Instrumental/Vocal Composition pathway is for you. If you wish to develop your compositional skills further, this pathway offers a balance of practical training combined with the development of theoretical knowledge and critical faculties. You will complete the programme by producing a composition portfolio, which includes an opportunity to hear part of it performed by the acclaimed Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG).

If you want to mix paper composition techniques with new technologies…

Our Mixed Composition pathway is for you. If you have experience as both an electroacoustic and paper composer, you can further your skills to create works which combine electroacoustic and computer technology with acoustic instrumental and vocal composition, or to explore each of those elements separately. You will complete the programme by producing a composition portfolio.

For performers

If you are a relatively experienced choral conductor….

Our Choral Conducting pathway is for you. Our unique Choral Conducting pathway is directed by Professor Simon Halsey CBE and is in association with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its internationally renowned choruses and conductors. It gives students the opportunities to observe, conduct and sing every week. You will complete your programme by conducting a formal concert.

If you wish to become a performer or an educator…

Our Performance pathway is for you. With an emphasis on advanced technique and stage performance, this pathway will prepare students for careers as performers and educators. You will complete your degree with a Recital.

If you are both a performer and a scholar…

Our Performance Practice pathway is for you. This pathway differs from the Performance Pathway in that it incorporates a more substantial academic component, focusing on the history and theory of Western performance traditions. You will complete your degree with a Recital with commentary.

For those looking for flexibility

If you are a performer and want to design your own pathway…

Our Open Pathway with Performance is for you. In consultation with the programme convenor you will design a unique course of study, drawing upon our extensive offerings in Musicology, Composition, and Performance. Your final project will either be a Composition Portfolio, a Musicology dissertation, a Recital or a Recital with commentary.

If you are NOT a performer and you want to design your own pathway…

Our Open Pathway without Performance is for you. Different to the pathway above, you will choose all of your modules to chart your own route within an exciting world of Music but without a requirement to perform. Your final project will either be a Composition Portfolio or a Musicology dissertation.

Ready to find out more?