MA in Music
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 20,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* there is no application deadline for postgraduate courses
** for international full-time | international part-time: 11,385 GBP/year | home full-time: 10,300 GBP/year | home part-time: 5,665 GBP/year
Key Summary
About: You’ll study composition, performance, music education and research methods in an MA at Kingston University. You’ll produce a major composition folio, join ensembles, attend masterclasses and use facilities such as the Coombehurst Complex, Visconti Studio and the Nightingale Centre music library with Grove, RILM and Naxos. Staff are active composers and producers; Kingston holds Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in performance, teaching, outreach, composition and arts administration. You could pursue roles in music and arts administration, the music business, school or higher-education teaching, composition, performance, music publishing, or further study: PGCE, MPhil or PhD.
From music education and performance to music production and composing for media, you’ll explore a range of musical topics.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in performance, teaching, publishing, outreach, composition and more. If you’re already employed, this programme could accelerate your promotion prospects.
During the course, you’ll explore research methods alongside hands-on, creative learning. You’ll focus on a particular area of your choice for a major written or composition folio project – a great way to showcase your skills and prepare for future opportunities. Kingston’s music courses focus on creativity, which makes this programme perfect for taking your composition or performance skills to the next level.
Outside the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to join University ensembles and form your own. Throughout the year, you’ll be able to attend masterclasses and workshops with performers and composers, as well as live performances at London’s major venues.
Why choose this course?
While you study, you’ll benefit from top-quality teaching at Kingston University. We’re ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and our highly experienced academic staff are active performers, composers and producers themselves.
The Coombehurst Complex and Visconti Studio
As a music student, you’ll access a range of professional studio facilities and practice rooms in our Coombehurst Complex. Here you'll find five recording studios, a computer suite with iMac workstations, plus audio and video editing facilities and band rehearsal rooms.
You’ll even be able to use our flagship Visconti Studio, an analogue-meets-digital space with a 300m² octagonal live room and a selection of vintage and rare recording equipment. This tape-based studio features a unique collection of instruments, including a Mellotron, a Hammond organ and a Steinway concert grand piano.
Access to instruments and the loan system
Our extensive instrument collection includes around 30 pianos, a harpsichord, drum kits and orchestral and classroom instruments. We also have a double-size Javanese gamelan and a set of djembe drums.
What's more, you can book a range of recording and performing instruments, rooms and equipment through our online system. Studios are open for use 24 hours a day.
Music in the library
The Nightingale Centre’s music library holds an extensive collection of books, anthologies, scores, sheet music, periodicals, and audio and video recordings. Kingston also subscribes to Grove Music Online, RILM and the Naxos online recordings catalogue. You can access these resources from any University workstation.
Course content
The core modules on this Music MA concentrate on research methods and colloquia, and will introduce you to a broad range of issues in music. Subjects are based in music education, performance, composing for media, and music production.
You'll need to take two compulsory modules, totalling 90 credits.
You can then choose a further three optional modules, for a total of 180 credits altogether.
Please note, optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Modules
The major project offers you the opportunity to focus on an area of your own choice and specialise through written work or composition. You can choose from a wide range of possible topics in composition, production, performance, and education relating to your own interests. In addition, you can join any of the variety of University ensembles or form your own ensemble.
Core modules
- Major Project
- Researching Music
Optional modules (Please note, these optional modules will vary from year to year)
- Advanced Production of Popular Music
- Composing and Marketing Popular Music
- Constructing Music Education in the UK
- Critical Reflection on Musical Performance
- International Music Education: Psychology, Culture and Philosophy
- Performance Studies
- Score and Screen
The university achieved strong results in the latest rankings published in August and September 2026, with some notable improvements and subject-level achievements:
- The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027: Ranked 78th out of 130 institutions, climbing 16 places from 94th last year.
- Top 10 nationally for Land and Property Management (4th) and Art and Design (10th).
- Top three in London across five subjects: Land and Property Management (1st), Social Work (2nd), Architecture (3rd), Art and Design (3rd) and Nursing (3rd).
- Post-1992 universities: Ranked 4th highest.
- The Guardian University Guide 2027: Ranked 62nd out of 123 nationally.
- The Complete University Guide 2027: Ranked 88th out of 130 nationally.
- The Daily Mail University Guide 2027: Ranked 85th out of 128 nationally.
Being awarded a scholarship is a great achievement
A scholarship not only provides financial support. It also offers a rich student experience unlike any other.
At Kingston, you'll become part of our international scholars community, giving you the opportunity to:
- attend our annual scholars' event alongside senior staff and academics
- boost your career prospects through valuable networking opportunities
- meet other scholars from around the world
- enhance your CV and impress future employees with your award
- work as a TAP ambassador for Kingston University, with opportunities to contribute to marketing material and in-country activities.
Music making at Kingston.
Our Performing Arts and Community Engagement (PACE) programme brings together students, staff, alumni and members of the local community. It encompasses all possible combinations of music, dance and drama.
After you graduate
You could go on to a role in the music profession, a teaching position or even further studies such as a PGCE, MPhil or PhD. The blended nature of this MA means you’ll graduate equipped for a range of careers in areas like:
- Music and arts administration
- The music business
- School, higher education and instrumental teaching
- Outreach work and educational workshops
- Music composition and arranging
- Professional performance and conducting
- Music publishing
- Wider commercial and business environments