Kingston University

MA in Music

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.