Electroacoustic Music Composition: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MusM programme in Electroacoustic Music Composition aims to provide Master Students with 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. The NOVARS Research Centre for Electroacoustic Composition, Performance and Sound Art, and new £2.2 million electroacoustic studios at the University, provide the required resources (hardware, software and performance systems). NOVARS Student Research Groups are created each year to support specific student project aims and develop collaborative research strategies and methodologies. Regular Mantis Matinees, Composer Forums and Research Seminars provide platforms for discussion of work with peers. MANTIS (Manchester Theatre in Sound) provides frequent opportunities to disseminate and perform work in concerts open to the public using a state-of-the-art 48-loudspeaker computer-based sound diffusion system at the University and in the wider community.

Module details

Students are required to take four modules as well as completing a portfolio of compositions. The programme offers:

• Fixed-media Composition (studio-based composition techniques and professional skills)
• Aesthetics and Analysis of Organised Sound (study of selected works, composers and issues in the electroacoustic repertoire)
• Cross-disciplinary Project (responding to precise criteria for a short work)
• Interactive Tools (live, interactive and real-time processing composition techniques)
• Practical Theory (research and creative development of software, plug-ins, sensors or spatialization tools)
• Repertoire Study (detailed research into a single work or composer)
• Contemporary Music Studies
• Historical or Contemporary Performance (as in MusM, within an electroacoustic context).

Career opportunities

Masters students from Music have gone on to secure prestigious academic positions in the UK and abroad, while many others have become professional performers and/or composers. Other careers include teaching, journalism and broadcasting.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A First or Upper Second class honours degree in Music (or with music as a substantial component of the programme) at an approved university.

English language: If your first language is not English, you need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper-based) or 233 (computer-based) or GCSE English grade C.