MFA Creative Practice

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class in a relevant/related subject.

If you don't have a related undergraduate degree we also welcome those who have completed equivalent professional experience, ideally in a music or arts-based discipline. 

Uniquely, the programme is offered standalone or as an ‘upgrade’ option from the Department of Music’s MA/MMus pathways after completing 120 credits of taught modules and a successful Creative Project proposal application.

Students transferring into the MFA Creative Practice from external institutions should evidence PGDip (120 taught credits) or a relevant MA/MMus degree (180 credits) in addition to a successful Creative Project proposal application.

See our website for fees

Completion of this degree could lead to a career in the following areas:

• Music-focused careers, including: instrumental tutor, composer, singer, music producer, music teacher
• Music- and arts-related careers, such as: royalties assistant, co-editor, learning support assistant, SEN teacher, digital marketing creative, learning designer
• Careers involving transferable skills, including: project co-ordinator, administrator, business development, mentor

Some students may also decide to progress their research via a PhD application.  

The department aims to support this breadth of career paths through our module offer, careers events and advice for students. We understand that there is no one ‘music industry’ and no one model of success for music students and musicians, but rather many pathways available on graduation.

In the first year, you will be able to devise your own bespoke programme of study from an extensive list of taught module options.

During term one, you will take two modules, chosen from the list below:

Popular Music Composition    30 credits
Practice Research in Music    30 credits
Advanced Strategies in Creative Music Production    30 credits
Sonic Arts Practice    30 credits

During term two, you can choose two modules from the following list:

Audiovisual Composition    30 credits
Contemporary Music: Practice and Discourse    30 credits
Ethnographic Film and Music Research    30 credits
Interactive and Generative Music    30 credits
Mental Health and the Music Industry    30 credits
Music Management    30 credits

In your second year, you will complete a ‘Creative Project’ - a significant creative and practical ‘thesis’ project. This can be completed independently or collaboratively.

Compulsory modules:
MFA Creative Project    180 credits