Information about postgraduate composition
Composition in the Department of Music
Visit the Composition homepage for an overview of the people, culture and composer opportunities in the Department of Music, and to see how your postgraduate study is at the centre of what we do.
If your interest is in the broad spectrum of contemporary concert composition, read on!
If you are interested in composing for the screen, read about our renowned MA in Composition for Film and Television.
What if I am too original for the system?
We value musical imagination and integrity in a variety of shapes and sizes, and our postgraduate community is international and varied. The taught MAs offer a secure structure for the development of professional standards, while ensuring plenty of space for individuality. Research degrees provide guidance and opportunities to develop the practice, passion and intellectual focus of maturing compositional voices. And our postgraduate students learn from each other - interacting freely in seminars, workshops and the wider music-making and social life of the Music Department, Graduate School, and University.
How do I apply for Postgraduate Composition at Bristol?
First look at the section entitled, 'How to apply' on the page Information for prospective postgraduates.
In addition, we shall need to see samples of your work with your application form - read on for advice.
What else should I send?
We are open to variations of individual circumstances, but as a guide:
Scores
- Two or three recent written scores for contrasting mediums.
- These may be of handwritten or computer origin, but either way we want them in standard double-sided format on A4 paper or similar; preferably bound (e.g. comb binding); and NOT placed in individual plastic sleeves.
Recorded performances
- clearly marked CD of live workshop or performances of the above where available. (Synthesised demos are not encouraged, unless the score is particularly complex to read)
Electronic and mixed media work if applicable
- Studio composition, film track, and/or music-theatre work on CD or Video or DVD, clearly indicating what component of the creative work is your own.
- For mixed media concert works, such as for instrument/voice and tape or live electronics, include the written score and a performance recording, as above.
CDs and DVDs
Use only good quality new media, and use the "write once" type (e.g. CD-R) not the re-writeable kind (CD-RW). Ensure your disc is clean and free of scratches, and enclose it in a jewel case, NEVER loose nor in a thin envelope. Please write your name on the disc using a CD-writer pen. Do not use sticky labels, and don't write with ballpoint / roller-tip / pencil etc or washable ink: these can all cause damage to the disc and / or player. You are strongly advised to test your disc before sending it, by playing it right the way through on a variety of playback systems.
Written English
- If (like many successful applicants) you have not come from the route of an Honours 2-1 or 1st class degree from a UK University, then please enclose one essay written by yourself in English, to help us assess your readiness for the critical and written components of the course.
Be Warned that
- submitted materials will NOT be returned unless you include a stamped self-addressed envelope, or arrange for collection.
- you should never send unique or top copies.
- you should avoid sending large amounts of material, just send the best.
- you should remember to pack carefully - CDs and plastic spines can easily cut through paper.
WHERE to send it
Enclose your music etc. with your completed Application Form to the Graduate School. Do NOT send to the Music Department address.
WHEN to send it
Research degree applications are accepted at any time of the year. The taught MA in Composition is covered by the following advice:
- Although there is nothing to stop you applying at any time, it is in your own interests to meet one of the three deadlines below, preferably the first.
- First deadline, 25th February (but preferably in January). We can, in this, case interview you and make offers in time for you to apply to funding bodies if you want.
- Second deadline, 20th June for remaining places. This often suits new graduands with a 2-1 or 1st (or expecting to have this confirmed) who have decided they want to continue seriously with Composition.
- Final deadline, 1st September for remaining places if any.
- It can take three or four weeks to process the application through its several stages but by observing these deadlines you can help us to organise interviews and make offers more efficiently.