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PgDip / MMus (Music)

Designed for recent graduates and suitable mature students, these two taught postgraduate courses provides the opportunity for the further specialised study of performance, composition, jazz or community music at an advanced level, or initial studies in musicology.

The Postgraduate Diploma offers specialised study in four areas:

• Performance - In addition to traditional western instrumental and vocal disciplines, this pathway includes specialised programmes for bass clarinet, brass quintet, guitar ensemble and choral conducting
• Composition - We welcome composers working in music technology and non-western idioms, as well as notated art music.
• Jazz - This pathway offers the opportunity to specialise in either jazz performance or jazz composition.
• Community Music - This flexible programme is suitable for both experienced community musicians and those at the start of their careers.

“The quality and variety of expertise at the Conservatoire is fantastic. I have tutorials with four or five tutors, whose individual specialisms and interests inspire all areas of my work. The Composition Department is welcoming and supportive of my styles and this has enabled me, with guidance, to study and write any music I desire.”

The Master of Music offers study in any the four pathways described above, or a fifth area of specialism:

• Musicology - This pathway includes a significant element of individual research supported by studies in musicology.

Both the PgDip and the MMus offer a total of 40 hours of specialist tuition, normally undertaken on an individual basis. On all pathways, your first study tuition will lead to a major assessment appropriate to your chosen pathway (a recital, portfolio, community music project or dissertation).

Your first study tuition will be supported by a programme of group activities such as performance classes, masterclasses, composition or community music workshops. A specially devised programme for Vocal & Operatic students also includes languages and stage-craft. For students’ convenience, taught classes are normally timetabled on one day in the week.

Our postgraduate courses are designed to be flexible, allowing you to develop a specialism or distinctive musical profile within your chosen area: for instance, in the performance of contemporary music or chamber music. Throughout your course, you will be able to take part in the broad programme of practical activities offered at the Conservatoire, and you may normally audition for places in our orchestras, choirs, bands and other elective activities alongside undergraduate students. A Professional Portfolio module will help you negotiate a suitable programme of activities within the context of your career aspirations.

Whether you follow the PgDip or the MMus, your practical study will be complemented by relevant academic modules. The difference between the two courses is that the MMus provides much greater academic breadth. As an MMus student, you would attend a taught programme on Musical Aesthetics and Philosophy, together with some seminars in conjunction with research students.

Both courses are suitable as stand-alone study or as preparation for our Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Music (Professional Performance). The enhanced academic content of the MMus makes it a fitting preparation for a research degree programme.