Composition and Creative Music Practice MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The MA Composition and Creative Music Practice at the University of Limerick is designed for composers, sound artists, improvisers, and performers seeking to deepen their individual artistic practice and explore innovative cross-genre, cross-arts, and cross-cultural creativity. This one-year, full-time postgraduate programme offers a unique environment to push the boundaries of musical expression. You will engage with diverse music traditions and develop your unique voice within a supportive and intellectually stimulating academic community, preparing you for a dynamic career in the arts.

Studied full-time on campus over one year, this Master's degree immerses you in a rich curriculum including workshops in creative music practice, inter-arts music making, and composing traditions, alongside elective modules and peer forums. You will have the opportunity to explore creative pathways such as composing for voice or strings, performance practice, and real-time audio-visual work. The programme culminates in a significant final project, allowing you to showcase your developed skills and artistic vision, graduating with a Masters Degree ready for professional creative roles.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA program offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary music composition and creative practice. Students will engage in workshops, seminars on composing traditions, and critical discussions on arts management and cultural policy. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through various creative pathways, including vocal and instrumental composition, performance practice, real-time audio/video, and improvisation, culminating in a substantial final project.

1 Semester 1

Workshop in Creative Music Practice
Composing Traditions Seminar
Peer Forum 1
Creative Pathways 1 - choose one of the following: Creating for the Voice, Performance Practice (Academy Ensembles and Individual Tuition), Real-time Audio and Video

2 Semester 2

Inter-Arts Music Making
Critical Contexts of Arts Management and Cultural Policy
Peer Forum 2
Creative Pathways 2 - choose one of the following: Creating for Strings, Performance Practice (Academy Ensembles and Individual Tuition), Improvisation

3 Semester 3

Final Project

4 Semester 1 (Autumn Year 1)

Composing Trad Compulsory
Peer Forum 1

5 Semester 2 (Spring Year 1)

Peer Forum 2
Creative Pathways, select 1 from: Composing/Arranging for Strings, Performance Practice 2, Improvisation

6 Semester 3 (Autumn Year 2)

WCMP
Elective Bundle - select 1 from: Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts, Introduction to Ritual Studies, Writing and Documentation of Arts Practice, Introduction to Somatics 1, Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques

7 Semester 4 (Spring Year 2)

InterArts
Critical Context

8 Summer Semester Year 2

Final Project

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,174.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 21,174.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 864.00 - USD 1,080.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,807.00 - USD 4,210.00
Transport USD 562.00 - USD 1,123.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 4,773.00 - USD 7,438.00

Living cost estimates are based on Limerick campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationCorporate Training & DevelopmentGaming & Interactive MediaMedia Production & EditingMedia Research & AnalyticsMusic & Performing ArtsPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySecondary & High School EducationSocial Media & Content StrategySports & Athletics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Irish National Opera

Music Generation Ireland

RTE

The Irish Times

Why Study Composition and Creative Music Practice MA at University of Limerick

What makes this program stand out

Very Fast Application response time

University of Limerick typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Limerick in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Composition and Creative Music Practice MA at University of Limerick

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks. No separate work permit is required while studying full-time.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To qualify for admission, you need to meet specific English language requirements based on your test scores. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, each with set minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers such as composer, sound artist, music therapist, performer, or music educator.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on developing your individual artistic practice and encourages exploration of cross-genre and cross-cultural creativity. It's designed for composers, sound artists, and performers from diverse musical backgrounds.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA Composition and Creative Music Practice program has an intake in September each year. Ensure you apply before the deadline to secure your place.
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