Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Music

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Postgraduate Certificate
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Music at Birmingham City University is designed for aspiring musicians and educators seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their professional practice within a chosen specialism. You will engage with core musical disciplines, developing advanced skills in areas such as instrumental and vocal performance, composition, or music technology. This course is ideal for those who wish to refine their artistic voice and gain a focused qualification that enhances their career prospects in the dynamic music industry. You will explore the creative and technical aspects of music at a postgraduate level.

This full-time, on-campus programme is structured over two years, allowing you to immerse yourself in your studies and develop a comprehensive understanding of your chosen principal study area. You will complete a 60-credit core module in your chosen specialism, such as Instrumental and Vocal Performance or Music Technology, alongside opportunities to select from a range of optional modules to broaden your skillset. You will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate, equipped with advanced musical proficiencies and a clearer vision for your future career in performance, composition, or music education.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers advanced study in music, with specializations available in performance (instrumental, vocal, percussion, global traditional, orchestral, and jazz), conducting (choral, orchestral, and brass band), composition, music technology, and experimental performance. Students will engage in two principal study areas, alongside compulsory modules in career development. The program is structured across postgraduate certificate, diploma, and master's levels, allowing for tailored progression and depth of study.

1 MMus

Career Development Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Instrumental and Vocal Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Percussion Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Global Traditional Music Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Orchestral Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Choral Conducting Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Orchestral Conducting Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Brass Band Conducting Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Jazz Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Jazz Instigator Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Composition Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Music Technology Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Experimental Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Instrumental and Vocal Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Percussion Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Global Traditional Music Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Orchestral Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Brass Band Conducting Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Choral Conducting Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Orchestral Conducting Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Jazz Performance or Jazz Instigator Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Experimental Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Composition Compulsory
Principal Study 2: Music Technology Compulsory

2 PG Dip

Career Development Compulsory
Principal Study 1 Compulsory

3 PG Cert

Principal Study 1: Instrumental and Vocal Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Percussion Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Global Traditional Music Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Jazz Performance Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Jazz Instigator Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Composition Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Music Technology Compulsory
Principal Study 1: Experimental Performance Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 37,171.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 37,171.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 74,343.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising & Media SalesAgricultural Research & DevelopmentAgrochemical & Seed IndustryFisheries & AquacultureGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesLive Events & ConcertsMedia Production & EditingMuseums & Cultural HeritageStreaming & Digital ContentSupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

B music

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

YouTube

Why Study Music at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University in United Kingdom

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 Music at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

International students on degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To qualify for the MMus program, you'll need to meet specific English language requirements, such as a TOEFL overall score of 80 or an IELTS overall score of 6. Be sure to check specific scores for each skill area.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue various roles such as Musician, Music Educator, Audio Engineer, Music Producer, and Composer.

What will I actually study in this course?

The MMus course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful music career. Key features include a core Career Development module and opportunities for choosing subjects relevant to your career aspirations.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Music (MMus) course at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has an intake in September each year. This program is designed for both recent graduates and qualified mature students.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️