Music (Composition Pathway) (Taught)

Discover how 21st century music composition brings together performers, different cultures and styles, and the latest technology. Combine theory with practice and enhance your own compositions.

On our MA Music: Composition pathway, you'll access practical opportunities to develop your compositional skills - such as writing works for the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and taking part in visiting performer workshops.

Past guests have included percussionist Joby Burgess, who can be heard leading the percussion sections on the soundtracks of the Ant-Man and Black Panther franchises.

You'll be able to create new works using the latest electroacoustic computer technology or traditional instruments and voices, or a combination of both.

You’ll be based within our state-of-the-art Bramall Music Building, and you’ll also have access to our wide range of innovative rehearsal rooms and recording spaces in our University Music Hub.

• Get ready to turn your passion for music into your career with our practical employability module. Gain the tools you need to be a successful music professional.

• The Bramall Music Building is home to our acoustically flexible 450-seat Elgar Concert Hall, five electroacoustic studios, 17-seat computer cluster and the recently installed Yamaha DM7 digital mixing console.

• Produce your composition portfolio and enjoy listening to your work being performed by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

• Top 10 for Music in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2026).