Master of Music in Composition - Composition (Taught)

The Master of Music in Composition (MMus Comp) is designed to prepare you for life as a professional composer. You will work alongside world-leading musicians to develop your composition skills to the highest international standard. Additionally, you will undertake independent research, exploring the historical, contextual and aesthetic aspects of the music you compose.

Usually taken over two years, the MMusComp may also be studied on a fast-track basis over 12 months and is tailored to those who aim to enter the profession as practitioners at the highest level, and who need to meet the current practical demands of the music profession. With a uniquely immersive conservatoire experience, you will be at the heart of a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.

The MMus Comp qualification can provide the basis for further artistic development through the RCM’s Level 8 Artist Diploma in Composition and Doctor of Philosophy.

We also offer Composition for Screen as a principal study specialism for students looking to hone their skills and develop professional connections in music for film, TV and gaming.

The Composition Faculty at the Royal College of Music focuses on both the creative and commercial aspects of being a composer. We aim to build and sustain your craft, be it composition for the concert hall, the opera house or for film, television and media. Composition at the RCM is about partnerships between talented composers who want to write music and gifted instrumentalists who want to perform music. Composers are offered a wholly exceptional performance environment in which they have the opportunity to hear their compositions played by resident and visiting musicians, RCM orchestras, ensembles and fellow students of the highest technical and musical ability. Individual lessons and visits from established composers provide an unrivalled opportunity for students to develop creative and technical skills, as well as a distinctive compositional voice. Composers will have the opportunity to benefit from a range of collaborations with artistic organisations in London and beyond.

This course is also available on a part-time basis over 3 years upon request.

Students have the option of taking a second study on this course. Second study allows students to receive tuition in a second specialism, taught and assessed at a lower intensity than their principal study, in an area that does not qualify for related study. Second study specialisms are subject to successful audition and the agreement of the relevant Head of Faculty. Auditions take place during the first few weeks of the course, and students will have the opportunity to register for these auditions shortly before the start of the academic year. There is no need to inform the RCM at the point of application.

The course includes two research-led MMus modules: Critical Portfolio in Year 1 and Research Project in Year 2. These modules are taken alongside a full programme of composition studies in common with the MComp Programme.