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Master of Arts (Composition) (Taught)

  • Master of Arts
  • 2 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 14 September 2027
  • Postgraduate
Main Site
UCAS Conservatoires
Awarded by:
University of London
More about Royal Academy of Music, University of London

Course options

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Composition at the Academy has an international reputation centred on intensive project-based programmes. All work is rehearsed and recorded in regular workshops with instrumental and vocal students. Many opportunities arise for student compositions to be played by ensembles and orchestras, and commissions are offered to write for a large number of events. This course choice is for the standard course length of two years, though in exceptional cases students can be allowed to take a one-year course. The course path (MA 1 or 2 years, or MMus) can be discussed at the entrance interview and adjusted as appropriate, you are not tied to the option you choose when you submit your application in UCAS Conservatoires.
We need to receive both your UCAS Conservatoires application and also your portfolio in your Acceptd application profile by the application deadline.

Course details

Principal study options

During the application and audition process, you must select which instrument(s) you wish to specialise in for the duration of your course. On this course, you can choose from the following options:

Instrument/specialisms

For all courses, you must select at least one specialism from the 'primary' list. For those studying primary/secondary pathways, two instruments may be selected – one from the 'primary' list and one from the 'secondary' list. Joint pathway students may select any two instruments from either list.

Primary instrument/specialism
  • Composition

Assessment method

Please see the information on https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/about-our-courses

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Master of Arts • Full-Time • 2 Years

Start dates

  • 14 September 2027

Apply by
1 October 2026

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
7300
Institution code:
R53
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Royal Academy of Music, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

If you are an international applicant, or you are applying for a postgraduate course, or are choosing certain assessment locations, the 'on time' deadline may be later in the year - please contact the conservatoire directly.

Apply by
1 October 2026

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
7300
Institution code:
R53
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Bachelor Degree with Honours, or APEL equivalent. https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/entry-requirements

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Candidates selected from the portfolio round are interviewed by the Composition entry panel.
Portfolio
Details and instructions are on https://www.ram.ac.uk/departments/composition-contemporary-music

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)5.5Minimum score of 5.5 in every section of the test.
PTE Academic59Minimum score of 59 in every section of the test.
TOEFL (iBT)72Minimum scores for Reading: 18, Listening: 17, Speaking: 20, Writing: 17.

We accept IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online and Cambridge C1 Advanced.https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/entry-requirements

Assessment locations

In the event of a successful assessment, applicants may be invited for a further interview prior to being made an offer.

Remote assessment recordings may be accepted in the event that you cannot attend an assessment in person.

Single specialism assessment

LocationOn-time Fee
Portfolio upload £100

Joint principal specialism assessment

LocationOn-time Fee
Portfolio uploadNot Applicable

Additional Information

Your uploaded portfolio is assessed by the Composition department entry panel, that is the equivalent of the Round 1 live performance given by an instrumental candidate. Interviews for candidates selected for Round 2 will take place in December by video or in-person (London). When you submit the portfolio in Acceptd you will be asked to indicate your preference for the interview. Please see https://www.ram.ac.uk/departments/composition-contemporary-music

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fee rates are published on our website's Fees and Funding page.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships and bursaries : Masters degrees

Entrance Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit following entrance assessment during our advertised audition sessions. There is no separate scholarship application process, and entrance scholarship awards are confirmed in candidates' offer details.
We have information about possible external funding sources on our Fees and Funding page and students joining this course can apply for an Academy Financial Assistance Bursary.
The UK Student Finance Company allows eligible students to apply for a Master's loan: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan

https://www.ram.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-funding

Related courses

At Royal Academy of Music, University of London

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