This programme has been designed to meet the needs of professional composers and musicians. You will develop practice-based skills in music and gain a thorough knowledge of contemporary contexts for compositional activity. Applicants should have experience of composing music.

• You will be involved in supervised compositional activity resulting in a composition portfolio, accompanied by critical reflection on the compositional process in the form of a critical commentary. Your supervisor will be one of our team of successful, experienced composers, who engage with a range of technical approaches reflecting a wide variety of contemporary styles.
• You will benefit from access to our facilities including seminar and practice rooms, a small library, two audio labs and an electroacoustic music studio, the University’s concert hall and attached studios.
• You will benefit from studying in the city of Glasgow with its vibrant and exciting music scene: the UK’s first UNESCO city of music.

Programme overview

• PgDip: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgCert: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

You will work with tutors on your composition portfolio(s) and attend departmental research seminars and workshops.

• The PgDip consists of two composition portfolios, each consisting of 15 minutes’ music accompanied by a critical commentary of up to 2,000 words. You will also be introduced to the compositional process at postgraduate level, meeting regularly with supervisors.
• The PgCert consists of a composition portfolio of 15 minutes’ music accompanied by a critical commentary of up to 2,000 words. 

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (eg GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject. Applicants should also have experience of composing music.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to the University of Glasgow. The system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. You can also attach supporting documents including references, certificates and a transcript of previous studies. You will find instructions throughout the online form to help you complete your application. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting it.

See: How to apply for a taught degree