Creative Musicianship

Overview

The MMus in Creative Musicianship at Ulster University is a series of linked postgraduate awards offered both full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years). With a particular emphasis on a practice-based study the programme has been designed to appeal to musicians from a variety of backgrounds and genres, interesting in pursuing one of three named pathways:



• Performance Studies (classical, Irish traditional, jazz, rock or popular styles)

• Composition and Creative Audio (including the combination of acoustic and electronic sources, film music, interactive and mixed media)

• Music and Communities (including disability arts and traditional music communities)



Taught by a dedicated course team of leading professional musical practitioners and researchers and with further guidance from industry experts, the programme will enable you to refine your skills as a musician, while giving you the confidence to apply critical and practical approaches to the creation and performance of music across a range of creative environments.



Work placement / study abroad

Work placements are available as an option within Research Project.

All modules optional with the exception of Major Project (compulsory)

Composition Seminar 1

Composition and Creative Audio Practice 1

Music and Communities Seminar 1

Music and Communities in Practice 1

Performance in Practice 1

Performance Seminar 1

Research Project 1

Music, Technology and Society



Semester 2

Music and Communities in Practice 2

Composition and Creative Audio Practice 2

Music and Communities Seminar 2

Composition Seminar 2

Performance in Practice 2

Performance Seminar 2

Research Project 2



Semester 3

Major Project

Applicants must meet the University's minimum entrance requirements and, in addition, a) hold a second-class honours degree or better in music or another relevant discipline from a recognised institution, or b) an equivalent qualification or c) be able to provide other evidence of ability and experience appropriate to the course. International applicants whose first language is not English must attain either of the following English competency standards:



A written proposal outlining the intended area of individual study (i.e. the Specialism and, ideally, an idea of what the third-semester project might involve) should support the application; all applicants will be interviewed and/or auditioned.



The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications. The onus is on the applicant to evidence that they have relevant experience equating to degree study at the honours level.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or by another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme provided that:



(a) they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level.

(b) the Final Project module is not exempted for those wishing to complete the MMus award

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Full-time: three semesters (one calendar year in total) for MMus or two semesters for PGDip and PGCert. Currently timetabled as one contact day per week full-time, plus any relevant instrumental/vocal tuition and work in the library.



Part-time: six semesters (two calendar years in total). Currently timetabled as one contact day per week, plus any relevant instrumental/vocal tuition and work in the library.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Professional work in the creative industries (performance, composition, creative technologies)

Further academic or practical study

Community-based education and/or creative work

Technical positions in the music industry

Teaching work