Music Technology MA application portfolio advice

Applications are welcome from candidates whose primary study or professional practice has been in music technology as well as those who have completed more traditional music programmes in areas such as instrumental composition, musicology and ethnomusicology. In all cases, the candidate will demonstrate the potential to engage with the practical, creative, critical or aesthetic dimensions of the application of technology to music.

Your portfolio

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio in support of their application. 

For applicants intending to specialise in composition/original creative work, this should normally take the form of:

1. Two to three items of practical creative work centred on, or including, original work with sound. Make sure that the format submitted shows your work to best advantage, whether studio-created, live performance, installation work, a demonstration of functional software tools, etc.
2. A sample of academic or other critically-informed writing (an essay, some analytical work, or an extended review). 

For applicants intending to specialise in analytical/musicological work, we are still interested in your practical/creative side, but one or two examples of practical work will suffice in addition to the sample of written work. 

The items in your portfolio should be available online in a suitable permanent format, such as Soundcloud, Youtube, Vimeo, on a Google drive, a web site, etc. You should include relevant URLs with your application. (Please do not use time-limited formats such as Wetransfer). 

All applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their study aims in an interview, during which the items in the portfolio will inform some of the discussion. Note that if you are accepted onto the programme you will also complete a learning needs self-assessment to help structure your journey of study.

What are we looking for in your application?

• Normally a 2:1 degree in music or music technology, or another relevant discipline. We may accept applicants with alternative qualifications, especially if your portfolio demonstrates your potential.
• We also welcome applicants who possess other suitable professional qualifications, experience in industry or the education sector—your application will be considered on an individual basis. We appreciate and value the different paths that people take toward master’s level study.
• The potential to develop a critical view of the field and apply that to your own work.
• An awareness of contemporary music and sonic arts practices.
• Potential to question established positions and to take artistic risks.
• Willingness to contribute constructively to group learning and teaching events.
• A motivated and independent approach to learning.