MMus
Introduction
A rigorously demanding programme, the MMus degree offers the opportunity to develop musicianship in a range of specialist fields to a very high level. Masters students join a thriving department, studying music from foundation to doctorate level, in a community dedicated to creating and recreating music. Members of the Masters Programme are enabled to make a leading contribution to the musical life of the University, the city of Canterbury and the wider community.
The degree is offered either one year full-time, or two-three years part-time. The programme design, subject to 2009 revalidation, is outlined below:
Students pursue one of the following principal study areas:
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Performance (e.g. solo instrumental or vocal, piano accompaniment, chamber music)
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Conducting
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Composition (e.g. instrumental & vocal composition, electroacoustic composition, popular songwriting)
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Research project (e.g. in Instrumental Teaching & Learning, Music Arts & Health, Church Music, Musicology)
The Principal study courses are complemented by a suite of core modules, including Critical studies, Contextual studies, and Research methods. The programme is carefully balanced but flexible enough for individual pathways to be designed, to reflect each student's strengths and interests.
A distinguished staff of resident and visiting specialists contribute to courses through lectures, seminars, workshops and masterclasses. Performance and composition-based subjects are supported by a generous allowance of individual tuition. Students also participate in a range of public performances and concert activity, within the University and beyond.
Assessment
Assessment, as appropriate to the Principal Study, is made through public performance, coursework, the presentation of portfolios of compositions, or recordings. All students receive a formative assessment at a mid-point of their course, and are required to pass every component of the programme.
Entry requirements
Candidates will normally be expected to have gained a good honours degree in music, or an equivalent, and be able to show that their academic background in music is sufficient for development at postgraduate level. Audition/interview panels will also seek evidence of the candidate's ability to work independently, to critically assess their own work, to set goals accordingly and to pursue them with discipline and commitment. The selection of entrants is normally based on audition/interview in the Music Department. Audition programmes for performance-based Principal Study courses should be approximately twenty minutes long, and demonstrate a range of musical styles and techniques. For other Principal Study courses, a portfolio of previous work should be submitted for consideration. All applicants will be invited to offer evidence of their previous experience in the proposed area of specialisation. This may consist of programmes from recent public performances, composition scores, recordings or written work.
Candidates applying from overseas may submit, in lieu of an interview, recorded evidence of their work. In the case of Performance and Conducting, this should be in the form of video or DVD recordings.
Scholarships and prizes
The Alan Parnell Competition is held annually and makes cash awards to singers, while the associated Gillian Greenacre Memorial prize is awarded for piano accompaniment. The competition is open to all students of the Music Department. The Creative Arts Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a student of the department, and normally includes additional performance opportunities. The Larissa Lovelock Memorial Scholarship is available to outstanding graduates of Canterbury Christ Church University who have proceeded to postgraduate study.
Further information
Programme Director Kim Burwell will be glad to deal with further enquiries.
How to Apply
An application form and further details are available from the University. Please write to:
Admissions and Recruitment (Postgraduate Office)
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury CT1 1QU.