PMMUSCPTFTR3-2024-5-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Music in Composition

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time (by Research)

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree in Music Studies or in the areas of specialization indicated in bye-law 3 of the bye-laws for the course, from this University, obtained with at least Second Class Honours or
a Bachelor degree in Music Studies from this University with at least Category II or
a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to be comparable to the qualifications listed in paragraphs (a) and (b).

The admission of applicants under paragraphs (b) and, if necessary, (c) may be made conditional on the results of an audition/interview conducted for the purpose, or the submission of essays/musical compositions.

Applicants may submit their application form, together with a comprehensive research proposal that includes the compositional tools and techniques in the case of the Degree by composition, and the analytical tools and performance practices in the case of the Degree by performance, at any time of the year.

Applicants admitted under paragraph (a) who wish to focus on an area of specialization different from that followed in the Bachelor (Honours) degree, but do not possess either the skills or the knowledge to take up postgraduate studies in that area, shall be required to follow a Preparatory Programme, prior to their registration as regular students in the Course.

Applicants admitted under paragraphs (b) and, if necessary, (c) may be required to complete a preparatory programme, prior to their registration as regular students in the Course.

In cases where applicants lack essential knowledge in particular areas not covered in their first degree, the Board may require students admitted to the Course to follow and pass supplementary study-unit/s in the particular area, in addition to the programme of study.

The Board may grant students full or partial exemption from the requirement of the Preparatory Programme if it is satisfied, following an interview, that the student has reached the required standard for direct entry to the Course.

You are viewing the entry requirements for International applicants. Switch to Local qualifications.

Need help? Request more information

You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

This programme of study is also offered on a part-time basis. Please consult the Registrar's website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

This programme is designed if you are seeking to specialise in any one of the areas on offer. You will be required to follow study-units that are directly related to your chosen area of specialisation. A dissertation is required in all areas of specialisation. Additionally, in the case of the degree by Composition, you shall also submit a portfolio of compositions. You will also be expected to perform research tasks that are directly related to your area of specialisation. The ultimate aim of the programme is to help you acquire expertise and experience in a field that will be essential to your professional career.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MSP5002*	Portfolio and Dissertation	80 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in semester 1 of academic year 2024-2025 and continues up to the end of semester 1 of academic year 2025-2026.

Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MSP5500	Music since 1945	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MSP5600	Advanced Orchestration	5 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the degree of Master of Music - M.Mus. - under the auspices of the School of Performing Arts.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Compose pieces on a medium in which compositional ideas are presented in a musically literature form.
Develop an awareness of an appropriate range of contemporary compositional idioms.
Further your ability to present your research on contemporary music.
Prepare write-ups of an academic standard about your research, making a well-argued critique of different composers' and other writers' approaches to the area under discussion, and support and defend your positions.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of appropriate instrumental timbres, registers and combinations.
Select, combine and blend different instruments in an orchestral context.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 7,400
Yr 1: Eur 7,400 - Yr 2: NIL

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a successful holder of this degree, you will be able to enter a career, both locally or abroad, as a composer-performer, composer-conductor, music copyist, composer's assistant, arts administration and as a music journalist/critic. You will also have the opportunity to compose music for a variety of different mediums, ranging from commercial music, television or film, to video games, symphonies and dance, opera and theatrical companies.

If you would like to further your studies or are interested in becoming an academic or an instructor of composition, you will be able to pursue a doctorate with the University of Malta or with a foreign institution abroad.