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Performance

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Master of Music

A Master of Music (MMus) is master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in music.

Course overview

This programme provides you with the skills and experience needed to progress your music performance to the next level. With professional support from working musicians at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, as well as the expert guidance of our lecturer's, you will develop your craft as a prospective professional musician.

Introduction

You will develop key performance skills enabling improve your musicisianship and confidence on the stage.

You will learm professional music teaching practices. This will equip you with the skills you need to move forward in a career teaching music.

You’ll also learn how to produce a performance based research body of work.

Grasp opportunities to perform with professional musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for performance assessments throughout the course.

You’ll explore approaches towards and techniques for teaching Music, and develop the skills to analyse performances of a wide variety of repertoires, enabling you to question assumptions about performances made by performers today.

What you'll learn

Departmental support:

  • Interdisciplinary teaching and research environment
  • Diverse and international student community
  • Dedicated to small group teaching and one-on-one teaching
  • Vibrant and active performance environment
  • Connections with local and national music institutions
  • Access to excellent studio and practice facilities
  • Home to the Tung Auditorium (opened 2022) a cutting edge 400-seat, acoustically optimised music performance space.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Semester one

Please note: programme and module details are illustrative and subject to change.

The modules to which the individual instrumental lessons are attached are Performance 1, Performance 2 and Major Project (assuming the final recital option is taken). A professional accompanist is provided for all performance assessments. Students should complete the modules from Semesters 1 and 2 before taking the Major Project.

For non-native English speakers, we also strongly recommend the following module: ENLU102 In-sessional English Language Support (year-long).

Compulsory modules

PERFORMANCE 1 (MUMA611)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

This module focuses on raising awareness of, and developing approaches to, efficient reflective practice, interpretive skills and professional deportment suited to Masters level. Students will work towards a performance in a solo recital capacity or equivalent. They will receive 1-to-1 tuition on their specialist instrument, complemented by weekly workshops in which they will receive opportunities both to practise and to perform in front of others and to undergo peer review.

RESEARCH SKILLS (MUMA710)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

The module provides students with the necessary core skills to research music performance at Masters level. These skills include writing an annotated bibliography, the use of music notation software for score publication, and formulating a research proposal for a small-scale performance research project. In order to assist students in the development of suitable research proposals, instructional workshops will be complemented by research seminars in which students will be introduced to recent performance research, analytical methods and associated techniques.

RESEARCH PROJECT (MUMA721)

Credits: 20 / Semester: semester 1

This module supports students in the development of their particular research interests and will typically follow through with plans from the research proposal written for the Research Skills module. As appropriate, students will be encouraged to engage with key practitioners, theory, historical perspectives, performance practice, philosophical debate, analytical techniques, and a range of research methods. Diverse output types are available depending on what will best support the student’s future academic or employment ambitions. For instance, a project may include practice-led research, practice-as-research or research-led practice elements or it may take the form of an essay or short performing/critical edition. Seminars will involve discussion of specific texts to support the range of work explored in students’ chosen projects. Performance recording projects may be developed in a studio setting if the student has the appropriate studio skills.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

As a music student at the University of Liverpool, you will be a part of a small and friendly department. With access to our extensive range of facilities including state-of-the-art recording faclilities, our auditorium and professionally maintained instruments. All while being surrounded by like-minded musicians.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why study Music at Liverpool?

  • We pride ourselves on being an innovative department that embraces the full spectrum of music, from the great works of the past to emerging trends such as sound for computer games
  • Our staff and students come from a variety of performance and non-performance backgrounds and share interests that span classical, popular, world and film music
  • Long established as a classical music department, in 1988 we created the Institute of Popular Music – the world’s first specialist centre for the study of Popular Music
  • Music placed in the top quartile for impact classified as outstanding (4*) (REF 2021)
  • Our recently refurbished facilities boast brand new studios, teaching spaces, and industry standard equipment. These include recording and production studios, an SSL studio, practice rooms with Yamaha pianos, a multipurpose rehearsal and performance space, iMac suites and a games research lab
  • In March 2022 we opened the Tung Auditorium, a new state-of-the-art performance venue seating up to 400 people, with space for a 70-piece orchestra.

What students say...

Literally situated in a house, the music department is one of few to have its own common room, meaning that there is no segregation between year groups, degree courses or even lecturers. Everyone knows each other which makes the needs of the individual even more prominent; when the lecturers care about us we care more about our studies.

, MMus Music 2019

Careers and employability

The MMus in Performance develops key skills to those working or wishing to work in a variety of fields related to music. The MMus is particularly suitable for graduates looking to pursue careers in the arts, specifically relating to music performance and research, as well as teaching.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

You may want to take this course for your personal development and the revitalization of subject awareness. Equally, the MMus is designed to prepare you for further research at PhD level or embarking on a portfolio career as a musician, combining teaching and performance, alongside other avenues of the music industry.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £10,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year £21,300
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.


ANID CHILE Awards

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Commission Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

The John Lennon Memorial Scholarships were set up by a trust fund endowed in the University for the provision of scholarships in the memory of John Lennon. The award is intended to support students from Merseyside who might be in financial need and enhance, among other things, awareness of global problems and environmental issues.

Current or prospective UK (taught and research) students, either born in or with very strong family connections to Merseyside can apply for these awards.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Recipients must have been in receipt of one of the University’s Widening Access Awards as an undergraduate.

UK University of Liverpool graduates who have graduated in the last two years and are progressing to a standard master’s course, including MRes programmes, in 2023.

Graduates must have been in receipt of the University’s Widening Access Award during their undergraduate studies i.e.

Liverpool Bursary
Mature Students’ Bursary
Liverpool Scholars’ Award
Realising Opportunities Award
North Liverpool Academy Scholarship
Estranged Students’ Bursary
Young Adult Carers’ Bursary
Care Leaver’s Opportunity Bursary
The Liverpool Life Sciences UTC Scholarship
Recipients of the Asylum Seekers Bursary who now have a ‘home’ fee status classification.

Postgraduate Progression Award – International Students

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Current international University of Liverpool students and alumni are eligible for a £2,500 fee reduction when progressing to a master’s course.

If you’re a current international University of Liverpool undergraduate or alumni, including Study Abroad and Exchange students and students from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, progressing to either a full or part-time new postgraduate taught programme you’re eligible to receive our Postgraduate Progression Award.

Postgraduate Progression Award – UK students

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

The Postgraduate Progression Award is available to all UK University of Liverpool undergraduate students or alumni considering a postgraduate taught/master’s course, including MRes qualifications, at our Liverpool campus.

Eligible applicants MUST have completed their undergraduate degree at the Liverpool campus.

Sarah Barrow Bursary in Music

  • Home students

In 2022, a donation was endowed to the University of Liverpool for the provision of a Sarah Barrow Bursary in Music (MMus programme).

The Sarah Barrow Bursary in Music is to be supportive of PG Home/UK students for whom the cost of continuing onto postgraduate study would be prohibitive. Each academic year, the gift will fund one needs-based bursary of £6,000 for a Home/UK student progressing onto the MMus Performance programme.

Sport Liverpool Scholarships

  • Home and international students

The University is pleased to be able to offer scholarships to talented athletes competing at national and regional levels. See https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/sports/team-sport-liverpool/performance-programme/  for more information.

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

The University of Liverpool together with the Aziz Foundation are offering master’s scholarships to support British Muslims who are dedicated to bringing positive change to society and have career aspirations in media and journalism, technology, sustainability and the environment, law, policy (excluding health policy) and creative content.

Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship for their tuition fees and access to a programme of training days and career mentors via Aziz Scholarships Plus and the Aziz Scholars Association.

Students in receipt of one of the Aziz Scholarships are not eligible for other University of Liverpool bursaries or scholarships.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary

  • International students
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cyprus
  • Dominica
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda

The University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary fee reduction for students from Commonwealth countries new to studying at the University of Liverpool on master’s programmes.

University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Impact Progression Scholarship

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship

  • International students

Open to all new international students starting a one-year full-time postgraduate master’s programme in September 2023 who:

  • Achieve a UK first-class undergraduate degree award or equivalent qualification as defined by the University of Liverpool (click here for a list of equivalent qualifications) are studying at the Liverpool campus.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree, or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in music or an arts, humanities or social science subject. Joint-honours degrees, where music or a related subject is combined with another, are accepted.

An interview usually forms part of the selection process.

We look at the individual qualities of applicants and encourage applications from those with first degrees obtained from music conservatories and mature students with non-traditional backgrounds.

You will be required to submit evidence of your performance skills. This should take the form of a video where you are performing classical music for 15-20 minutes. Please include a link to the performance demo in your supporting statement.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS C
View our IELTS academic requirements key.
International Baccalaureate

Standard Level (Grade 5)

TOEFL iBT 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 19, Reading 19, Speaking 20.
INDIA Standard XII 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards
WAEC C4-6
Hong Kong use of English AS level C

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

Why study at Liverpool? Victoria Gallery & Museum

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

Accommodation Postgraduate students walking through the campus.

Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Performance MMus

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.