This programme provides you with the skills and experience needed to progress your music performance to the next level. With support from professionals in the industry and the expert guidance of our lecturers, you will develop your craft as a prospective professional musician.
Our MMus Music Performance and Education develops solo and ensemble performance, teaching, and research skills appropriate to performance.
Here at Liverpool you will learn in an interdisciplinary teaching and research environment and with a diverse and international student community.
With dedicated small group and one-on-one teaching, the department offers a vibrant and active performance environment, and opportunities to develop connections with local and national music institutions.
You will have access to excellent studio and practice facilities and will perform in the Tung Auditorium (opened 2022) a cutting edge 400-seat, acoustically-optimised music performance space that has two top-of-the-range Steinways.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PERFORMANCE 1 (MUMA611) | 20 |
| RESEARCH SKILLS (MUMA710) | 20 |
| RESEARCH PROJECT (MUMA721) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MUSIC PERFORMANCE PEDAGOGY 1 (MUMA631) | 20 |
| MUSIC PERFORMANCE PEDAGOGY 2 (MUMA640) | 20 |
| PERFORMANCE 2 (MUMA621) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAJOR PROJECT (MUMA601) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching on the MMus in Music Performance is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials held on campus, as well as 20hours of 1–1 specialist instrumental/vocal tuition. There are also opportunities for students to participate in masterclass workshops and perform with members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO). All students take all modules, which cover solo and ensemble performance, research, and pedagogy; concluding with a major project which can specialise or combine these areas. Class sizes are typically between 10–15 students.
Students on the MMus are assessed through a combination of formative and summative coursework. This takes a number of different forms, including research portfolios, reflective and research essays, presentations, and performances (both solo and ensemble).
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
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.
Programme leader Dr Lee Tsang and Gladys, a graduate of the course, introduce the MMus Music Performance and Education.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
My time at the University of Liverpool has significantly improved my professional skills and helped me gain a deeper understanding of music and education through its curriculum, performance opportunities, and teaching philosophy. Every rehearsal, every class, every performance has enriched my soul and laid a solid foundation for my future career.
The best thing about the programme is that I had the opportunity to work with professional musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. I have learnt a lot from these experiences. Additionally, the opportunity to perform at the Tung Auditorium with the magnificent Steinway & Sons concert grand is a treasured experience.
The University offers excellent practical opportunities that have further enriched my learning experience. Our observation classes have allowed us to witness different teaching styles from various instructors, providing valuable insights into how to adapt our teaching methods to suit different learning environments.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The MMus in Music Performance and Education 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.
The MMus is designed to prepare you for a portfolio career as a musician, combining teaching and performance, alongside other avenues of the music industry. Equally, you may want to take this course for your personal development and the revitalisation of subject awareness or to provide a stepping stone towards a PhD in a performance-related area.
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.
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.
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 tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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, specialist equipment, or stationery.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
One UK music graduate joining our Music Performance and Education MMus will be awarded a £6,000 fee discount. You’ll need to have a first class grade in the final recital for your degree and show why you need the additional financial support.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Music, alone or jointly with another subject. Conservatoire diplomas, particularly from EU and International applicants, may be acceptable in lieu of first degrees. 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 or jazz music for 15-20 minutes. Please include a link to the performance demo in your supporting statement. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
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.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 11 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions