Thinking about studying an MA but not quite sure if this type of study is for you? Find out all about the benefits of studying at this level, and Leeds Conservatoire's MA Music.
What is an MA?
An MA (Masters of Arts) is an advanced qualification aimed at those wanting to specialise in an area of the Arts. It is also referred to as postgraduate study, and can be the next step after a BA at undergraduate level, but it can also build upon relevant professional experience for those without a degree.
Why study an MA?
Studying an MA is an opportunity to refine your knowledge, to explore a particular area in-depth, and to build upon your professional skills and network to help you take the next step in your career. It can offer you the opportunity to:
- Further your career: Through a mix of independent learning and expert tuition, studying for an MA is an opportunity for you to spend dedicated time to developing yourself as an artist or practitioner. You will have the chance to find new and innovative ways of working, helping you to be adaptable and sustain your career.
- Improve your employability: Gaining an MA can help you stand out in a competitive global marketplace. The Department for Education reported that in 2019, 78.9% of working-age postgraduates were in high-skilled employment, compared with 65.6% of graduates and 23.9% of non-graduates.
- Develop expertise: MA study is an opportunity to devote dedicated, in-depth study to your specialist subject, offering you the chance to become an expert in your chosen field. An MA can also be a means to developing the skills to embark upon a PhD, or other further study and research.
- Build new skills: MA study challenges you to think differently about your own practice, enabling you to develop skills of self-reflection and critical awareness.
What we offer
Our MA Music offers a unique curriculum focused on student-led teaching and assessment. It is designed to allow you to develop your own ways of working and to explore your own unique artistry. As an open-genre, multi-disciplinary course, you can expect to meet an array of artists and practitioners who each have their own individual take on music.
Here are some key benefits to studying an MA Music at Leeds Conservatoire:
- Direct your own learning – This course certainly isn’t a “one size fits all”, and is based upon student-led teaching and assessment. If you choose to study with us, you will be able to choose your own specialism and develop your own ways of working and assessment, under the expert guidance of our tutors.
- Become an expert musician - Not only will you have the chance to deepen your contextual knowledge and refine your technical skills, you will become a reflective practitioner, in order to understand who you are as an artist, and what sets you apart from others in the industry. We are focussed on helping you to become an adaptable musician, improving your ability to sustain a lifelong career in a rapidly-changing industry.
- Develop your network – As part of this eclectic community, you could be learning alongside jazz drummers, electronic producers, classical composers and pop musicians. There are endless opportunities to collaborate within this environment, and you can find new and innovative ways of creating music.
- Explore your creativity – We are all about championing creative diversity, as we firmly believe that everybody has a different kind of music that they want to create, and a different way of connecting with their audience. We want you to explore your own creativity and our tutors are here to facilitate and offer guidance throughout this.
- Learn from our tutors - All of our teaching staff are professionals within the music industry, actively working on their own music and research. Each tutor has their own area of specialism, and our expertise is wide-ranging and includes songwriting, performance, composition, improvisation, arrangement and production.
- Develop professionalism – Learn the professional skills that you need to get your work out there – including learning about audience development, global trends within the music industry, project management and sourcing collaborators to work alongside.
- Meet Industry Experts – We regularly invite music industry professionals to work with our students in a variety of ways – from one-to-one and group work, to masterclasses on a range of subjects. Recent guests have included artist Charlotte Heatherley, producer and songwriter Steve Chrisanthou, composer, vocalist and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, drummer (Radiohead) Clive Deamer, singer, songwriter and composer Errolyn Warren, cultural consultant and advisor to UNESCO Robert Palmer, composer Anna Meredith, sociologist Simon Frith, and many more.
Who is an MA suitable for?
Our MA courses are suitable for you if you:
- Are a graduate looking to take the next steps in your career
- Are looking to develop your expertise in music
- Want to develop your skills to make a career change
You may have a BA in a different discipline, or you may have relevant professional experience instead. Each application is considered in a case-by-case basis.
Find out more about MA Music at Leeds Conservatoire.
Meet our Alumni.
