Entry requirements

A first degree at British Bachelor’s standard (or equivalent), normally in the first-class category. Applicants are required to present a proposal for their research project (including research questions, methodology, and a literature review). All applicants will be asked to submit samples of their written work.

Applicants for MMus by Research will also be asked to submit examples of their recent relevant activity as performers or composers (for performers, this may take the form of a recent unedited video performance of around 30 minutes’ duration).

Candidates are accepted on both the strength their academic performance at Bachelor’s level, and on the originality and feasibility of their research proposal.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Masters by Research degrees involve undertaking a scheme of study and research, defined in advance (normally by the student), which will normally be (a) a critical evaluation and analysis of a body of knowledge, and/or (b) an original contribution to the field. For MMus by Research, projects normally involve composition or performance as a major part of the research process and submission.

Each student has a supervisory committee, consisting of a principal supervisor, a personal tutor, and another staff member with relevant expertise. Research students have regular meetings with their principal supervisor (normally once a fortnight), and are welcome to consult other members of their committee as appropriate. They are encouraged to present reports on their work in seminars and colloquia during their period of study.

Submission for MMus by Research

A submission for MMus by Research normally comprises a textual submission (setting out research questions, methodology and findings, and explaining how the practice-based work demonstrates research outcomes, and not exceeding 15,000 words), in addition to one of the following:

Composition: A portfolio of compositions, consisting of around 60 minutes of music.
Performance: A public recital of around 50-60 minutes’ duration.

Final assessment is by means of a viva voce examination by an appointed panel consisting of an internal examiner from within the School (not identical with members of the supervisory committee), one external examiner who is an expert in the field, and a chair.

Research Excellence Framework (REF) score

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. Based on the University submission of 14 Units of Assessment, 77% of the research was rated in the top two tiers of research quality, ahead of the average for all UK universities.

Information for international students

Applicants who do not speak English or Welsh as their first language must pass the IELTS English test with a score of 6.5 (with no element below 6.0).

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages on the International Education Centre section of our website.

Fees and funding

Please read our Fees & Finances pages for the most up to date information. You can also find out more about Postgraduate Funding & Scholarships on our website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MMus by research
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Postgraduate Admissions
Email: postgraduate@bangor.ac.uk

Phone: 01248 383717

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