Composition for Screen

Entry requirements

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a sound-related discipline such as music, sound engineering, acoustics, film, animation or art/design.

We may also consider your application if you have a background in another relevant discipline, such as computer science, architecture, education, cognitive science or psychology.

You must have significant experience in composition of a musically related creative activity (e.g. improvisation, sound installation or creative DJing).

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. Your portfolio should comprise two or three samples of your compositional work for screen. At least one of those works should also demonstrate your experience in composing for instruments (or in a hybrid score along with electronics). Submission of the related score is preferred. Audio files alone are suitable as long as they represent compositional control of dramatic elements.

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

As a composer for screen at Edinburgh you'll explore a range of musical contexts from film and documentary right through to game audio. Along the way we help you to develop your studio and recording skills, your approach to using both acoustic and electronic instruments and your intellectual abilities as an interpreter of other media.

We don't teach specific genres or styles and we don't endorse any one particular approach to screen composition, rather we challenge you to develop your voice as a composer and your craft as a sonic artist across the screen-based media that interest you.

Studying at ECA, you will be part of a very large community of creative practitioners who are developing new work in documentary, animation, experimental media and game design. Based at the Reid School of Music, you'll share classes with students on Master's-level programmes in Sound Design, Musicology and Acoustics and Music Technology. By crossing disciplinary boundaries you'll thoroughly explore what you can bring to this exciting and expanding area.