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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate MA
Music for The Moving Image
Learn to create atmosphere and captivate TV and film audiences with soundtracks for moving pictures.
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
16 Sep 2024
Develop the technical and creative skills you’ll need to write music for the moving image.
As part of this course you’ll:
- Gain a solid grounding in the theories, techniques and practices essential for contemporary film and television music production
- Have access to a suite of high-quality, professional music studios approved by JAMES, the accrediting body of the Music Producers Guild and the Association of Professional Recording Services
- Develop your composition skills in a range of genres
- Have the chance to work with colleagues from other media courses to further develop your portfolio of work; for example, you could find yourself working alongside student filmmakers from our university's Northern Film School
- Have plenty of opportunities to sharpen your practical skills through our links with local and national music, arts and festival organisations
Our links with local and national music, arts and festival organisations will ensure you get the most from your course. We also provide regular visiting speakers from the music and film industries and you’ll be taught by a highly skilled and experienced teaching team.
Artist in Residence Programme
The Artist in Residence programme gives opportunities to work with professional artists and experience of what it’s like to work on a professional music project. We have welcomed artists Chris T-T, Ian Prowse, I Monster, Tom Williams and Utah Saints.
Why study Music for the Moving Image at Leeds Beckett University...
- Links with local and national music, arts and festival organisations, as well as our own Northern Film School
- Work on projects with experienced and versatile composers from the film and media industry
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north
- Access to dedicated music studios; Foley studios; dubbing and music recording studios; acoustic labs and a host of post-production suites
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Music Production or Audio Technology, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
You should include reference to the following areas in your supporting statement:
- Why you want to study MA Music for the Moving Image at Leeds Beckett University
- What films and/or film scores inspire you to want to work in the industry and why
- Talk about a recent example that shows how passionate you are about music for the moving image
- Talk about a book or article you have recently read that gave you a real insight into film music
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please include in your supporting information a link for us to listen to an example of your composition work either on SoundCloud or possibly on YouTube if it includes examples of moving images. You should accompany this with a PDF document that describes what your approach to composition and how it relates to the moving image.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Music Production or Audio Technology, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
You should include reference to the following areas in your supporting statement:
- Why you want to study MA Music for the Moving Image at Leeds Beckett University
- What films and/or film scores inspire you to want to work in the industry and why
- Talk about a recent example that shows how passionate you are about music for the moving image
- Talk about a book or article you have recently read that gave you a real insight into film music
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please include in your supporting information a link for us to listen to an example of your composition work either on SoundCloud or possibly on YouTube if it includes examples of moving images. You should accompany this with a PDF document that describes what your approach to composition and how it relates to the moving image.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio prior to acceptance on the course. Please send a link for us to listen to an example of your composition work either on SoundCloud or possibly on YouTube if it includes examples of moving images. Please accompany this with a PDF document that describes what your approach to composition and how it relates to the moving image.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements. Your application and supporting statement should demonstrate; A passion for film music; An understanding of the role that music language plays within the movie’s storytelling experience; An understanding of the unique challenges that developing music for film presents; Experience of recording technologies and/or Digital Audio Workstations; An awareness of some of the tools typically used in film underscoring. You should also include; Why you want to study MA Music for the Moving Image at Leeds Beckett University; What films and/or film scores inspire you to want to work in the industry and why; A recent example that shows how passionate you are about music for the moving image; Discussion about a book or article you have recently read that gave you a real insight into film music.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
We regularly review our courses to ensure we are offering you the best educational experience. This course is currently being reviewed for 2020 entry, therefore the information below is correct for students joining us in 2019/20, but there may be changes for students who wish to join us in 2020/21. These will be confirmed in the course specification made available to new applicants on this page from August 2020.
What you'll learn
Address the challenges of producing music for the moving image.
Develop analysis techniques to enhance your understanding of historical, musical, stylistic and functional developments in film music.
Experience the collaborative working environment and develop your skills in fulfilling complex briefs.
Work closely with your tutors, researching and applying current theory and practice alongside a learning plan that meets your own aims and objectives.
Examine the methods and skills which are required in order to carry out research into the ideas and practice of music technology.
This major project gives you the opportunity to engage in research and advanced practice in an area of your own choosing.
What you'll learn
Study contemporary approaches to orchestration and arrangement of music for the moving image and create scores and MIDI realisations to a professional standard.
Gain comprehensive knowledge of a range of spatial audio systems, from commercial entertainment systems through to ambisonics and diffusion systems and investigate how these can be used for the presentation of spatial sound.
Develop your understanding and critical awareness of audio visual practices and enhance your practical skills in the application of sound in a range of audio visual contexts, from sonic design for moving image, to generative and installation contexts.
This module will enable you to address the challenges of producing musical content for interactive media, with focus on the implementation of music in video games. You'll critically evaluate the role of music in games, and use industry-standard tools to implement dynamic music for video games. The music and systems you construct will demonstrate your critical understanding of dynamic music techniques. You'll practise using formats appropriate for professional or academic audiences to effectively communicate your work.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,900
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,900
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including specialist music and recording studios with control room and live area for instruments and amps, plus mixing facilities and editing suites
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Headphones (£50-150)
- External hard drive (£60)
- Website build (£0-50)
- Access to a suitable computer, DAW software and audio interface to be able to work independently at times off campus (£500-1500)
- MIDI Keyboard (£65-100)
Optional Costs
- Monthly subscription to EastWest Composer Cloud (£20)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including specialist music and recording studios with control room and live area for instruments and amps, plus mixing facilities and editing suites
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
Essential Costs
- Headphones (£50-150)
- External hard drive (£60)
- Website build (£0-50)
- Access to a suitable computer, DAW software and audio interface to be able to work independently at times off campus (£500-1500)
- MIDI Keyboard (£65-100)
Optional Costs
- Monthly subscription to EastWest Composer Cloud (£20)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Reverb Chamber Music and Sound students at Leeds School of Arts use omnidirectional sound sources in the reverb chamber to measure absorption and reverberation.
Anechoic Chamber Music and Sound students at Leeds School of Arts use the Anechoic chamber to analyse the design characteristics of audio equipment, and for psychoacoustic testing to determine peoples perception of sounds.
Audio Lab Music and Sound students work with test equipment such as the Kemar dummy in a state-of-the-art audio lab at Leeds School of Arts.
Postgraduate Music | Leeds Beckett University Martin Briggs talks about our range of Postgraduate Music Courses and the university’s approach to teaching
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Your course will give you the skills required to create high-quality music for the film, television and media industries. The experience you develop on the course combined with your online portfolio should help you to catch the eye of employers in these competitive industries. Working alongside other aspiring professionals in the University’s Northern Film School, your work could be promoted on the international film festival circuit, giving you the opportunity to develop your professional networks.
- Television music composer
- Film score composer
- Music technologist
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
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