The Music MRes allows you to undertake a one year full-time or two year part-time, research project in Music. The programme has pathways in musicology, composition, popular music performance, music psychology and creative music technology. You will work with experts in the field to produce a developed practical portfolio, dissertation or report.
Student research is diverse, which is facilitated by the design of the degree. Examples of past projects include critical work on topics such as music and UK politics, gender and musical theatre, technical projects such as using Max MSP in classical performance and augmented midi control for electric guitar, compositional portfolios from contemporary classical, modernism to folk songwriting and vapourwave. Whatever your interests your original research project can find a home in the MRES programme.
You will receive training in research skills which will support the development of your major research project through one-on-one supervision from one or more academic specialists in your subject area. Supervision is available from across the range of academic staff from within the Department of Music. Please see our staff pages for details of the diverse research interests of our staff members.
The MRes course supports the development of your research project with modules designed to develop your research skills. Students also take part in research focussed workshops and seminars.
The nature of the MRes encourages adventurous and exploratory research projects which are often interdisciplinary and can encompass a wide range of methodologies. The programme provides researchers with the critical and analytical skills needed to craft a final major project which can take the form of a detailed dissertation, a set of compositions, recordings, a prototype technology or other proposed and agreed upon outputs. You will engage in the wider cultural and critical aspects of the relevant area of expertise by undertaking research skills training modules before developing your project.
You will work closely with a research specialist in the musicological or practice-based fields in areas such as: musicology, popular music, music industries, composition, analysis, audio-visual media, music technology, or any applicable focus emerging from your proposed research topic. You will become part of our community of active researchers pursuing your own research interests in collaboration with an academic supervisor.
The MRes in Music provides excellent preparation for you if you are intending to to pursue a PhD in Music or the broader Arts and Humanities.
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.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH RESOURCES (SOTA701) | 15 |
| TRAINING FOR MUSIC AND RESEARCH (MUMA722) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FEASIBILITY STUDY (SOTA702) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You can choose to pursue either Major Composition Portfolio (MUMA701) or Dissertation (SOTA703).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (SOTA703) | 120 |
| MAJOR COMPOSITION PORTFOLIO (MUMA701) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching on the MRes Music is delivered primarily through one-on-one tutorials but also includes a combination of workshops and seminars. All teaching takes place on campus or over MS Teams. The main core of the programme is the development of a research project with guidance from a specialist supervision team. Individual projects are diverse and student led. These can be focussed on written research or more practical areas such as composition, audiovisual work and performance strategies amongst others. Workshops take place alongside PhD researchers and include career development and professional skills for those wishing to embark upon a research career. Workshop numbers tend to be small, and a typical class would include between 10-15 students.
Students on the MRes are assessed through a combination of formative and summative coursework. This takes several different forms across the modules, including examples such as annotated bibliographies, research proposals, presentations, compositions and essays.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The MRes Music develops key skills to those working or wishing to work in a variety of fields related to music. The MRes is particularly suitable for graduates looking to pursue careers in the arts, culture, creative and heritage sectors, including composition, management in arts and culture organisations and teaching. Some students may want to take this course for its own sake and for the sake of personal development and the revitalization of subject
awareness. Equally, the MRes is designed to prepare students too for further research at
PhD level, and to enable them to enter postgraduate study, thus offering a first
step towards a career in academic teaching and research.
The programme opens up career opportunities which include working in:
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 - £5,006
Part-time place, per year - £2,503
Full-time place, per year - £24,600
Part-time place, per year - £12,300
Fees stated are for the academic year 2025/26. Some MRes courses incur additional bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which applies to you in your offer letter.
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 £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
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.
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 or a closely related subject. You will also have to provide a sample of written work e.g. an undergraduate assignment. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MRes, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
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 writing at 6.5 and no other component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 21, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with literacy and production not less than 120, and comprehension and conversation not below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with writing at 61, and no other component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with writing at 70, and no other 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 no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0, and no other component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 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 writing at 6.5 and no other 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.
To discuss your research proposal, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 7 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions