Minimum requirements for general learning
Applicants normally possess an honours (level 8) primary degree with a 2.2 award or higher in music with a specialisation in composition.
Minimum requirements for discipline-specific learning.

Applicants must be accomplished musicians at a level of proficiency commensurate with holding an honours (level 8) primary music degree with a 2.2 award. Applicants must evidence a reasonable level of compositional prowess within standard Western instrumental forms.

A candidate who does not possess a formal music honours (level 8) primary degree with a 2.2 award or higher may be considered for entry; however, the candidate must be able to demonstrate the following key skills/competencies:
• harmony / counterpoint equivalent to ABRSM grade 8 theory
• fluent score-reading skills
• firm knowledge of instrumentation and experience of orchestration
• music technology competence (music notation software, DAWs & VSTs)
• composition skills evidenced by a diverse portfolio
• evidence of an ability to write lucidly in an arts context

English Language
All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where a candidate’s mother tongue is not English, they are required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test.

The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme.

How to Apply
Apply directly to Griffith College.

Entry Procedure
Applicants must provide the following materials as part of their application:
• full curriculum vitae, including all education and relevant compositional experience
• evidence – i.e., academic transcript – of advanced studies in harmony/counterpoint, orchestration, music technology (music notation software, DAWs & VSTs), and free composition; and previous experience of musicological writing
• no fewer than three examples of compositional work presented as audio files or video files and scores (PDFs) – whilst it is highly desirable that a candidate show evidence of an ability to score to moving image here, a portfolio which does not include such work will be considered equally
• a covering letter, including a personal statement of interests, aspirations, and ambitions with respect to the master’s degree, and the field of scoring for visual media in general

Interview
Based on the application submitted, an applicant may be invited to progress to the interview stage.

Interviews will ideally take place in person, but provision will be made for interviews to take place over Zoom for applicants who are not based in the Republic of Ireland. The interview panel will consist of either the Pulse College director or the programme director and at least one other member of the teaching staff.

At the interview, the applicant will be expected to demonstrate the following:
• an attitude of openness, enthusiasm, and a willingness to engage with new ideas
• passion for creative work and specific interest in music composition and composition for visual media
• an ability to critically discuss the work of at least one recognised music-for-visual-media practitioner and/or basic concepts within the field of music for visual media
• excellent knowledge of music theory, music analysis and orchestration
• working knowledge of music notation software, DAWs, VSTs and sample libraries
• a firm understanding of scholarly discipline and academic conventions
• self-motivation and self-organisation skills.

Intake Dates
We run one intake for this course, commencing as follows:
Autumn: September*

*subject to sufficient numbers.

Apply Here

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

This programme aims to produce graduates who can work as a “one-person production house” – creating imaginative, distinctive, and high-quality content within the “home studio” environment, fluently adapting to the needs of different projects.

Principal employment destinations include:
• Self-employed composers for film, TV and interactive media
• Assistants to established visual media composers (additional music composition, production)
• Continued practice-based research and programme delivery within academic environments.