An MFA qualification is a 'Master of Fine Arts'. This is a full Masters qualification, but is a step up from our standard MA (Master of Arts) degrees in that they combine multiple disciplines instead of focusing on one. Our MFA degrees combine two of the topics taught in our MAs, and there are a variety of combinations for those who want to focus on different skills in their career.

For those who are interested in a diverse career, where you focus on multiple skill sets and multiple forms of media, an MFA is a good way to get an expansive education that prepares you for multiple avenues for your career.

Each of the practical projects you submit will be accompanied by a 1000 word commentary explaining how you approached the task. This writing is not marked directly but is used to inform your tutor’s feedback. In every business-focused module of this course you will be expected to do research and complete some form of written assessment component for each assignment. We expect our applicants to demonstrate good communication skills during their application, as this is a focus of the course.

If you do the Final Major Project, you will be required to submit a 2000 word commentary. If you choose the dissertation instead, this will be a 12,000 word essay.

We expect you to have a competent knowledge of one digital audio workstation. You need to write music fluently and productively. Your demos should be of good quality and we are happy to listen to your music and give you an opinion on this before you apply. A high level of music theory is a big advantage but we appreciate people come from different backgrounds and strong music theory is not always required to write a great piece of music.

You will be judged principally on the potential shown in your portfolio, but it's worth noting that for any 'Orchestration' course we do ask to see examples of sheet music that you have produced of your work. This should be completed in a score editor such as Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico.

You must also have a reasonable to top performance computer (Mac or PC) as well as at least a basic orchestral virtual instrument library (we can advise you if you’re not sure about your setup).

PC:
Minimum Spec:
Intel/AMD Quad Core Processor 2.6GHz

8/16GB RAM

However we would recommend:
Intel i7 Quad Core 3.2GHz (equivalent or higher)

32GB RAM

Mac:
Minimum Spec:
Intel Processor Quad Core 2.6GHz
8/16GB RAM

However we would recommend:
Intel i7 Quad Core 3.2GHz (equivalent or higher)

32GB RAM

You will also need:
Monitoring headphones and/or speakers

We also recommend:
External audio interface
MIDI Keyboard

Any of the main Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). We are able to provide extensive support for:

Cubase 8 (or newer)
Logic Pro X
Pro Tools 11
Ableton Live 10 or 11
FL Studio 20

Being an orchestration course, we do also expect you to have access to good orchestral sample libraries. If you want advice about this, just get in touch. We expect students to have the necessary equipment and tools to produce their music, and knowing what plugins, software, and software instruments are required to make your genre is key.

On successful completion of your course, you will be awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Arts University Bournemouth. All UK degrees, including those gained through ThinkSpace Education, are recognised worldwide. The qualification is fully accredited in the UK and subject to regular quality control, review, and external invigilation to ensure the highest academic standards are maintained.

The graduation ceremony takes place in Chichester each year where you will receive your degree alongside your fellow students and the rest of the university’s graduates. If you cannot attend the ceremony in the UK, we can send your certification to you through the post.