- Undergraduate
Composition (Film/Theatre) with Foundation Year BMus (Hons)
Overview
Why study at the University of West London?
- Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
- Our Music courses are ranked #2 in London for modern universities* - Guardian University Guide 2025
- Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?
Take your musical creativity further with this innovative BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre). The course sits at the heart of the London College of Music and represents a creative hub for forward-thinking musical minds.
In line with today’s creative industries, our new BMus (Hons) Composition course offers a unique twofold pathway with specialisms in either Film Composition or Theatre Composition, with the facility to undertake optional modules from both the Film and Theatre strands to create a more generic course of study.
These pathways represent the most significant routes contemporary composers take in their professional life and aim to directly bridge your university studies with both the creative industries and your future career.
The Film and Theatre pathways allow you to engage with different genres: the Theatre pathway covers composition for musical theatre, opera and experimental music-theatre; the Film pathway encompasses composition for film, television and video games.
Exploring a variety of compositional styles, methods and aesthetics that range from historical to 21st-century fashions, the course aims to develop your technical and creative skills as a composer. Ultimately, the modules encompassed within the course will enable you to develop your own voice as a composer, broaden your technical and artistic horizons, and create exciting networking opportunities.
View some of our students' recent work.
Foundation Year
The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.
Why study Composition (Film/Theatre) with Foundation Year with us?
What our students say…
Course detail & modules
The Theatre and Film Composition pathways offer a balanced spread of practice-based activities, historical-theoretical studies, and industry-related insights.
Alongside a traditional exploration of compositional practices – through modules such as Composition and Harmony, and Composition and Orchestration – the course provides a unique focus on the relationship between music and narrative, which you will encounter in the modules Music and Narrative: Concepts and Music and Narrative: Case Studies.
This emphasis will allow you to explore music and composition in relation to drama, narration, discourse, images and action; elements that will strengthen and expand your compositional vision and ideas. The Level 5 and 6 (Year 2 and 3) optional modules will determine your composition specialism and pathway.
The course will allow you to gain a robust understanding of the dynamics of the creative industries, through modules such as Business Skills for the Music Industry and Promoting your career, as well as develop and discuss your portfolio of works, which will allow you to promote yourself professionally.
Please find, on the right-hand side, the full list of core and optional modules at Levels 4, 5 and 6 (Year 1, 2 and 3).
Foundation year
There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.
Compulsory modules
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Making Music: Techniques
-
Making Music: Ensemble
-
Study Skills for Success
This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.
-
Personalised Learning
The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.
-
Music Theory and Sounds
-
Forms, Styles and Repertoire
Compulsory modules
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Composing for Keyboard
-
Music and Narrative: Concepts
-
Understanding Creative Industries
Understanding Creative Industries is designed to give you an appreciation and knowledge of the development of the fundamental structures of the global creative industry structures. In doing this, you will obtain a comprehensive grounding in the key skills and knowledge appropriate to building, developing and maintaining a career in your chosen area of the industry. You will also receive a grounding in key figures within the industry and support organisations available to you to help in developing your professional careers.
-
Composition and Harmony
-
Music and Narrative: Case Studies
-
Stylistic Composition
You will take all compulsory modules and will choose THREE out of six modules.
Compulsory modules
-
Composing for Ensemble
-
Business Skills for the Music Industry
This module looks at the key skills and abilities required for entrepreneurs to develop new business ideas in the creative industries. As new technologies and media converge, the need to understand how new concepts are generated is one of the key tools for contemporary and future creative industry practitioners. Generating successful business ideas is a process of creative thinking and a critical awareness of the business landscape.
This module will focus on both the theoretical and practical aspects of initiating and developing a creative enterprise in the modern marketplace. A study of entrepreneurial traits provides the framework for the module, which includes the development of a credible business idea and the presentation of a formulated and considered business plan.
-
Composition and Orchestration
You will study all compulsory modules and will choose ONE of two optional modules.
Compulsory modules
-
Advanced Composition
-
Promoting Your Career
This module is designed to develop the level of personal entrepreneurial skills needed by a current day portfolio career musician. You will examine and investigate current social and consumer trends of the creative industries and learn how to interact with and reflect this in your commercial and entrepreneurial skills.
-
Composition Portfolio
-
Research Project
This module provides you with the experience of undertaking a detailed investigation into a well-defined area of musical knowledge and/or practice, which you will choose yourself. The balance of text and other materials is to be negotiated with the module leader. The resultant dissertation or project may be entirely written text (dissertation) or could take the shape of a combination of written material and performance material such as, for example, a lecture recital.
Optional modules
Compulsory modules
-
Making Music: Techniques
-
Making Music: Ensemble
-
Study Skills for Success
This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.
-
Personalised Learning
The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.
-
Music Theory and Sounds
-
Forms, Styles and Repertoire
Compulsory modules
-
Composing for Keyboard
-
Music and Narrative: Concepts
-
Understanding Creative Industries
Understanding Creative Industries is designed to give you an appreciation and knowledge of the development of the fundamental structures of the global creative industry structures. In doing this, you will obtain a comprehensive grounding in the key skills and knowledge appropriate to building, developing and maintaining a career in your chosen area of the industry. You will also receive a grounding in key figures within the industry and support organisations available to you to help in developing your professional careers.
-
Composition and Harmony
-
Music and Narrative: Case Studies
-
Stylistic Composition
You will study all compulsory modules and will choose THREE out of six optional modules.
Compulsory modules
-
Composing for Ensemble
-
Business Skills for the Music Industry
This module looks at the key skills and abilities required for entrepreneurs to develop new business ideas in the creative industries. As new technologies and media converge, the need to understand how new concepts are generated is one of the key tools for contemporary and future creative industry practitioners. Generating successful business ideas is a process of creative thinking and a critical awareness of the business landscape.
This module will focus on both the theoretical and practical aspects of initiating and developing a creative enterprise in the modern marketplace. A study of entrepreneurial traits provides the framework for the module, which includes the development of a credible business idea and the presentation of a formulated and considered business plan.
-
Composition and Orchestration
You will study all compulsory modules and will choose ONE out of two optional modules.
Compulsory modules
-
Advanced Composition
-
Promoting Your Career
This module is designed to develop the level of personal entrepreneurial skills needed by a current day portfolio career musician. You will examine and investigate current social and consumer trends of the creative industries and learn how to interact with and reflect this in your commercial and entrepreneurial skills.
-
Composition Portfolio
-
Research Project
This module provides you with the experience of undertaking a detailed investigation into a well-defined area of musical knowledge and/or practice, which you will choose yourself. The balance of text and other materials is to be negotiated with the module leader. The resultant dissertation or project may be entirely written text (dissertation) or could take the shape of a combination of written material and performance material such as, for example, a lecture recital.
Optional modules
Entry requirements
These can include:
- A-Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A-Levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
- Access to HE Diploma
- T-Levels
You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.
Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) without Foundation Year?
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) without Foundation Year?
You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) without Foundation Year?
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) without Foundation Year?
Fees & funding
Please note:
- Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
- Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
- If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
- If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
Funding your studies
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Foundation year bursary
If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies.
To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.
Please note:
- Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
- Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
- If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
- If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
International students - funding your studies
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Teaching staff
Dr Simone Spagnolo
I am a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Composition at the London College of Music. I have composed music for concerts, theatre, opera, ballet, film and multimedia. My music has been performed in internationally known venues and festivals such as London's Royal Festival Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Birmingham Conservatoire, Stanford University, LA's Aratani Theatre, Budapest's Liszt Academy and Hong Kong's Yuen Long Theatre.
I am a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Composition at the London College of Music. I have composed music for concerts, theatre, opera, ballet, film and multimedia. My music has been performed in internationally known venues and festivals such as London's Royal Festival Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Birmingham Conservatoire, Stanford University, LA's Aratani Theatre, Budapest's Liszt Academy and Hong Kong's Yuen Long Theatre.
Study & career progression
On graduating with a Composition degree, you could work in the following sectors:
Creative Industry
- Composer
- Arranger
- Orchestrator
- Editor
- Copyist
- Musical Director
Arts Industry
- Arts Management and Organisation
- Performing Arts Producer & Marketing
Education
- Primary / Secondary school teaching
- Private Sector
- Workshop facilitator
- Peripatetic Music Teacher
Creative-related Industry
- Performing Arts Journalism Critics
- Performing Arts Fundraising and Budgeting
You can also choose to study at postgraduate level or pursue an academic career. Please see our postgraduate courses.
How to apply
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
- 0800 036 8888
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
We may invite you to an interview at the university and ask you to submit a portfolio of original compositions. Find out more about preparing portfolios and the interview process.
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website – you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Contact the international team
We may invite you to an interview at the university or online if you are unable to travel here, and ask you to submit a portfolio of original compositions. Find out more about preparing portfolios and the interview process.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
Search for courses
ARTSFEST
Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Music Performance and Composition ARTSFEST page.
Facilities
Performance spaces
Our flexible, professionally-equipped performance spaces include Lawrence Hall, a 200-seat black box studio theatre, and Vestry Hall, a classical music performance space featuring a Steinway B Concert Grand piano, concert tuned percussion and seating for up to 150
Production studios
We have four black box production rooms featuring performance dance floors, ballet barres, wall mirrors and ¾ drapes. All rooms have PA and AV support in all rooms. The digital stage pianos are by Roland.
One-to-one teaching pods
We have five acoustically isolated teaching pods featuring Roland and Korg digital pianos and mirrors to facilitate one-to-one teaching in voice.
Music performance rooms
All music performance rooms feature drums and backline plus PA support.
- Drums by Roland and Pearl.
- Backline by Marshall, Orange, Line 6, Fender and Gallien-Kruger
- Stage pianos by Korg and Roland
- Synths by Roland and Kurzwiel
- PA by Yamaha, ABT and Nexo.
Basement practice rooms
- All LCM practice rooms benefit from LCM’s All Steinway School status to bring you the very best instruments.
- Three percussion practice and teaching rooms.
- Percussion rooms feature Pearl kits with recording and playback systems.
Media Resource Centre
At our Media Resource Centre (used by all subject areas) you'll find extensive portable audio recording systems, including up to 24 track digital HD recording and portable Focusrite RedNet systems.
There is also video-camera and accessory support, including LED and tungsten lighting systems, track and dolly systems and stedi-cam rigs.
Album composed by LCM students and performed by renowned violinist released
Acclaimed violinist and Visiting Professor of Performance, Timothy Schwarz, has performed and recorded a collection of songs composed by London College of Music students and lecturers.
The album, a collaborative project across LCM, has been released by the University’s record label London Noise Records and is available on all major music streaming platforms.
Find out more about this story and LCM achievements.
Student life at UWL
Important notes for applicants
Disclaimer
*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.
**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.
Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.
Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.
Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.