• Undergraduate

Composition (Film/Theatre) BMus (Hons)

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Overview

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.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Composition (Film/Theatre) with us?

Why study Composition (Film/Theatre) with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

My university experience was vibrant and exciting, especially getting the opportunity to meet a variety of students who were studying on different courses. The course has given me a great opportunity for work and experience for the future.

Oliver Stokes
Next
£1m+ investment in the Paragon Annex Studios. Our studio complex is now one of the largest in Europe.
UWL boasts a 200-seat fully equipped studio theatre
The London College of Music is an all-Steinway school
London College of Music: founded in 1887
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

On this composition course you will learn the skills necessary for a professional career in music composition. The course will give aspiring composers the opportunity to learn a wide range of techniques, from the traditional to the experimental.

During the course you will specialise in score-based composition while also studying modules with Performance and Music Technology students. These modules provide useful insights into the importance of composition within the wider performance aspect of the music industry.

You will learn from a team of experienced and successful professional composers, arrangers and producers. They will guide your exploration of a wide range of approaches to composition, helping you to gain a broad understanding of composition techniques. You will also study music history and develop your analytical and critical abilities through musical analysis.

The composition department runs a highly respected series of composer workshops, in which you will have the opportunity to meet internationally recognised composers who are reinventing the profession. In recent semesters these have included Michael Finnissy, Judith Weir, Augusta Read Thomas, Param Vir and Bryn Harrison.

Film composers such as John Cameron and virtuoso performers have also been involved in these workshops. London College of Music (LCM) is the largest specialist music and performing arts institution in the UK and is respected worldwide.

This course is subject to approval (course title, module titles and content may be subject to change).

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). 

Compulsory modules

You will study all compulsory modules and will choose THREE out of six optional modules.

Compulsory modules

  • Composing for Ensemble

  • Composition and Orchestration

  • 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.

You will take 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. 

Compulsory modules

You will study all compulsory modules and will choose THREE out of six optional modules.

Compulsory modules

  • Composing for Ensemble

  • Composition and Orchestration

  • 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.

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. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112-128 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

Your Level 3 qualifications would normally include Music or an alternative relevant subject area.

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 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.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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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.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for music students are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

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.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Dr Simone Spagnolo is wearing a suit jacket and shirt. He has a beard and dark hair and is sat next to a window.

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

Study & career progression

A young man fixing sheet music during a musical performance

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

How to apply

Search for courses

ARTSFEST

Singer

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.

composer Oleta Haffner video interview

Award-winning composer and UWL Alumni Oleta Haffner joins us in conversation, detailing her journey from her BMus (Hons) Composition (Film/Theatre) at the London College of Music, further education and to her standout career highlights.

Facilities

Facilities

Lawrence Hall, a black box theatre at the University of West London

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 Studio 1 at the University of West London

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.

A music practice room at the University of West London

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.

A music performance room at the University of West London

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 room at the University of West London

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 the University of West London

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.

Violinist Timothy Schwarz performing onstage

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.