120 ETC
Units
4 semesters - 2 years
Duration of study
MA/M.Mus
Degree
2 March 2026
Application deadline

The international MA program in composition enables the student to develop his/her artistic and theoretical activity in a stimulating creative and critical environment, with access to the staff's wide professional experience and theoretical knowledge and supported by an inspiring learning community.

Information about studies is in English with study programs where the language of instruction is English.

Program information is provided in English, as the language of MA program in composition is English.

About the program

Students attend private lessons with a composition tutor but they also interact with each other in collective composition classes. The school collaborates with professional musicians who give workshops where students‘ works are heard and discussed. Besides this, students meet once a week to either analysis notable compositions, discuss their research or have formal discussions on artistic or professional topics of their own choice. Gradually, each student defines his/her own field of research and creation and finishes the program with a Master's project composed of a musical composition and a paper. The balance may be either: a) A 20 credit composition and a 10 credit paper b) A 10 credit composition and 20 credit paper, or c) a final project which focuses almost exclusively on the practical aspect. In that case, the musical project should amount to 26 credits and be completed by a four credit reflection on the student's personal creative process. Students are offered the opportunity to have their final project performed by the Caput Ensemble at a graduation concert

Structure of the program

Understandably, the subject of composition is by far the largest item in the syllabus, generating almost half the credits in the first three terms.

Other computational courses occur in the first two terms. These are: a course in sound technology, either electronic or instrumental, a course on artistic research, a course on music analysis and an introduction to some recent issues music composition. The program offers a number of elective courses such as the intersection of music and other activities, such as information in the department and activities.

After graduation

After the studies the student should have the theoretic and technical basis fitting his/her creative activity. The program is also intended to stringhen the student's grip on music in general, be it for the interpretation, research, editing, discussion or teaching of music. The possible field of action is therefore wide, in addition to the possibility to requested to a PhD program abroad. (IUA does not as of yet have a PhD program in music, but one is being developed).

 

Note: From fall 2026 tuition feels will apply to applications from a country outside of EEA, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland. Further information about tuition feels.

Curriculum and learning outcomes

Application Process

Iceland University of the Arts employees a standard electronic application form.

The application process is in two steps, first submit the application and then pay the application fee. Please note: It is possible to save the application while working on it.

Admission Process

An admission committee assessments applications on the grounds of assessment of the subject material, the applicant's motivation and aim with the study at the Iceland University of the Arts and the interview(s) with the applicant.

If the number of applicants meeting the admission requirements for the study program falls below the minimum threshold, the program will not be offered for the upcoming academic year. Applicants will be informed of this decision as possible, and any confirmation feels paid will be punished.

Electronic application

An application is not valid until the applicable has submitted the application and paid the application fee. Applicants must submit the following documents:
Application
Required 1. Certified copy of degree certificate(s) and program /course transcript(s) (PDF)
Applicants should submit a detailed record of higher education up to the present, including programs of study taken and grades achieved. This may be submitted in Icelandic or English.
Required 2nd Reference from one referee (PDF)

Applicants must submit one reference. The reference should not exceed one page. The reference can be submitted in Icelandic or English. Former students of the IAA don't have to submit a reference.

Applicants add the referee (name and email) in the application form. When applications have submitted the application, the referee will receive an email from the IAA asking him/her to submit a reference for the applicant.
Applicants will receive a confirmation when the referee has submitted the reference.
Required 3rd Letter of Motivation (PDF)
The Letter of Motivation should be written in English.
Required 4th Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
Applicants must submit a CV of relevant education and professional experience, language proficiency and general information about the applicant. The CV should be written in English.
Required 5th Portfolio of works (PDF/URL)
Portfolio of 5 scores with or without audio files are required for applications in instrumental composition.
Applicants in electronic composition and sound art must submit 5 works.
Applicants for interdisciplinary studies (composing for film, theater etc.) must submit 5 original works.
General Admission Requirements:
General admission requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent university education that supports the applicant's ability to meet the diamonds of the MA Program. Applications must be completed by a certified copy of academic transcripts along with any other documents requested by the relevant faculty. Admissions committees to candidates are presented to applications. The decisions of the members. The decisions of the decisions.
Admission Requirements

Applicants will have completed a BA degree in composition or the related fields of music theory or the arts. Non musical academic degrees are not excluded, especially on graduate and doctoral levels.

Applicants who do not have a BA degree in composition can be recommended to the program provided they demonstrate a comparable knowledge, experience and technical ability in the field of musical composition.

Language Requirements
The Master Program of Composition is an international program conducted in English.
Students must be proficient in spoken and written English in the academic context. In case the admission committee has deaths regarding the applicant's competition, he/she may be required to submit evidence of English proficiency.

Key deadlines

  • January 14, 2026 Application website opens
  • 2 March 2026 Final deadline for applications
  • April 2026 Answers sent to applicants
Applications

Apply for a program at Music Composition MA/M.Mus.

Find out about the application process and next steps.

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