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Subject · 75 verified programs

Film, Television and Game Scoring: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs on writing and producing music for film, television, video games and other media, combining composition, technology and collaboration.

Also called: Film Scoring, Media Composition, Composition for Screen, Game Audio and Music, Film Music, Filmmusik, Musica per film, Musique de film.

15 Other master’s award · 11 BM / BMus · 10 BA / BA (Hons) · 10 MA · 10 MM / MMus · 7 Other bachelor’s award · 4 MFA · 2 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 2 Other diploma · 1 MS / MSc · 1 PhD · 1 Certificate · 1 BFA · 6 documented pathway, 10 official concentration, 46 dedicated degree, 13 named major

75 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About film, television and game scoring study

Scoring for screen is the composition of music that works with picture, narrative and interactive systems. Students learn to respond to a director's needs, to hit timing points in a scene, and to create music that supports story and emotion without competing with dialogue. The subject covers film, television, animation, documentary and video games, which each pose different structural problems.

Because most screen music is delivered as finished recordings, programs combine orchestration and composition with production skills. Students use sequencing and notation software, build virtual orchestral mock-ups, and often work with live musicians or recording sessions. Game scoring adds adaptive and interactive music, where the music responds to player actions rather than a fixed timeline.

The subject differs from concert composition in that the work is shaped by a brief and a collaborator. Practical projects commonly involve scoring student films or game prototypes, which provide deadlines and feedback. Programs differ in how much they stress traditional orchestral writing, hybrid electronic scoring or interactive audio.

What study typically involves

  • Composing to picture and spotting scenes
  • Orchestration and arranging for studio ensembles
  • Virtual instruments and digital audio workstations
  • Adaptive and interactive music for games
  • Recording, mixing and delivery of scores
  • Film, television and game music history and analysis
  • Working with directors, editors and producers
  • Contracts, copyright and music licensing basics

Award titles. Screen scoring is commonly recognized through the BM, BMus, BA or BSc at undergraduate level and the MM, MMus, MA, MFA or MSc at master's level, plus postgraduate diplomas and certificates in some countries. Doctoral study is less common and may be a DMA or practice-based PhD. Names and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program appears under Film, Television and Game Scoring only when it is a dedicated scoring degree, a named scoring major, an official concentration or a documented pathway. One film music class does not count. General composition programs are listed under Composition.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants normally submit a portfolio of original music, often including pieces written to picture or to a brief if available, alongside non-programmatic compositions. Panels look for musical craft, dramatic sense and clarity of ideas, and are usually more interested in the writing than in the sheen of a mock-up. Scores and short statements about influences may be requested.

Many programs interview applicants and test theory, orchestration knowledge or keyboard skills. Graduate routes commonly expect a stronger portfolio and some understanding of software and recording workflows. Some courses may ask for a short exercise, such as scoring a clip within a set period.

Requirements differ between institutions and countries and are separate from performance or research routes. Check the official admissions page for portfolio format and deadlines. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include portfolio-based scholarships, tuition waivers, assistantships in studios or labs, and fellowships. Competitions, mentoring schemes and film-industry bodies sometimes support emerging composers, and eligibility may be limited by region or status.

Terms vary by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check each program and funding body directly.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include a powerful computer, sound libraries and virtual instruments, software licenses, storage, fees for live players or studio time, and travel for festival or industry events.