Course summary
The Musicology and Sound Studies pathway aims to equip you with core historical, ethnographic, and analytical skills as well as enabling you to operate in a field that is broadly interdisciplinary. The programme features a single core module, allowing you to tailor the content to areas of specific interest with your choice of optional modules. This programme is ideal for those who wish to extend their study of historical musicology and/or ethnomusicology further and explore particular topics in depth, and it can also be used as a route into PhD research. The MA in Music at Birmingham offers first class, world-recognised staff who are experts in their fields meaning students learn from people who really are the best at what they do. Students study within the excellent facilities available with the Elgar Concert Hall, which is one of the most flexible concert halls of its type in any UK university.
Modules
You will study two core modules: Music as Critical Practice; Music Employability. You will also choose optional four modules from a range which typically includes: Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art; Sound Studies; British Music in Performance; Sonic Alchemy: Live Electronic and Mixed Music Ensemble; Fieldwork Methods; Introduction to Global Popular Musics; Topics in Early Music; Electronic Music Studies; Historically Informed Performance; Classical and Romantic Keyboard Music; Gustav Mahler: The Philosophy of Music; Postsocialist Music and Ethnography
Assessment method
In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 13,500 - 16,500-word dissertation.
Entry requirements
We usually ask for a good Honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in Music or a related subject with a substantial musical component. Degrees in other subjects will be considered where candidates have significant professional musical experience and relevant qualifications. Your application should include a personal statement of approximately 5,000 characters. You should use your personal statement to explain why you are interested in studying this programme. In order to expedite processing, please clearly state the pathway to which you are applying within the first paragraph of your personal statement. All prospective students for the Musicology and Sound Studies pathway must also submit a sample of written work of at least 3,000 words - in English - in addition to the usual supporting documents. This should focus on a musical topic, with academic bibliography and references. This should be submitted at the time of making your application, or uploaded within two weeks of submitting your application. If this is not provided within the stated timeframe your application may be declined.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Sponsorship information
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT