You must hold an honours degree to study for our MA in Music. Although your degree needn't be in music, you must have the basic skills expected of a graduate in that area. The first module brings you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches in music, but does not offer remedial undergraduate training if your qualifications and/or experience are inadequate. The MA assumes that a candidate for a masters degree already has the knowledge and skills usually acquired by pursuing the subject at undergraduate level. Any student beginning the qualification without an undergraduate degree in music or equivalent experience, should do so at their own risk. You should be aware that a degree of at least 2.1 or equivalent will greatly increase your chances of successfully completing the MA.
It is expected that your spoken and written English will also be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language testing system (IELTS). Please see their website for details.
Before you embark on the MA you must be able to:
- write clear, concise, accurate prose
- read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
- classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
- argue logically, consistently and sceptically
- marshal various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument
- read staff notation, to the extent that you can follow an orchestral score and know which instrument is playing.
Further guidance is given in the module descriptions. If you would like further advice regarding this qualification, please speak to an adviser.
How long it takes
You will be able to complete this masters qualification within two years by studying one module each year.