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Course type: Masters degree
Credits: 180

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes: 2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Course cost: Postgraduate loan available
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

MA in Music

: Course code: F99

This masters degree introduces you to the diverse topics and methods of music research and equips you with the critical skills to pursue your research interests. You’ll develop your ability to analyse and interpret musical sources and practices, understand and apply theories to develop your arguments, and communicate effectively with different audiences. You’ll also encounter musical practices and genres from various places and time periods, and be able to follow your musical interests. This qualification will be ideal if you wish to pursue higher-level academic research or advance your career in music education or the creative industries.

Compulsory modules	Credits	Next start
MA Music part 1 (A890) This module provides a solid foundation for postgraduate and professional academic study in Music, allowing you to specialise in almost any area you choose. See full description Register	90	05 Sep 2026
MA Music part 2 (A891) Design and carry out a research project on a musical subject of your own choosing. See full description Register	90	05 Sep 2026

Compulsory modules

Credits

Next start

MA Music part 1 (A890)

This module provides a solid foundation for postgraduate and professional academic study in Music, allowing you to specialise in almost any area you choose.

See full description

05 Sep 2026

MA Music part 2 (A891)

Design and carry out a research project on a musical subject of your own choosing.

See full description

05 Sep 2026

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded the Master of Arts in Music, entitling you to use the letters MA (Mus) (Open) after your name. You will have the opportunity of being presented at a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

MA in Music

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

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MA in Music

Modules

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

On completion

Regulations

How long it takes

Career relevance

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