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

  • Introduces essential music research skills.
  • Explores a range of sources, methods and theories for an advanced study of music.
  • Investigates a wide range of musical traditions and practices.
  • Concludes with a dissertation on a subject of your choice.
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

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and have passed part 1 before progressing to part 2.

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 06 Sep 2025
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 06 Sep 2025

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

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. 

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.

The principal requirement to study the MA in Music is that you are able to write an essay to a good academic standard. The best way to provide evidence of this is to hold a UK honours degree (or equivalent from an English-speaking university), with at least a 2:1 classification. Although your degree does not need to be in Music, you will need a good knowledge of, or experience in, at least some areas of music to successfully complete this qualification. This may include performing or listening to music, and reading about music (for example books, magazines, blogs). The ability to read music notation is useful but not a necessity. There is no requirement to perform on a musical instrument.

If you do not already hold an honours degree or equivalent with at least a 2:1 classification, you will be asked to demonstrate your preparedness for the module in other ways. You should undertake study of the free OpenLearn course Introducing music research and submit an essay of between 1,000 and 1,500 words on a topic of your choice, making use of what you have learned in at least one section of this course. You may instead submit an essay of a similar length that you have already written on any other arts and humanities subject. Your essay will be assessed on its written clarity and structure, rather than its subject matter. Your essay can be submitted alongside evidence of previous study at the point of registration. If you are unfamiliar with scholarly writing and academic practice, particularly regarding referencing, you should also study the free OpenLearn course Succeeding in postgraduate study.

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.

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

Most students study the MA in Music part-time, completing 90 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 20–25 study hours each week.

You must complete the MA in Music within 10 years.

Career relevance

If you wish to pursue a career in academia or research, this qualification will provide a route towards a higher-level research degree (e.g. PhD), which is an essential prerequisite for such a career. A masters degree can help to enhance your career prospects as a teacher in secondary and higher education. If your aim is to enter professions associated with the media, culture or knowledge industries, or if you already have a career in one of these areas and are seeking a further qualification as a means of career development, then a masters degree, supplemented by relevant skills and experience, can be a valuable asset.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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