View of a music performance from the stage
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
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
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 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
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
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)  PLANNED 
90 07 Sep 2024
MA Music part 2 (A891) PLANNED
90 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 14 March 2023.

You must hold an honours degree to study for our MA in Music. Although your degree need not 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. If you would like further advice regarding this, please speak to an adviser. 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
  • assess the value and reliability of primary and secondary sources
  • gather various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument
  • deploy sophisticated technical skills appropriate to your area(s) of musical interest

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.

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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