Music Postgraduate Taught - September 2024/25* Entry

We are unable to accept applications for September 2024 entry. Interested in courses starting in September 2024? Please take a look at our MA in Music Education.

The MA in Music allows you to develop and refine your knowledge and understanding in areas of musicological and/or ethnomusicological study. The programme will equip you with the skills and methodologies to undertake specialist research in your chosen area of expertise. Studying this MA in Music and will hone high-level skills in critical thinking, conceptual thinking, problem-solving, analysis, communication, self-direction and originality.

Specialism is offered in a range of areas, including Western music history (especially from the early modern period to the late twentieth century), cultural history, editing, analysis, popular music, music in society (Western and non-Western) and music in Wales.

You can work closely with established researchers, most of whom have international profiles. The department of Music enjoys close links with industrial and third-sector partners such as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Sinfonia Cymru, Welsh National Opera, Opra Cymru, Aria Film Studios, Pontio Arts Centre, Venue Cymru, Ucheldre Arts Centre, Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, Bangor Cathedral, Bangor Music Festival, North Wales International Festival and Wales International Piano Festival.

Programme Length

MA: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
Diploma: 30 weeks of full time study.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• A flexible programme of study that allows you to explore your own areas of interest within musicology.
• Interdisciplinary research-led teaching delivered by leading academics.
• A contemporary course that brings fresh perspectives on musicology, contemporary discourse and culture.
• A degree focussed on employability with opportunities to connect with industry and third-sector partners.
• A flexible range of assessment methods designed to develop a wide range of highly transferrable skills.

What will you study on this course?

This MA in Music is divided into two parts;

 

• Taught Study (120 credits)
• Master’s Project (60 credits)

The Taught Study element of this course will be taught across two semesters for full time students with the Master’s Project produced over the summer. Teaching is provided through a combination of individual tuition and small-group seminars.

Students who wish to undertake the Diploma in Music will only complete the Taught Study element of this course. For the MA in Music students will need to complete both the Taught Study element and the Master’s Project.

Taught study (120 credits)

Semester 1 modules: 

• Current Musicology (20 credits) will allow you to become familiar with the latest techniques and discourses in the discipline.
• Music and Ideas (20 credits) explores a case study chosen from options growing out of staff specialisms, alongside a series of public research seminars delivered by staff and external speakers. 
• Investigating Music (20 credits) brings together students following musicology, composition, and performance programmes; in it we explore a range of contemporary issues from these different and inter-related perspectives.

Semester 2 modules:

• Researching Music (20 credits) prepares you to undertake the summer research project; in it we cover aspects such as research methodologies, writing proposals, managing your project. 
• Engaging Audiences (20 credits) focuses on creative and public musicology; here you will learn how to communicate academic ideas to a wide range of audiences, across a breadth of media.

Additionally, you will need to take one other 20 credit module in music, for example composition, performance or music education or from another subject area, subject to availability.

Master’s project (60 credits) (MA)

Over the summer you will undertake a research project, which normally takes the form of a dissertation which may also comprise a portfolio of musicological items, including a critical edition or analysis (up to c.12,000 words or equivalent).

Students wishing to exit this degree programme with a MA in Music must successfully complete the Master’s Project.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Music Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

• First degree at British Bachelor’s standard: 2(ii) or higher in a relevant subject.
• Candidates with a 2.ii degree must however achieve a 2.i in a substantial project in their chosen area of study (e.g. dissertation).
• English proficiency (for non-native English or Welsh speakers): IELTS English test with a score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5).
• Applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and candidates may be asked to submit a piece of written work in support of their application. Please contact us for more information.

The MA in Music will give you a taste for original research, and will provide you with subject-specific knowledge and academic skills that will set you on course for further study at PhD level and beyond. The programme will also equip you with skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication which are valued by employers both within and outside the field of music. Recent graduates have pursued successful careers as writers, editors, arts administrators, teachers, educational advisers, performers, and business people.