Music (MA)

at Cardiff University

This is a one-year full time programme covering a total of 180 credits.
 

Stage one

Modules taken vary according to the area of study chosen. All include basic music training via Research Skills and two core modules that are taken in the Autumn term. These are: Disciplining Music (Music Studies pathway) and Music Leadership and Public Engagement (Performance and Composition pathways). 
 

Each pathway also includes specialised modules which are also taken in the Autumn term. These are: Practising Musicology, Studying Popular Music, Composition Portfolio, Doing Ethnomusicology and Closed Recital (subject to availability).
 

In addition, you choose from a large selection of optional modules in the Spring term which allow you to hone your interests.
 

Stage two

Modules in stage one are followed by a major project, relevant to your chosen pathway: a public recital (Performance), a thesis composition (Composition) and a musicological dissertation (Music Studies).

Academic requirements:
 

Typically, you will need to have either: 

• a 2:1 honours degree in music or other relevant subject area such as anthropology, cultural studies, film and media studies, history, politics, or philosophy, or an equivalent international degree
• a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification.
   

English Language requirements:
 

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent. 
 

Other essential requirements:
 

You will also need to provide:

• two references, at least one of which should be an academic reference
• a personal statement which
  • demonstrates your interest in the programme and your background in the field of study
  • states the name of the pathway you are interested in applying to - Composition, Music Studies, or Performance 
  • covers specific requirements for your chosen pathway (one of the following)
    • Composition - addresses your style and rationale for your compositions, looking at techniques, imagination and confidence in approach
    • Music Studies - information on your musical experience
    • Performance - discussion and evidence of your knowledge of performance, style, and technique
• additional evidence for your chosen pathway
  • Composition - provide three notated scores in either Sibelius, Finale, or PDF. Audio links of these pieces would also be helpful but you will not be penalised if these cannot be provided
  • Music Studies - provide an essay which is the best example of your undergraduate work (in English or Welsh). The essay should be of 1500-2000 words about a specific topic (e.g., a composer, piece, musical practice) which demonstrates your knowledge of leading scholars, contemporary theories, and relevant literature in the field. The essay should include citations and a comprehensive bibliography. Unless discussing ethnography, narratives about musical experience should be in your personal statement rather than essay sample
  • Performance - provide a link to an online audition showing an unedited video performance of two contrasting pieces of music, with your face and hands visible at all times to show technique (performance evidence).
     

Application deadline:
 

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. 
 

Selection process: 
 

We will review your application including all evidence you have provided and if you meet the requirements, we will make you an offer. 

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £8,950
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £20,200
Deposit-£1000
 

You will gain a broad spectrum of knowledge relating to music and a variety of skills, making you highly attractive to both potential employers and research establishments. The MA programme has been designed to provide you with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in your chosen area of study. It is ideal preparation for progression into practice or a research pathway, such as our PhD in Music.
 

Our graduates are sought after by employers, with 100% of our graduates in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE 2016/17).
 

Those graduates have entered a range of roles, including musicologist, administrator, music manager, freelance musician, research development officer and music teacher.
 

Our annual series of talks on Careers in Music offer a great chance to meet professionals active in a range of fields such as performance, music education, music journalism, arts and artist management, production and licensing, and composing for media.