MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at Durham University is a full-time, intensive course aimed at developi...
MA Music
Durham City
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The MA in Music at Durham University offers students a well-rounded, flexible education that allows them to specialize in areas such as musicology, composition, performance, and music theory. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, advanced research skills, and creative exploration of music in various contexts. Students benefit from the university’s world-class faculty, access to excellent performance and research facilities, and the opportunity to engage with contemporary music-making practices. Whether students aim to pursue careers in academia, composition, or professional performance, this program equips them with the knowledge and skills required for success in the music industry or further study.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Music is diverse, offering a blend of compulsory and elective modules designed to meet the individual interests and aspirations of students. Core modules typically include Music Research Methods, Music History, and the critical study of different musical traditions. Students can specialize in areas such as Historical Musicology, Contemporary Music, Ethnomusicology, or Composition. The program also includes a substantial independent research project, where students are encouraged to conduct their own in-depth investigations into a topic of their choosing. This project culminates in a dissertation, offering students the opportunity to contribute original insights to the field of music.
Research Focus: Durham University is known for its outstanding research culture, particularly in the field of music. The MA in Music benefits from the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing music scholarship across various disciplines. Research at Durham spans multiple areas, including historical musicology, music theory, ethnomusicology, and contemporary music studies. The university has strong research centers like the Institute for the Study of the Americas and the Durham Music Department, which support interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage students to engage with the latest research trends. Students have the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers and to contribute to global conversations about music’s role in culture, society, and history.
Industry Engagement: Durham University’s MA in Music program offers strong links with the music industry, providing students with ample opportunities for professional development. The program’s collaborations with local music venues, performance spaces, and festivals allow students to gain hands-on experience and showcase their skills. In addition, students can benefit from workshops, masterclasses, and guest lectures led by professionals from various areas of the music industry, including composers, performers, and musicologists. The university also encourages students to participate in internships, residencies, and collaborative projects with music organizations, which provides a valuable platform for networking and gaining real-world experience.
Global Perspective: Durham University attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and inclusive environment for the MA in Music. The program emphasizes global perspectives on music, encouraging students to explore music from a wide range of cultural and historical contexts. The university’s international collaborations with institutions and organizations around the globe further enhance this global outlook, providing students with opportunities to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, attend international conferences, and participate in collaborative research projects. This global perspective ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in a multicultural and interconnected music world.
Location
Durham City
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 27500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% to 70% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.
Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.
Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.
Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.
College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.
Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.
The MA Music program equips graduates with versatile skills that can be applied in various music-related and non-music-related careers.
Music Education: Graduates can pursue careers as music educators, teaching in schools, conservatories, or community music programs.
Performance and Composition: Aspiring performers and composers can seek opportunities in the music industry, performing as soloists or in ensembles and composing for various media.
Arts Administration: Graduates may work in arts organizations, managing concerts, festivals, and cultural events.
Music Journalism and Criticism: Graduates with a passion for writing can venture into music journalism, critiquing performances, and reviewing new music releases.
Research and Academia: Some graduates may choose to pursue further research in musicology or ethnomusicology, leading to academic careers in universities and research institutions.
Media and Entertainment: Graduates can explore careers in media and entertainment, working in music production, sound design, or music programming for radio or television.
