MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive curriculum design...
MA Music Performance Studies
Western Bank
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Music Performance Studies at the University of Sheffield is a one-year, full-time postgraduate program that combines intensive performance training with research and academic inquiry into music. Students benefit from an excellent learning environment, with state-of-the-art performance spaces, world-class tutors, and opportunities for public performances, such as concerts and recitals. The program is structured to allow students to refine their performance skills, engage with new repertoires, and gain insight into the professional music world. The curriculum emphasizes the holistic development of the musician, blending performance with critical reflection, innovation, and creative expression.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Music Performance Studies program focuses on developing both practical performance skills and theoretical understanding. Core modules typically include Advanced Performance Techniques, Music Interpretation and Analysis, and Historical and Contemporary Performance Practices. Students engage with a variety of musical genres, from classical to contemporary, allowing them to explore a broad spectrum of performance styles and approaches. Performance classes and one-on-one tutorials provide personalized guidance, helping students enhance their technical proficiency and stage presence. In addition, students undertake a research project or dissertation that explores an area of performance practice in-depth, fostering their academic and analytical skills. Through collaborative projects, masterclasses, and public performances, students gain a well-rounded education in music performance.
Research Focus: The research focus in the MA Music Performance Studies program is centered around exploring music performance from both an artistic and scholarly perspective. Research areas often include performance practice, historical performance traditions, and the influence of technology on live performances. Students are encouraged to critically examine various aspects of performance, such as interpretation, presentation, and audience engagement. The program encourages students to investigate the relationship between performance and context, exploring how cultural, social, and historical factors influence music interpretation. Research projects are typically self-directed, enabling students to pursue specific interests and develop a deeper understanding of music performance in its many forms.
Industry Engagement: The MA Music Performance Studies program is highly integrated with the music industry, offering students significant opportunities for professional engagement. Students regularly perform in public concerts and recitals, providing exposure to real-world performance settings. The University of Sheffield has strong links with local, national, and international music organizations, which enhances students' opportunities to network with professionals in the industry. Masterclasses and workshops with guest performers, composers, and conductors are an integral part of the program, offering students the chance to receive personalized coaching and feedback from renowned experts. Additionally, students can participate in collaborations with other departments, such as theater and dance, expanding their performance experience across interdisciplinary boundaries.
Global Perspective: The MA Music Performance Studies program at the University of Sheffield takes a global approach, recognizing that music performance is shaped by a wide range of cultural influences. The curriculum explores music from various traditions and genres around the world, giving students the chance to study different performance practices and broaden their musical horizons. The University’s international reputation attracts students and faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a rich and collaborative learning environment. Furthermore, the global perspective is reflected in the program's emphasis on performance in diverse contexts, from intimate chamber music settings to large-scale concert halls. Students also have access to the University’s extensive global partnerships, offering opportunities for international collaborations and performances.
Location
Western Bank
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26350
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%-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 88, with at least 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 19 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 56.
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.
Postgraduate students may be eligible for the following scholarships:
Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to UK, EU, and international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
International Merit Postgraduate Taught Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship is available to students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee, airfare to and from the UK, and a monthly stipend.
Graduates of the MA in Music Performance Studies program have diverse and promising career prospects in various music-related, teaching, and performance roles.
Professional Musician: Graduates can pursue careers as professional musicians, performing as soloists, ensemble members, or orchestral musicians.
Music Educator: The program prepares students for teaching roles in schools, music academies, and private music studios.
Music Researcher: Graduates may explore careers in music research, contributing to academia and music publications.
Music Performance Coach: The program equips students with skills to work as music performance coaches, helping other musicians refine their skills.
Further Studies: Some graduates may choose to pursue further studies in music performance or musicology at the doctoral level.
