MA Musicology in National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland

MA Musicology in National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Description

Whether as a stand-alone degree or a stepping stone towards MLitt and PhD research degrees, the MA in Musicology offers you the opportunity to develop as a researcher, deepen your critical and communication abilities, and apply these skills to the study of music history, music and culture, and analysis. The programme is delivered by staff with strong international research reputations, active as scholars, performers, and composers. Their diverse expertise includes areas such as: music and film; opera studies; source studies; European art music in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; music in Ireland; ethnomusicology; popular music; music, gender, and sexuality; analysis; and more. Beyond the modules, seminars, and showcase outlined in the Course Structure, MA in Musicology students may also attend conferences, concerts, and other events that Music Department staff regularly organise. Students also benefit from a first-rate library, access to the University’s language courses, and close proximity to Dublin, enabling access to a further range of research libraries and archives.

The coordinator of this degree is Dr Laura Watson.

Course Structure

The programme comprises seven modules in total: six group-seminar modules (three per semester) and a year-round thesis module for which students are allocated individual supervisors. You will encounter a rich spectrum of musicological topics, themes, and approaches in the programme, which reflects the variety of staff research interests. In addition, a year-round research seminar series provides an opportunity to hear guest lectures by visiting musicologists, composers, and performers. Students also present their work in progress during the Research Seminars and Colloquia.

Career Options

MA Musicology students develop a portfolio of critical, analytical, and communication skills, while the programme also trains students to work independently and manage their time effectively. These skills serve graduates well in a wide range of employment situations, including areas specific to music such as arts administration and events management. The MA in Musicology is also an excellent option for those considering further postgraduate study.