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Music - Ethnomusicology

The MA in Ethnomusicology at University College Cork is a leading programme in Europe and beyond. It centres on historical and theoretical disciplinary and multidisciplinary foundations, performance, collaborative fieldwork, and most importantly the creative application of musical knowledge.

Course Outline

Our Ethnomusicology programme embraces global musical traditions—old and new, sacred and secular, professional and amateur—and places strong emphasis on musical performance, extended fieldwork, and community engagement.

• The programme combines scholarly depth with practical training, including ensemble and individual performance, ethnographic methods, and interdisciplinary research.
• Final research projects may take the form of dissertations, performance-led enquiries, audiovisual work, or educational resources.
• The MA in Ethnomusicology may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Programme Details

The MA consists of 90 credits as follows:

Part I (60 credits)

• MU6050 Performance Studies (10 credits)
• MU6004 Performance Practice (15 credits)
• MU6030 Research Skills (5 credits)
• MU6034 Multidisciplinary Debates in Musicology and Ethnomusicology (5 credits)
• MU6042 Ethnography of Music (10 credits)
• MU6043 History and Theory of Ethnomusicology (10 credits)
• MU6047 Music Cognition and Perception in Culture (5 credits)

Part II

• MU6006 Research Project (30 credits)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, Ethnomusicology students should be able to:

• Demonstrate improved knowledge and understanding of the history of ethnomusicological theory and methodology;
• Demonstrate an understanding of fieldwork theory and methodology and apply this knowledge in the course of ethnographic research and representation;
• Apply theories of performance in critical and creative to musical performance;
• Demonstrate improved skills in musical performance, improvisation, and creativity across a range of music genres and repertories;
• Demonstrate improved skills in written and oral presentation of ethnomusicological concepts and methods (Diploma students);
• Demonstrate the competence to carry out an independent research dissertation (Master's students).

Postgraduate Diploma in Ethnomusicology

Candidates who pass at least 60 credits of taught modules may elect to exit the programme and be awarded a postgraduate Diploma in Ethnomusicology.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Teaching is delivered in seminars, ensemble classes, workshops, tutorials, and one-to-one supervision. Contact time ranges from 8–12 hours weekly, depending on ensemble and workshop involvement in supervision. Some modules involve additional learning beyond class hours, such as rehearsals, performances, and fieldwork.

Assessment

Assessment is fully continuous and includes written work, presentations, performance assessments, and participation.

Who teaches this course

Our teaching staff from the Department of Music at UCC include:

• Dr. Michalis Poupazis (Programme Coordinator)
• Professor Jonathan Stock
• Dr Alexander Khalil
• Kelly Boyle
• Dr Jack Talty
• Lijuan Qian

Also supported by a wider team of instrumental and vocal tutors, covering Irish traditional music, Indian classical music, jazz, popular music, and Javanese and Balinese gamelan, amongst others.

Why Choose This Course

The MA in Ethnomusicology at UCC is one of the most innovative programmes of its nature across Ireland and the UK. It combines advanced intellectual debates in the fields of ethnomusicology, music studies and anthropology, comprising methodological rigour and theoretical sophistication, with world-class performance training and opportunities.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates go on to careers across the creative arts, cultural heritage, education, and media sectors. Many continue to doctoral research in Ireland or internationally. Others work as professional musicians, arts educators, curators, community facilitators, or arts administrators.

Requirements

You will have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours Arts degree (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent, in music or a related subject (e.g. anthropology, folklore, cultural studies). Applicants with an appropriate professional equivalent (e.g. professional musicians of high standing, music media professionals) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). All applicants will be required to attend an interview with members of the programme team and may be required to pass a qualifying test.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Full-time: €8,100 Part-time: €4,700. The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2026/2027

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

How To Apply

1. Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
2. Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the application portal and include original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
3. Apply: Apply online by clicking the application link.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please detail your research interest(s).
• Please enter the names and email addresses of two referees.