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Introduction to the MA Community Music Program

The University of Limerick offers a one-year, full-time Master of Arts (MA) in Community Music. This program is designed to develop the skills necessary for facilitating inclusive, participatory music-making in diverse settings.

Program Overview

The MA in Community Music is a full-time program that can be completed in one year. It is delivered on campus, with modules taught during the autumn and spring semesters. The program culminates in a final presentation at the end of the summer semester.

Key Skills and Knowledge

During this program, students will develop workshop skills, practical management, and other skills necessary for a community musician. They will learn to facilitate the expressive work of others and work effectively with a wide range of people in diverse settings. Students will also add to the academic canon of community music writing and promote access to excellent participatory music-making.

Program Content

The program is delivered through a blend of lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, as well as reflective practice and guided research. Regular feedback from faculty and peers is an integral part of the program.

Year 1

The first year of the program is divided into three semesters: autumn, spring, and summer.

Autumn Semester

• Community Music Skills 1 (MU5501): Combines practical and academic perspectives on Community Music.
• Community Music in Context (MU5511): Develops observation, evaluation, communication, and teaching techniques and skills necessary for work in community music.
• Independent Study 1 (MD6051): Enables students to pursue self-directed learning of an academic or performance-based project.
• Colloquium 1 (MD6111): Exposes students to scholarship and performance practices from a wide variety of music and dance and related disciplines.

Spring Semester

• Community Music Skills 2 (MU5512): Consolidates and develops the repertoire and ensemble skills addressed in the first module.
• Community Music Project (MU6032): Develops skills to implement and oversee successful community music programs.
• Critical Contexts for Arts Management and Cultural Policy (MD6062): Introduces students to key concepts, practices, and discourses related to contemporary arts management, production, and policy making.
• Independent Study 2 (MD6052): Consolidates and develops the student's self-directed learning of an academic or performance-based project.
• Colloquium 2 (MD6102): Creates a culture of critical engagement in writing and performance and a sense of shared goals in the acquisition and transfer of knowledge.

Summer Semester

• Final Presentation (MD5522): Equips students to perform specialist repertoire at the standard of a public recital or conduct a research project to the level of a master's standard dissertation or a combination of both.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honor, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. The university will shortlist and invite applicants to an interview and performance audition.

Other Entry Considerations

The university encourages applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements to apply, as long as they can demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience for the program. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy supports different ways to qualify.

International Students

For details on country-specific qualifications, visit the postgraduate entry requirements for international students.

Checklist of Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Copy of birth certificate or passport
• English translation of qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of CV
• Additional audio, visual, or written material may be required
• Garda clearance is also required for this program
• Personal Statement: Outlining introduction, interest in the MA Community Music, and relevant experience and/or qualifications

English Language Competency

An English Language Competency certificate is required. For details on accepted language qualifications, visit the English Language Requirements.

Fees

• EU: €7,995
• Non-EU: €18,000

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Funding

Further information on funding and scholarships is available.

Graduate Profile

This course can lead to careers in:

• Orchestral outreach
• Prison and Probation Service
• Schools
• Daycare settings
• Health settings
• Youth service
• Local authority arts councils
• Adult education
• Multicultural arts groups

Graduates of the program have gone on to develop and expand community music initiatives, working with diverse populations and contributing to the field through practice and research.