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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 26,000
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Music | Music Composition | Music Performance
Area of study
Arts
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 26,000
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2024-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Students specialize in performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, or music psychology, developing critical thinking and research skills within a close-knit community. The program culminates in a major research project, preparing graduates for diverse careers in music and further research.

Program Outline

The program encourages critical engagement with diverse musical forms and their impact on various societies and cultures. You will learn within a close-knit community, encountering a wide range of interests and perspectives.


Objectives:

  • The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen musical field, whether performance, composition, musicology, or a combination.
  • Students will develop critical thinking and research skills through engagement with diverse musical forms and their broader socio-cultural contexts.
  • The program fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment within a close-knit community of musicians and scholars.

Program Description:

The MA in Music offers a flexible and comprehensive approach to music education. Students can choose to specialize in performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, composition, or music psychology. Each specialization provides in-depth knowledge and skills in the chosen area, culminating in a major research project.


Length:

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time


Location:

Durham City


Program Code:

W3K707


Outline:


Program Content:

  • Core Modules: Each specialization has a dedicated core module exploring key issues and providing essential research skills.
  • Major Research Project: Students will undertake a substantial project in their chosen specialization, culminating in a dissertation, portfolio of compositions, or performance.
  • Elective Modules: Students can select from a range of optional modules to further explore their interests and customize their learning experience.

Course Schedule:

  • The program is delivered through a combination of seminars, practical sessions, and individual supervision.
  • Seminars provide opportunities for discussion, debate, and presentation of original work.
  • Practical sessions focus on areas such as studio recording or field recording techniques.
  • Individual supervision is provided for dissertations, performance projects, and composition portfolios.

Individual Modules:


Performance:

  • Core Module: Music Performance
  • Major Research Project: Performance Project (recital)

Musicology:

  • Core Module: Contemporary Musicology
  • Major Research Project: Dissertation in Music

Ethnomusicology:

  • Core Module: Ethnomusicology in Practice and Theory
  • Major Research Project: Dissertation in Music

Composition:

  • Core Module: Topics in Contemporary Compositional Techniques
  • Major Research Project: Portfolio of Compositions

Music Psychology:

  • Core Module: Advanced Topics in Music Psychology
  • Major Research Project: Dissertation in Music

Elective Modules:

  • Recorded Performance Project (Performance specialization only)
  • Audiovisual Media Creation for Research
  • Special Topic in Performance (Performance specialization only)
  • Advanced Projects in Stylistic Composition and Arranging
  • Ethnomusicology in Practice and Theory (not available to Performance specialization)
  • Research Experience in Music (not available to Performance specialization)

Assessment:

  • Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen pathway and include essays, presentations, composition exercises, transcriptions, audiovisual productions, and performance recitals.
  • The final independent project (dissertation, composition portfolio, or performance) is a significant component of the assessment.
  • All assessments are designed to demonstrate comprehension and progression through the course material.

Teaching:

  • The program employs a blended approach with seminars, practical sessions, and individual supervision.
  • Seminars promote discussion and debate, encouraging critical engagement with the subject matter.
  • Practical sessions provide hands-on experience in areas such as studio recording or field recording techniques.
  • The program benefits from the expertise of a renowned faculty with international recognition in various musical fields.

Careers:

  • Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in music, including performance, teaching, arts administration/management, broadcasting, journalism, and music production.
  • The Department of Music offers professional development opportunities, including teaching and research assistantships, dissemination of research, and dedicated training courses.

Other:

  • The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant international music-loving postgraduate community.
  • Students have access to cutting-edge facilities, including a concert room, practice rooms, studios, and an instrument collection.

Full Time Fees


Tuition fees

Home students £12,000 per year EU students £26,000 per year Island students £12,000 per year International students £26,000 per year


Part Time Fees


Tuition fees

Home students £6,600 per year EU students £14,300 per year Island students £6,600 per year International students £14,300 per year

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About University
Masters
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Courses

Durham University


Overview:

Durham University is a prestigious public research university located in Durham, England. It is renowned for its academic excellence, historic setting, and vibrant student life. The university is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally, with particular strengths in subjects like History, Engineering, Psychology, Geography, Physics, and Law.


Services Offered:

Durham University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Library & Collections:

    Access to a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.

    Student Support & Wellbeing:

    Comprehensive support services for students' academic, personal, and mental health needs.

    Careers, Employability and Enterprise:

    Guidance and resources to help students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

    Enrichment Activities:

    A diverse range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies to enhance the student experience.

    Welcome and Orientation:

    A comprehensive program to help new students settle into university life.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Durham University provides a unique and enriching campus experience. Students can expect:

    Residential Colleges:

    Living in historic and beautiful colleges, fostering a strong sense of community.

    Vibrant Social Scene:

    A lively social scene with numerous events, clubs, and societies.

    Historic Setting:

    Studying in a city steeped in history, with iconic landmarks like Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle.

    Close-knit Community:

    A friendly and supportive environment with a strong sense of belonging.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Academic Excellence:

    Consistently ranked among the top universities globally, offering high-quality teaching and research.

    Prestigious Reputation:

    A globally recognized institution with a strong alumni network.

    Historic Setting:

    A unique and inspiring campus environment with a rich history and culture.

    Vibrant Student Life:

    A lively and diverse student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Academic Programs:

Durham University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts and Humanities:

    History, English Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Theology, and more.

    Science and Engineering:

    Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Computer Science, and more.

    Social Sciences:

    Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Politics, Geography, and more.

    Business and Management:

    Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and more.

Other:

    Global Durham:

    The university has a strong international presence, with partnerships and collaborations worldwide.

    Research Impact:

    Durham University conducts innovative and impactful research across various fields.

    Sustainability:

    The university is committed to sustainability, with initiatives to enhance biodiversity and reduce its environmental impact.

    Alumni Network:

    A strong and active alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.

Total programs
131
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


All Applicants:

  • A 2:1 (or equivalent) in an undergraduate Music degree is the standard admissions requirement.
  • However, the program considers candidates from other backgrounds. Applicants who do not meet the standard requirement should contact the program to discuss how they can demonstrate their suitability.

Additional Requirements for Specific Pathways:

  • Composition Pathway: Applicants must submit a portfolio of two or three contrasting works of ten to fifteen minutes total duration to demonstrate they have the required standard, at least equivalent to a strong 2:1 degree final-year composition portfolio.
  • Performance Pathway: Applicants must submit a video recording of between ten and twelve minutes demonstrating their standard, at least equivalent to a strong 2:1 degree final-year performance recital.
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