Program Overview

Sacred Music - PGCert online

The PGCert in Sacred Music offers students an opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding of sacred music through distance learning postgraduate study.

Overview

The course is taught by academics at Scotland’s oldest university who are also professional practitioners in the field of church music. Students are encouraged during the programme to apply insights gained in teaching to their local contexts and professional practice.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree and relevant experience in theology or music. Applications are also considered from applicants who have majored in another subject but who have significant practical or professional experience in music or theology.
• We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have significant relevant practical or professional experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning.

Application Requirements

• CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
• Personal statement (300 to 500 words)
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Course Details

The PGCert in Sacred Music can be taken part time by distance learning over a maximum of two years.

Highlights

• Develop your awareness of how sacred music making has both shaped, and been shaped by, the practice of Christian worship at different times.
• Deepen your understanding of the role of the present-day church musician in its different facets and contexts.
• Deepen your understanding of the relationship between sacred music making and the wider social, cultural and political life of the eras and contexts that have shaped particular repertoires.
• Reflect on how insights and knowledge gained on the course can directly inform your work as a performer, music director, minister or researcher.

Modules

• Music-Making in a Church Context: encourages students to reflect on, and to develop, their practice as church musicians, music leaders, clergy, or oral presenters.
• Sacred Music Repertoires from Past and Present: invites students to explore how an informed understanding of different sacred music repertoires can shape musical practice, active ministry, and scholarly research today.

Teaching

• Teaching format: video presentations, one-to-one discussions, reflective practice, and guided independent study.
• Assessment: a combination of videoed performance and presentation, written reflection, and group forum discussion.

Fees

• £4,010
• Application fee: £50
• 15% Recent Graduate Discount: available for graduates from the University within the last three academic years.

Funding and Scholarships

The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.

After Your Degree

Careers

The PGCert in Sacred Music will benefit those wishing to pursue a career as a church musician, or those who are already active as church musicians or clergy, who wish to deepen their understanding of sacred music.

Further Study

The programme would also benefit those wishing to pursue further postgraduate study, including the MLitt in Sacred Music.