Program Overview

Overview

The Music Education MA program at Newcastle University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of music education in its varied practical, creative, and cultural dimensions. The program is taught by academics with extensive research and practical experience in the fields of formal and informal music education, community music, music therapy, early childhood music education, vocal and instrumental pedagogy and leadership, and music technology in the classroom.

What You'll Learn

As a student on the Music Education MA program, you will learn about:

• Pupil-centred approaches to music teaching and learning
• The benefits of informal teaching methods
• Music learning to support health and wellbeing
• The digital musical lives and practices of young people and music educators You will also develop your skills, experience, and contacts by engaging with local and regional schools, or with music education organisations.

How You'll Learn

You will be taught using a range of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Interactive seminars
• Practice-based workshops
• Small group tutorials Assessment methods will depend on your modules, but may include:
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Report
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Written examination

Your Future

The Music Education MA program will equip you with the ability to work effectively with a variety of young and adult learners in music. You will gain exceptional music leadership and facilitation skills, as well as an excellent understanding of the value of learner-focussed approaches to music education. Potential career options may include:

• Working as an education officer
• Developing music education resources
• Working as a freelance teacher of music in schools or from home
• Providing music therapy for children and adults
• Working for a music hub, charity, education department, or arts organisation
• Going on to PhD study

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked:

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Performing Arts - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

The University has outstanding specialist music facilities, including:

• Two professional-grade recording studios
• A range of recently refurbished rehearsal and performance spaces
• A work area with PCs featuring specialist music software
• A project room equipped with 5.1 mixing system
• A full range of recently refurbished teaching facilities
• A large student common room and a new refreshments and social lounge
• A dedicated postgraduate workspace
• 12 practice rooms with integrated recording facilities The University Library provides access to extensive music collections, subscriptions to many specialist music journals, and a significant body of online resources.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are:

• Home students: £11,400 (full-time), £5,700 (part-time)
• International students: £25,900 (full-time) The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Arts and Cultures Postgraduate Taught Scholarships, which provide £2,000 tuition fee awards for outstanding home applicants.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for the Music Education MA program are:

• A 2:1 or above from a UK university or international equivalent, in music, music education, and/or arts education or a related degree
• There may be circumstances where professional experience in the field may be considered alongside an undergraduate degree in a relevant field English Language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
• Pearson: 62 overall (with a minimum of 51 in all sub-skills)
• Duolingo English Test: 105 overall (with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills)
• TOEFL: 90 overall (with a minimum of 19 in all sub-skills)

How to Apply

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. You can choose to start your application, save your details, and come back to complete it later. The programme codes for the Music Education MA are:

• Full-time: 4182F
• Part-time: 4182P A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK. The deposit is non-refundable but will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register.