Program Overview

Master of Arts in Musicology

The Master's program in Musicology is designed to deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during the Bachelor's program. The program focuses on the independent application of musicological methods to specific areas of concentration, which can be chosen by the students themselves. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in music journalism, music publishing, concert and opera dramaturgy, music management, music research, and teaching.

Program Structure

The Master's program is offered as a Major (90 ECTS) and a Minor (30 ECTS). The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of musicology, including historical, sociological, performative, aesthetic, cultural, and political aspects.

Study Content

The study content includes:

• Self-contained intellectual engagement with music
• In-depth analytical understanding and advanced methods for systematic analysis of musical phenomena
• Comprehensive music-related knowledge, techniques, and methods
• Understanding of historical, sociological, performative, aesthetic, cultural, and political contexts

Study Areas

The program offers three study areas:

1. Historical Musicology
2. Cultural Anthropology of Music
3. Music Theater Science

Study Organization

The study organization includes:

• Master seminars and lectures
• Free choice of courses after individual focus setting
• Possibility to focus on one of the study areas and obtain a specific degree

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in Musicology from the University of Bern or another Swiss university
• Bachelor's degree in Musicology from a recognized foreign university
• Bachelor's degree in another field from a recognized university, with additional requirements of up to 60 ECTS points
• Bachelor's degree with a Minor in Musicology from the University of Bern, with additional requirements of 39 ECTS points and a written paper

Language Requirements

• German language skills at the C1 level are required
• English language skills are expected, as well as knowledge of French and Italian

Application and Admission

• Online application
• Einstufung (classification)
• From application to enrollment

Career Prospects

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers, including:

• Orchestra management
• Concert hall program editing
• Radio or newspaper journalism
• Opera house directing
• University teaching
• Music library work
• Music publishing

Further Information

For further information, please refer to the study plan and the university's website.