Program Overview

M.A. Musicology

The Master's program "Music Science: Music as Artwork and Cultural Practice" provides advanced musicological competencies, qualifying students for careers in research and the music industry. The program is based on a dual perspective, considering both the aesthetic and cultural dimensions of music.

At a glance

• Field of study: history, art and regional sciences
• Study type: advanced
• Degree: Master of Arts
• Teaching language: German, some English-speaking
• Form of study: full-time, part-time
• Start of studies: winter semester, summer semester
• Admission restrictions: no admission, aptitude test
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters
• Credit points: 120

Entry requirements

The qualification for the program is proven by:

• A professionally qualifying university degree in Music Science or
• A related music-related professionally qualifying university degree or
• A degree in another Bachelor's program, with at least 60 credit points in Music Science or
• Another professionally qualifying university degree, with equivalent achievements or
• Proof that the degree can be completed by the start of the Master's program.

An aptitude test is required for this program.

Content

The Master's program builds on musicological (e.g., music-related) B.A. programs and is largely research-oriented. It offers a broad range of teaching services, providing competencies for various professional activities in research and the music industry. The program's common characteristic is a dual perspective, considering both the aesthetic and cultural dimensions of music.

Topics include:

• Music History
• Music Sociology and Philosophy
• Instrument Studies / Digital Humanities
• Tonal composition / analysis (composition / analysis)
• Career-specific qualifications
• Interdisciplinary Humanities Offers

Structure of the course

The program has a scope of 120 credit points, with 30 credit points for the Master's thesis. Modules typically consist of two teaching events and have a scope of 10 credit points. Students take two compulsory modules: an introductory module and a module for scientific orientation.

Elective modules allow students to deepen their studies in a self-chosen area of ​​focus. Students choose six elective modules from the Institute of Music Science's offerings, with a maximum of one module from a related program.

Special features

Leipzig has a long tradition as a music city, with institutions like the Thomanerchor, many music publishers, and the Gewandhaus. Students benefit from the institute's networking with numerous music institutions, including the Oper Leipzig, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Bach Archive, the German Music Archive, and the Saxon State Archive.

Career prospects

The program provides a scientific basis for later professional activities in research and edition institutes, music colleges, universities, concert halls, music theaters, music schools, music publishers, press organs (music criticism), radio, television, communal and state organs of cultural administration, and other areas of music production and adult education institutions.

Internships and stays abroad

• The program includes a practical orientation module in the elective area.
• A stay abroad is generally recommended.

Application

Application for first-year students:

• Start of studies: winter semester and summer semester
• Admission restriction: no
• Application deadline: May 2 - September 15 for winter semester; December 1 - March 15 for summer semester
• Application portal: AlmaWeb

Application for higher semesters:

• Study offer in winter semester: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters - each without admission restrictions
• Study offer in summer semester: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters - each without admission restrictions
• Application deadline: May 2 - September 15 for winter semester; December 1 - March 15 for summer semester
• Application portal: AlmaWeb
• Special enrollment requirements: placement form

International students can find information on application deadlines and procedures on the "International" page.

Registration for the aptitude test: For the first semester of this program, an aptitude test is required. Please inform yourself about the registration procedure for the aptitude test and the separate deadlines on the institute's website! The application for the program must be made independently of the registration for the aptitude test.