MusM Musicology: The University of Manchester

Course description

This programme is intended for those desiring a basic training in musicology or ethnomusicology and research techniques, and it makes an excellent preparation for doctoral work. You are given individual attention, and your programme of study is specifically tailored to meet your requirements. The main submission is a dissertation or a critical edition. The remainder of the programme consists of four course units.

Module details

Students concentrating on Musicology must complete the Research Skills module and Current Issues in Musicology; the former provides solid training in bibliographic methods, the latter introduces important topics and debates in the field. Students concentrating on ethnomusicology must complete Current Issues in Ethnomusicology and World Music Studies, and Ethnomusicology: Fieldwork and Ethnography which, again, explore the state of the field today and provide foundational training in fieldwork and methodology. Ethnomusicology students are also advised to take the Research Skills module.

Students then have free choice from: Core Study (independent project); Source Studies; Editorial Techniques; Historical or Contemporary Performance (subject to audition); Voice, Vocality and Interpretation; and Contemporary Music Studies. One module can be taken from another Subject within the School. Language training can also be taken for partial credit.

Recent dissertation topics have included: the quartets of Weinberg; the music and politics of Mari Boine; the reception of Robert Schumann's choral music in 19 th-century England; Henze's politics; the motets of Ginés Pérez; Shostakovich in Britain; the music of Cecil Coles; tonality in Nielsen; Beethoven's dance music; Beethoven's folk music; the impact of the valve on the orchestral trumpet writing of Wagner, Mahler and Richard Strauss; Mahler and Adorno; Nietzsche's musical aesthetics.

Full-time students take 2 modules per semester; part-time students take 1 module per semester.

Career opportunities

Students from Music have pursued successful careers in musical and non-musical fields. Some go on to further study and a life in academia. Others enter teaching in schools or further education; librarianship; arts administration; music publishing; music therapy; music journalism; performance. Careers outside of music have included accountancy, law, social work, and human resources.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A First or Upper Second class honours degree in Music (or with music as a substantial component of the programme) at an approved university.

English language: If your first language is not English, you need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper-based) or 233 (computer-based) or GCSE English grade C.