MA Music

Overview & facilities

The course has established a reputation for providing a curriculum to strengthen and contextualise the specialist work in music on which you may have chosen to focus. The flexible course structure allows you to focus on areas of personal interest, whilst also whilst also collaborating and benefitting from students from wider music disciplines. The department enjoys links with well established organisations in the music industry and benefits from professionally-active staff in a wide range of music fields.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Final Music Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to allow students to work independently on a major, Master s research project relating to their specialist field. Through the dissertation the student will demonstrate their research knowledge, skills and independent expertise in their chosen Music specialism.

  Music Research Techniques (30 Credits) - Optional

  Through practical investigation this module aims to develop in students an understanding of research methodology and epistemology as applied to Music. The focus will be on techniques of collection, evaluation, assessment, articulation, presentation and application of data, arguments and ideas. Philosophy as to what constitutes research in the performing arts is an area of current debate, particularly in relation to practice-based work. As such, students will be challenged to begin to contextualise and reflect empirically on their own disciplines and specialisms in objective, coherent and logical ways.

  Musicology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims, through a series of presented case studies, to develop in the postgraduate student an awareness of the current practical, phenomenological and historical branches of musicology; to broaden the student s musical knowledge and to provide experience of on-going professional-level research, the expected standards of which the student will be aiming towards in their final Music project.

  Peripheral Music Project (30 Credits) - Optional

  Most Masters students find some difficulty in defining their particular research topics. Paradoxically, this is overcome not from trying to focus in on a specialism, but by examining areas that contribute to it. With the above principle in mind, this module aims to widen the scope of the field in which the student sees themselves. In so doing, the student will broaden their expertise and refine their interests. Work is project-based and will normally involve investigation into the personalities and products associated with chosen specific areas.

  Specialist Music Project (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide the student with: a trial platform to complete a small-scale, interest-specific project which may be related directly to the student s central concerns as preparation for completion of the subsequent Final Music Project MUS4050 ; OR, an opportunity to work in an area on which the student wishes to concentrate temporarily before turning to the topic s of the Final Music Project MUS4050 . Whichever option is taken, students will gain from the module supported experience and feedback in preparing them for the subsequent, 60-credit Final Music Project.

In full time mode, you will take four modules from September in the year in which the course is started, to May of the following year. You will have then until late in November to complete your Final Music Project under the supervision of a dedicated, specialised, professionally-active staff. 

In part-time mode, you will take two modules: Musicology and  Music Research Techniques, from September of the year in which the course is started, to May of the following year; then Peripheral Music Project and Specialist Music Project from the following September to May of the subsequent year. With specialist staff supervision, you will have then until late in November to work on and complete your Final Music Project.  Preporatory work towards the Final Music Project will normally be started by part-timers during the summer of their first year.

Assessment

All assessment is by coursework, either by essay from a choice of questions given by presentation of research portfolios with short accompanying essays and student presentations. Portfolios may comprise written work, compositions or an extended recital. Subject to approval, the format for the final music projectis proposed by the student and may include written work, field study, composition or performance following the postgraduate students own interests.

Attendance

The main teaching sessions are held in the early evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Optional specialist seminars and extracurricular activities are timetabled during the day. There are regular masterclasses and research symposia. Individual tutorials may be arranged at other times. Postgraduate students may also attend relevant modules in other programmes or participate in ensemble rehearsals and concerts to broaden their experience.

Entry & applying

A 2-i or higher graduate degree in Music or related subject s . Candidates with lower grades who feel they have the potential and motivation to complete a postgraduate degree may also be considered. Mature candidates with equivalent professional experience can also apply.

Standard entry requirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Music, we normally require a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MA Music for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit