Overview

The Music Theory M.A. at Western University - Canada provides a rigorous and accelerated pathway for students to engage with advanced musical research and analysis. This redesigned programme is the first of its kind in the country to offer a comprehensive Master of Arts qualification within a compact twelve-month timeframe. Students experience a blend of high-quality course-based learning and independent project work tailored to their specific academic interests.

Why Music Theory at Western University - Canada?

Western University - Canada distinguishes itself as the first institution in the nation to provide a three-term, one-year Master of Arts in this field. The programme is celebrated for its welcoming community dynamic and the significant level of freedom granted to students. This flexibility allows individuals to explore diverse research areas, ranging from classical foundations to contemporary topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on music categorisation and consumption. Students work closely with faculty members whose research strengths encompass a wide variety of theoretical and musicological disciplines.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 8181 per semester
National fee: CAD 2120 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to be intensive and project-based, ensuring students gain substantial research experience in a shortened timeframe. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Musicology
Music Categorisation
Research Project
Music Consumption and Creation
Advanced Musical Analysis

Careers with Music Theory

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths within the music industry and academia. Many students aim for roles as professors of music, leveraging the research expertise gained during their studies. The versatile nature of the degree also supports careers in performance, arrangement, and conducting. Additionally, the programme provides a strong foundation for those pursuing roles as educators or freelance music specialists, as well as further doctoral-level research.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

History of Music Education

Empirical and Qualitative Research in Music Education

Historical and Philosophical Inquiry in Music Education

Cultural and Social Perspectives in Music Education

Music Technology in Music Education

History of the Philosophy and Psychology of Music

The Reflective Practitioner in the Elementary Music Classroom

Philosophy of Music Education

Psychology of Music and Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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86

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

40 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, Canada

Disciplines

Music Liberal Arts View 43 other Masters in Music in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

86

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor of Music in Music Theory or its equivalent (including courses in harmony and analysis of tonal and post-tonal works).

Submission of recent work in analysis.

Submission of a recent research paper as a writing sample.

Biographical information

Contact information

Statement of academic intent

Electronic transcripts from Ontario universities/colleges

Referee information

Proficiency in English Scores

Application fee

List of publications

References

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Western University - Canada and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16362 CAD / year

≈ 16362 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4240 CAD / year

≈ 4240 CAD / year

Living costs

London

Canada

1037 - 1625 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Music Theory.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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