Overview

The Popular Music and Culture programme at Western University - Canada offers a specialised Master of Arts pathway designed for completion within a single calendar year. This intensive twelve-month structure allows students to engage deeply with musicology and theory through a combination of advanced coursework and independent research projects. By condensing the traditional two-year master's timeline, the university provides a rigorous academic experience that respects the professional goals of its graduate community.

Students benefit from a flexible academic environment where they can tailor their research to specific interests, ranging from classical traditions to contemporary global trends. The programme is structured across three terms, ensuring a continuous and immersive study experience.

Why Popular Music and Culture at Western University - Canada?

Western University - Canada was the first institution in the country to introduce a one-year M.A. in this field, establishing a legacy of innovation in music education. The Don Wright Faculty of Music provides a welcoming community dynamic where students collaborate closely with faculty members who possess diverse research expertise. Facilities and teaching methods are designed to support both course-based learning and significant individual research projects.

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 offers a blend of theoretical foundations and specialised research opportunities. Modules may include:

Music Theory
Musicology
Music Categorization, Consumption and Creation
Research Project
Music and Artificial Intelligence
Classical and Popular Music Studies

Careers with Popular Music and Culture

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for a variety of professional roles within the music industry and academia. Many students pursue careers as professors of music, sharing their expertise in higher education settings. The versatile skill set developed during the degree also supports paths as freelance performers, musical arrangers, and conductors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Popular Music Studies

Listening to Popular Music

Music, Media, Modernity

Singing on Record

Operations/Theory/Procedures

Cultural Labour and Popular Music

Music

Podcasts and Perspective

Misinformation and Viral Deception

Making and Thinking

Critical Utopias

The Politics of Labour in the Knowledge Economy

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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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

40 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, Canada

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Music Musicology View 18 other Masters in Musicology 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

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

Four year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of popular music and have the ability to manage the curriculum's diverse requirements. We suggest competence in one of the following areas: music history (including artists, genres, and repertoires); music technology; discography; music business; theory; performance; criticism.

Biographical information

Contact information

Statement of academic intent

Electronic transcripts from Ontario universities/colleges

Professional background

Referee information

Proficiency in English Scores

Application fee

A sample of written work

List of publications

References

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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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 Popular Music and Culture.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

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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