Overview

The Musicology programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers an adventurous environment for students to develop their critical voices. This advanced degree focuses on the scholarly study of musical histories, cultures, and interpretations through a blend of seminars and pedagogical training.

As one of the most successful graduate initiatives in the United States, the department fosters a strikingly diverse community. Students from across the globe collaborate with visiting scholars to explore a wide range of subfields, ensuring a rich exchange of perspectives. The curriculum is designed to build professional networks while providing teaching experience that is second to none.

The department typically enrols a small cohort of four to five students annually to maintain an intimate and supportive learning environment.

Why Musicology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) provides exceptional facilities through the Herb Alpert School of Music, including the Center for Musical Humanities. Students benefit from competitive multi-year support packages, which generally include a combination of fellowships and teaching assistantships. This financial stability allows researchers to focus on innovative projects ranging from early modern devotional song to contemporary horror cinema soundtracks.

The institution is renowned for its Robert M. Stevenson Lecture Series and the Distinguished Lecture Series, which bring world-class scholars to the campus. Furthermore, the department maintains strong links with international academic networks, evidenced by alumni who now hold prestigious positions at major universities worldwide. These partnerships and resources create a distinctive teaching environment that bridges traditional musicology with modern cultural studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is delivered through intensive graduate seminars that cover diverse historical periods and theoretical frameworks. Modules may include:

Musical Nationalism
History of Improvisation
Musical Camp
Dufay
Opéra-comique
Public Musicology
Soviet Music Theory Pedagogy
Early Modern Anglophone Devotional Poetry and Song
Proto-punk Musical Experimentalism
Music as Cultural Diplomacy
Operatic Adaptations of Shakespeare’s Works
Music in Marginal Cinemas

Careers with Musicology

Graduates from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are highly sought after for roles in higher education and cultural research. Alumni have secured faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and the University of California, Irvine. The programme prepares individuals for diverse careers as musicologists, consultants, and academic leaders within the global arts and humanities sector.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Critical, Cultural, and Social Theory

Music Aesthetics, Analysis, and Philosophy

Seminar in Analytical/Repertoire Topics

Seminar in Theoretical Topics

Seminar in Historical Topics

Music Industry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 alternative credits

Quarter Units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 292 other Masters in Musicology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

The general requirement for admission for a U.S. student is a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from the University of California.

An international student whose post-secondary education is completed outside of the U.S. is expected to hold a degree representing completion of at least four years of study with above average/very good scholarship from a university or university-level institution.

The $120.00 (for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents) or $140.00 (for all other applicants) application fee must be submitted online by credit or debit card before the application can be processed.

Statement of purpose

Personal Statement

Three letters of recommendation

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

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

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

Financing

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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 Musicology.

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

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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