Overview

The Music M.A. programme at the University of Ottawa provides a comprehensive framework for advanced musical research and academic excellence. Students can choose between a research paper stream, a thesis-based route, or a course-intensive option to suit their professional aspirations. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and high-level scholarship within a vibrant artistic community.

Why Music at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa is ranked among the top ten research universities in Canada, providing an elite environment for graduate studies. Located in the nation's capital, the School of Music offers students proximity to major cultural institutions and research facilities. The Faculty of Arts supports its scholars through dedicated initiatives such as the Dean's Lecture Series and access to the extensive collections of the Morisset Library. Students benefit from a research community that prioritises equity, diversity, and innovation across strategic areas of global impact.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9815 per semester
National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing advanced methodologies in musical analysis and historical inquiry. Students tailor their studies through a combination of compulsory proseminars and a wide range of graduate electives. Modules may include:

Music Theory and Analysis
Musicology
Research Methodologies in Music Pedagogy
Musical Research
Practicum
Analytic Methods for Music and Media
Composing for Visual Media
Sound Design and Soundscaping
Music and Business

Careers with Music

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse professional paths within the global music industry and academia. The advanced research and analytical skills developed during the course are highly applicable to roles in musicology, theory, and specialised pedagogy. Many alumni pursue careers in arts administration, cultural consultancy, or continue their scholarly development through doctoral studies. The programme's emphasis on professional preparation, including the business aspects of music, ensures that graduates are equipped to manage successful careers in the contemporary musical landscape.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Musical Research

Applied Music

Proseminar In Music Theory And Analysis

Proseminar In Musicology

Research Methodologies In Music Pedagogy

Analysis And Analytical Method: Tonal Music I

Analysis And Analytical Method: Post-tonal Music

Topics In Musicology

Seminar In Theory And Analysis

Topics In Musical Pedagogy

Topics In Piano Pedagogy

Seminar In Musicology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in French

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 alternative credits

30-60

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Music 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

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

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 BMus.

A four-year honours BA in music.

A four-year BA with a major in music.

Or an equivalent degree or diploma.

A 75 percent (B+) average is required for the undergraduate degree or diploma. If the degree is from a conservatory, it is deemed equivalent if so indicated on the transcript, or if the total course work is equivalent, to a four-year BA, and includes the equivalent of 6 units in music history and 6 units in music theory.

Letter of Intent: a letter describing specific interests in the program

At least 2 writing samples

Resume required (must include chronological academic history)

2 Recommendation letters

Transcripts

English Proficiency

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 University of Ottawa 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

19630 CAD / year

≈ 19630 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5688 CAD / year

≈ 5688 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $2,456.70/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 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.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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