Overview
Practitioners are able to study in areas such as performance, composition, studio-based work, improvisation, sound-art and mixed media – focusing in any one of these or blending them according to their creative needs. Musicologists are able to study in areas such as critical and cultural musicology, ethnomusicology and world music, folk music studies, early music, popular music studies, and music theory and analysis. It is also possible to combine practice-based and musicologically orientated projects.
The Music Masters Research Training module teaches essential skills and methodologies for the rest of the research-focused course. A series of four Elective Projects allows you to pursue research selected from a range of topics taught in staff-led seminar groups, or undertake supervised solo study in practice-based or musicological research.
The list of projects varies from year to year, but the following is a typical menu:
- Debates in the Philosophy and Theory of Music
- Popular Music and the Politics of Authenticity
- Advanced studies in Musics of the Holocaust
- Popular Music before Sound Recording
- Advanced Studies in Ethnomusicology
- Wild Pop
- Indian Music for Postgraduates
- Studies in Early Music
- Case Studies in Music History
- Popular Music Policy: Context and Case Studies
- Music Analysis for Postgraduates
The MMus can be regarded as a qualification in its own right, but also offers preparation for doctoral study, not least because of the strong research emphasis.
Delivery
Delivery
This Music programme from Newcastle University is delivered on the Newcastle campus (with options for a short period of study abroad). You will attend seminars and tutorials during semesters one and two. As an MMus student you spend the third semester working on your final dissertation or major creative project.
The flexibility of our course benefits part-time students, though staff-led research projects normally take place during normal working hours. All students – part-time and full-time – are required to complete the Music Research Training module across their first two semesters of study.
The MMus course comprises of compulsory and optional modules.
The course is delivered through a series of one-to-one teaching (eg with an instrumental or composition teacher), lectures, seminars, specialist presentations, masterclasses, and workshops in which you will have the opportunity to share your experiences and debate your ideas with other students.
You will also be able to attend music research seminars in which visiting experts address the postgraduate community. The International Centre for Music Studies (ICMuS) provides information about research-related events (including research seminars), research projects, ICMuS researchers and the impact of their research in the wider world.
You will normally be assessed by a combination of:
- portfolio work, eg composition or examples of academic writing
- essays
- commentary on creative practice work
- oral examinations
- unseen written examinations
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Music Masters Research Training
- Dissertation
- Major Creative Project
- Elective Project
- Advanced Creative Digital Practice: Live Electronic Performance
- Advanced Creative Digital Practice: Graphics, Data and Physical Computing
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Music Liberal Arts View 301 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in music or a related subject.
- We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with degrees in other areas and those with appropriate evidence of musical and general critical knowledge and ability.
Tuition Fee
-
International
18600 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 18600 GBP per year during 12 months. -
National
4500 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4500 GBP per year during 12 months.
Living costs for Newcastle upon Tyne
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.