This course will be closed to applications from international applicants at 1pm (GMT) on Tuesday 22 February.
Enhance your understanding of music education with a master's degree at the University of Southampton. You’ll graduate with the skills for a career in music teaching or further research on a PhD.
Our MMus Music Education degree gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of music education. On this course, you’ll study:
current trends in musicological method and critical practice
key research skills in music education
a range of instrumental teaching techniques, styles and methods
the technique, history and repertoire of your instrument or voice, and associated performance techniques
Our academic staff are internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers, and established composers of contemporary art music, electronic music, media music (for example, in film, TV and videogames), and jazz. These world-leading experts can offer you intensive one-to-one tuition in music history, culture and performance.
We offer a broad-based MMus programme with 4 specialist pathways:
On the Music Education pathway, you’ll work towards a final project in the form of either an extended essay or a portfolio of recorded lessons accompanied by a written commentary. We’ll work with you to create a portfolio of work that’s relevant to your career aspirations. On completion of the course, you’ll be ready to:
continue your research at a doctoral level
work in the music industry or wider cultural sector
become a teacher
work as a freelance musician
You can mix your music education modules with topics from other MMus pathways to develop a wider range of skills and personalise the course to your interests.
Course lead
Your course leader is an accomplished professional performer and composer with particular interests in jazz and pop. Visit Dan Mar-Molinero’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
For the Education pathway, you’ll need to submit one sample of written work. This should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words on musicological or music education question of your choice.
You’ll also need to submit both: (1) a short (up to 7 minutes) sample of recorded teaching (such as a one-on-one lesson, a workshop, or a lecture); and (2) a short (up to 3 minutes) recording of yourself performing a piece of music of your choice.
Finally, you’ll need to submit a short (up to 500 words) personal statement giving your reasons for wanting to study music education – both in general and specifically at Southampton – and identifying potential research topics.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, designed to refine your professional writing and presentation skills, and prepare you for your final project.
You’ll also take optional modules to personalise the course to your interests. Some of these modules are shared with our other MMus pathways.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your final project.
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
The Music Education Final Project is the final stage of the MMus in Education, completing work started in the Preparation for Final Project module. The aim of this module is to complete a portfolio of 8000-10000 words or equivalent on a topic of your choi...
Performance Practice and Reflection
This module introduces the student to practical as well as reflective aspects of performance teaching. One-to-one instrumental teaching and workshops are tailored specifically to enhance the students' understanding of techniques, repertory and styles of t...
This module introduces the student to the use of reflective practice in professional development, enhancing their experience of performance teaching and providing them with a foundation for future learning and progress. Students attend practically-oriente...
This module will bring the general skills learned in the first semester to bear on the preparation of an individual research project. You will also assemble a significant portion of your Final Project materials prior to writing up.
This module consists...
Professional Writing and Presentation Skills
This module introduces you to methodological approaches to musical studies and provides you with the professional skills necessary to write about music in different contexts
You must also choose from the following modules:
Analytical Techniques
Your work on this module will be guided by a selection of ‘classic’ and current innovative theoretical and analytical writings on music, which will challenge you to examine your assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music works. We will typ...
Artists and Repertoires
This module introduces you to some of the key areas of the international music industry that have top do with artists and their repertoires. It focuses on infrastructure (artists, repertoires, distribution channels etc.) in order to help you understand th...
Global Hip Hop
The module aims to develop your critical awareness of hip-hop as a social phenomenon and the ways that scholars have approached hip hop. The main focus of this course will be rap music, and we will also touch on other elements of hip-hop including DJing (...
In-depth study of a specific area in music analysis, history, theory, music technology or creative practice. The subject area of your research project is chosen in collaboration with the MMus Coordinator (within the range of topics for which the Departmen...
Music Management Fundamentals lays advanced theoretical foundations for the practical work you will learn to do later in the Programme. Why is the international music business organised the way it is? What forces – technological, economic, political and c...
This module introduces you to the history of the American Musical and examines some of the issues connected with race, exoticism, gender and national identity as they were articulated in this multimedia entertainment between the late nineteenth century an...
The Operas Of Benjamin Britten
In this module you will explore the operas by Benjamin Britten, one of Britain’s most influential composers. Britten’s operas are among the few 20th-century works that hold a central position in today’s operatic canon. They are produced regularly by world...
Learning and assessment
Learning
We’re committed to giving you a relevant, modern and above all enjoyable experience that will ensure you graduate with the skills and understanding you need for your chosen career or further research.
The learning activities for the Music Education pathway include:
tutor and student-led seminars
presentations
individual instrumental or vocal lessons
observation and reflection
study visits
independent study and practice
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, we’ll assess you through a combination of:
lesson observations and reflection
group and individual presentations
essays and analyses
your final project
Dissertation
For your final project, you’ll complete an 8,000 to 10,000-word portfolio on a topic of your choice. You may choose to submit either an extended essay or a portfolio of recorded lessons with a written commentary.
You’ll meet regularly with your dissertation supervisor for guidance, advice and feedback.
Academic Support
You’ll have access to:
historic, modern and electric pianos
less-common orchestral and historic instruments
drum kit and basic PA system/amps
a loud rehearsal room and department practice rooms
recording studios
specialist music software
use of Turner Sims concert hall facilities for recitals
Careers
We recognise that music has increasingly become a 'portfolio career' and aim to provide our students with a platform for success in whatever area of music their aspirations lie.
A master’s degree will help you to develop the key skills that employers look for, such as:
time, deadline and project management
problem solving
teamwork, relationship-building and working independently
cultural awareness
critical thinking and research analysis
Above all, you will learn to communicate your ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
academic achievements
relevant professional experience
personal statement
academic references
We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
