About this course
Expand your knowledge and understanding of music with a master’s degree at the University of Southampton. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a career in music or further research on a PhD.
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Our MMus Musicology degree gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of musicology. On this course, you’ll study:
- current trends in musicological method and critical practice
- key research skills in musicology
- methodologies of advanced musical analysis
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:
- Musicology
- Performance
- Music Education
- Composition
On the Musicology pathway, you’ll work towards the final goal of a professional research project and dissertation. 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 Musicology 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 has research interests in jazz, East Asia and the global history of music. Visit Dr Thomas Irvine’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
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 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in music or a related subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
For the Musicology pathway, you’ll need to submit 2 samples of written work. These should be between 1,500 and 2,500 words each on musicological questions of your choice.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
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.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
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.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Critical Practice in Musicology
This module is based on a selection of recent and innovative scholarly writings on music, which challenge the reader to examine their assumptions about the nature of both scholarship and music as cultural practices.
Musicology Dissertation
The Dissertation is the final stage of the MMus in Musicology, completing work started in the Preparation for Final Project module. The aim of this module is to complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words or equivalent on a topic of your choice.
Preparation for Final Project
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 (...
Individual Music Project 1
In-depth study of a specific area in music analysis, history, theory, music technology or creative practice.
Individual Research Project
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
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...
The American Musical
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 Musicology pathway include:
- tutor and student-led seminars
- presentations
- group projects
- one-to-one tutorials
- study visits
- independent research
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, we'll assess you through a combination of:
- work portfolios
- group and individual presentations
- essays and analyses
- your final dissertation
Dissertation
Your dissertation is the final stage of the Musicology pathway. You'll carry out a research project on a topic of your choice and complete a 12,000 to 15,000-word dissertation to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding.
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 systems/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 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,244.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
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.
Southampton Humanities Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship
Twenty scholarships of £5,000 are available to international students joining our postgraduate master’s courses at the School of Humanities in September 2023.
Find out more about the Southampton Humanities Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship
Ten scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.
Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- 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
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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 may also be asked to provide:
- a sample of written work
What happens after you apply
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 will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
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.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
