Online United Kingdom
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Apr 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 7,430 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* total cost
Key Summary
Introduction
This MA degree in Music introduces you to the diverse topics and methods of music research and equips you with the critical skills to pursue your own research interests in music. You will develop your ability to analyse and interpret musical sources and practices, to understand and apply theories to develop your own arguments, and to communicate effectively to a variety of different audiences.
You will also encounter musical practices and genres from a wide range of places and time periods and have the opportunity to follow your own musical interests. This qualification will be ideal if you wish to pursue higher-level academic research or if you want to advance your career in music education or the creative industries.
Key features
- Introduces essential music research skills
- Explores a range of sources including text, music criticism and performance
- Investigates different musical styles and genres from across the world
- Concludes with a dissertation on a subject of your choice
How long it takes
You will be able to complete this master's qualification within two years by studying one module each year.
Program Outcome
The learning outcomes of the programme are described in four areas.
Knowledge and understanding
When you have completed this master's degree you will have a sound knowledge and understanding of:
- The diversity, purposes and cultural and thematic breadth of research in music
- Investigative methods, critical perspectives and creative approaches to the study of music, and the ways in which these have been applied
- How to use evidence, methodology and interpretation in music research
- How research in music can inform musical practice and vice versa.
Cognitive skills
When you have completed this degree you will be able to:
- Assess different ideas, debates and methodological approaches within music research
- Analyse and engage critically with a range of sources relevant to music research.
Practical and/or professional skills
When you have completed this degree you will be able to:
- Engage with bibliographic tools and digital resources, including databases, digital archives and online collections
- Conduct research independently
- Plan, organise and manage your own learning and manage your own projects.
Key skills
When you have completed this degree you will be able to:
- Find and evaluate digital and physical sources relating to music
- Analyse data and structure arguments
- Communicate ideas effectively in a range of formats and for different audiences using appropriate academic conventions.
Curriculum
To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and have passed part 1 before progressing to part 2:
Compulsory modules
- MA Music Part 1 (A890)
- MA Music Part 2 (A891) PLANNED
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
The study materials are presented through two ten-month modules. The teaching materials supporting the MA in Music are delivered entirely online, with access provided to a large number of digital resources through the module website and via the OU library.
Learning outcomes are assessed using tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), an end-of-module assessment (EMA) and a dissertation. Part 1 is assessed by three TMAs and one EMA, providing you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the broad themes of this module.
Part 2 includes three TMAs and a 12,000-word dissertation. Across the qualification, you will have the opportunity to complete a diverse range of assessments, including blog posts, reviews, research presentations and essays.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
If you wish to pursue a career in academia or research, this qualification will provide a route towards a higher-level research degree (e.g. PhD), which is an essential prerequisite for such a career. A master's degree can help to enhance your career prospects as a teacher in secondary and higher education.
If your aim is to enter professions associated with the media, culture or knowledge industries, or if you already have a career in one of these areas and are seeking a further qualification as a means of career development, then a master's degree, supplemented by relevant skills and experience, can be a valuable asset.