Musicology MA 12 months Postgraduate Program By The University of Sheffield |Top Universities
Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

MusicMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Music

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

This course gives you a wide-ranging introduction to advanced musicological study. Our breadth of expertise in the Department of Music means that you can engage with a range of specialist areas, including:
  • Mozart
  • music of the classical period
  • Renaissance music
  • music and visual culture
  • eighteenth and nineteenth-century style
  • the concerto genre
  • the Broadway and Hollywood musical.

You'll explore themes such as gender, musical philosophy and culture, the creative process, performance and reception, and use a range of methodologies to understand how music is created, disseminated and received.

In the first semester, all students take a module on critical musicology. This gives you a grounding in the key concepts of musicological thought and technique, from nationalism and canon to semiotics and aesthetics. You'll then apply these concepts to a specific repertoire in the second semester.

For many students, the dissertation is the climax of their course. You'll have the opportunity to explore a research topic of your own choice on any topic or repertoire. Previous students have explored everything from art and music in Renaissance Italy to gender identity in Disney musicals. A particular strength of our department is that we treat all genres with the same respect, and although we have significant expertise in Western art music, it is by no means more important than other repertoires.

As well as musicological modules, you can take modules in other areas of the curriculum such as performance, music psychology and world music. This gives you the chance to meet students from other MA music courses and provides an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary grounding in the subject.

Sheffield is the perfect place to complete your MA in Musicology. The Department of Music works closely with the University's Concerts Series and oversees ensembles such as the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the Chamber Choir and the Folk Group. Our MA students have performed with these ensembles. One student conducted an edition of a long lost Broadway musical that he reconstructed for full orchestra and cast.

Our students also benefit from a thriving research environment and take part in academic conferences. The University's archives also offer the potential for musicological work, particularly in the collection of scores used by the renowned conductor Sir Thomas Beecham.

Sheffield is celebrated as one of the UK's leading music cities, with dozens of major venues. Sheffield benefits from regular visits from the Halle and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, the nationally important Music in the Round chamber music organisation, and a rich programme of musicals, ballets and operas at the Crucible and Lyceum theatres. Sheffield is particularly known for its folk scene. Our students regularly take part in gigs at smaller venues across the city, as well as the Yellow Arch Studios.

Accreditation We are an All-Steinway School.

Program overview

Main Subject

Music

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

This course gives you a wide-ranging introduction to advanced musicological study. Our breadth of expertise in the Department of Music means that you can engage with a range of specialist areas, including:
  • Mozart
  • music of the classical period
  • Renaissance music
  • music and visual culture
  • eighteenth and nineteenth-century style
  • the concerto genre
  • the Broadway and Hollywood musical.

You'll explore themes such as gender, musical philosophy and culture, the creative process, performance and reception, and use a range of methodologies to understand how music is created, disseminated and received.

In the first semester, all students take a module on critical musicology. This gives you a grounding in the key concepts of musicological thought and technique, from nationalism and canon to semiotics and aesthetics. You'll then apply these concepts to a specific repertoire in the second semester.

For many students, the dissertation is the climax of their course. You'll have the opportunity to explore a research topic of your own choice on any topic or repertoire. Previous students have explored everything from art and music in Renaissance Italy to gender identity in Disney musicals. A particular strength of our department is that we treat all genres with the same respect, and although we have significant expertise in Western art music, it is by no means more important than other repertoires.

As well as musicological modules, you can take modules in other areas of the curriculum such as performance, music psychology and world music. This gives you the chance to meet students from other MA music courses and provides an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary grounding in the subject.

Sheffield is the perfect place to complete your MA in Musicology. The Department of Music works closely with the University's Concerts Series and oversees ensembles such as the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the Chamber Choir and the Folk Group. Our MA students have performed with these ensembles. One student conducted an edition of a long lost Broadway musical that he reconstructed for full orchestra and cast.

Our students also benefit from a thriving research environment and take part in academic conferences. The University's archives also offer the potential for musicological work, particularly in the collection of scores used by the renowned conductor Sir Thomas Beecham.

Sheffield is celebrated as one of the UK's leading music cities, with dozens of major venues. Sheffield benefits from regular visits from the Halle and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, the nationally important Music in the Round chamber music organisation, and a rich programme of musicals, ballets and operas at the Crucible and Lyceum theatres. Sheffield is particularly known for its folk scene. Our students regularly take part in gigs at smaller venues across the city, as well as the Yellow Arch Studios.

Accreditation We are an All-Steinway School.

Admission requirements

88+
6.5+
176+
61+
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.
1 Year
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

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More programs from the university

The University of Sheffield offers undergraduate courses in a range of subject areas including arts and humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, dentistry and health, science and social sciences. 

Whatever subjects’ students choose to study at the university, they will be taught and supervised by world-leading teachers, researchers and practitioners. Academic staff at the university are experts in their fields, and in the latest Research Excellence Framework 92% percent of Sheffield’s research was rated as internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading. As a Russell Group university, teaching is driven by our research expertise Sheffield is ranked:

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  • Top 20 in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

  • Top 20 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025. 

During their time at Sheffield, students are encouraged to manage their own time to build upon vital organisational skills and prepare for the world of work. In addition to becoming specialists in their chosen subject, students will develop their problem-solving, research, analytical, team working, and leadership skills, as well as increasing their confidence, and becoming resilient and adaptable.

You could study or work abroad, do international research, attend a summer school at one of our partner universities or learn a language. You can even combine all of these. We offer a range of scholarships for many of our global activities. We offer additional support for international students who want to find work in the UK, overseas or in your home country.

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A degree from Sheffield will be recognised and valued by employers all over the world. Academic staff at the university are experts in their fields, and in the latest Research Excellence Framework, 92% percent of Sheffield’s research was rated as internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading. As a Russell Group university, teaching is driven by our research expertise and Sheffield is ranked:

  • Top university in the Russell Group for student experience and student support and joint 10th in the UK for best university in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025. 

  • Top 20 in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

  • Top 20 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025. 

We offer postgraduate taught courses in a range of disciplines including arts and humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, dentistry and health, science and social sciences. The university works closely with business, industry, the arts, government and non-governmental organisations to make sure you develop the skills you need. 

Our approach to teaching reflects the real world. We’ll show you how to manage your own work and there are opportunities to work in teams and develop leadership qualities. You’ll learn about new and emerging fields of study, technology and practices. Most importantly, you’ll gain a perspective on the real world implications, such as complex ethical debates surrounding developments in your specialist field. 


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