About the course

Our MA Music programme is an opportunity to challenge yourself academically and musically, while developing a specialism in performance, composition or music studies.

　　We place an emphasis on flexibility and student choice. You'll be able to personalise a significant proportion of your study, tailoring the programme to meet your career goals and ambitions.

　　You'll study in a research-led university environment and have the opportunity to engage with new research from scholars at Cardiff University and beyond.

　　This programme is suited to performers, composers and music scholars with an interest in developing their area of expertise, learning valuable skills, and exploring a relevant course of study.

　　Career prospects - Our graduates will have a broad spectrum of knowledge relating to the specialised subject and variety of skills, making them highly attractive both to potential employers and research establishments. Preparing for, and leading towards, the PhD in Music, the MA has been designed to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in the chosen area of study. 93% of responding graduates between 2010 and 2013 reported that they are in full-time, part-time, self or unpaid employment and/or continuing study. Those graduates have entered a range of roles, including musicologist, administrator, music manager, freelance musician, research development officer and music teacher. Our annual series of talks on Careers in Music offer a great chance to meet professionals active in a range of fields such as performance, music education, music journalism, arts and artist management, production and licensing, and composing for media. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 1 Year(s)Fees: GB£20,450

Intake	Location
Autumn (September), 2024	Cardiff
Autumn (September), 2025	Cardiff

　　

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How to apply

Entry requirements for Cardiff University

A first or upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant related subject area, such as Music, is required.

　　Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have reached a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with no subscore less than 5.5).

　　Application process – You should complete the University’s online application form and upload your supporting documents (two references (preferably academic) and copies of academic transcripts).

　　Please supply a personal statement which demonstrates your interest in the programme and your background in the field of study.

　　You should name the pathway you are interested in applying to in your personal statement and also provide the below supporting materials:

　　Performance

　　You will need to provide a link to an online audition showing a video performance of two contrasting pieces of music. Face and hands should be visible at all times to show technique. The video recording must not be edited. Your personal statement will need to discuss and evidence your knowledge of performance, style, and technique.

　　Composition

　　Experienced composers with relevant qualifications will be considered for the composition specialism. Please supply a personal statement which addresses your style and rationale for your compositions, looking at techniques, imagination and confidence in approach. You will also need to provide three notated scores in either Sibelius, Finale or PDF. Audio links of these pieces would also be helpful but you will not be penalised if these cannot be provided

　　Music Studies

　　We welcome applications from students with backgrounds in music and cognate areas e.g. anthropology, history, politics, cultural studies, philosophy, film and media studies. As well as a personal statement, you will be asked to provide an essay which is the best example of your undergraduate work (in English or Welsh). The essay should be of 1,500-2,000 words about a specific topic (e.g., a composer, piece, musical practice) which demonstrates a knowledge of leading scholars, contemporary theories and relevant literature in the field. The essay should include citations and a comprehensive bibliography. Please note that applicants are advised that unless discussing ethnography, narratives about musical experience should be in the personal statement rather than essay sample.

　　Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have reached a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with no subscore less than 5.5).

　　TOEFL (iBT) - At least 90 with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking

　　International Baccalaureate Language A- HL 4 or SL 5

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 90.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Cardiff University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　190th / 1250

　　THE World ranking21st / 130

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