Music, MMus or PgCert

Music, MMus or PgCert

Introduction

The MMus in Music capitalises on research strength within the department of music and is intended for composers (vocal, instrumental, or electronic), performers, sonic artists, musicologists (of all kinds studying any genre), music education and community music practitioners with a specific interest in an area of musical study. Our MMus students can design their study by selecting one or two study concentrations from six paths: Community Music, Composition, Music Education, Musicology, Performance, and Sonic Arts. Applicants must confirm in their application which area(s) they wish to specialise in.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MMus or PgCert
Duration
4 months, 9 months, 12 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
September or January
Location of Study
Aberdeen

At the centre of the MMus in Music is an extended project where the student can realise a large-scale project with support and supervision from specialist staff. The medium of the project will be determined by the student’s interests and research and our programme offers considerable flexibility in approach. This allows our students to build a significant portfolio of work that will work as a springboard toward their future careers whether it is in their chosen industry or in academia.

In addition to the extended project, our students take a mix of compulsory and optional courses. The MMus Programme Coordinator discusses options with individual students to ensure the best fit between available courses and student interests.

The aim of the programme is threefold:

  • To provide a natural development from undergraduate programmes, both within and outwith the University of Aberdeen, to postgraduate study in the university in the areas of composition, community music, musicology, music education, performance or sonic arts or any combination of these paths;
  • To help the students develop and explore options in their future careers in academia or in industry;
  • To continue to develop the research environment in the Department of Music.

The MMus in Music will also offer an opportunity for those who have already worked for a number of years after their undergraduate or postgraduate study and would like to return to hone their chosen skills at university as part of their continuing professional development (either on a full-time or part-time basis).

Available Programmes of Study

MMus

Music

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MMus 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
MMus 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More
PgCert

Music

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
PgCert 4 months or 9 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programme. Visit the scholarship page for more information.

There is one other scholarships available through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust:

  • Carlaw-Ogston Master of Music Scholarship

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Assessment is by most appropriate mode for the subject area (e.g., essay, presentation, composition, performance, etc.) and we typically have more than one option within each course to cater to students on different study paths.

Why Study Music?

  • Expert tutorials and courses from specialists across the musical spectrum, including 30 hours of individual lessons for students on the performance study path.
  • A wide range of interesting and imaginative courses
  • Flexibility in tailoring the degree to your specialism
  • A vibrant research environment offered by the Department of Music and the University
  • Opportunities to join various ensembles, music societies, and research groups
  • Create a multi-channel (8.2.4) electroacoustic and sonic arts project at a state-of-the-art electroacoustic studio (Bennachie EA Studio) that offers ambisonic sound acquisition and production capability

Entry Requirements

Candidates must normally have a degree at 2(ii) or above, or equivalent qualification or proven experience in Music.

References are not required for applicants to apply. They are not usually required for a decision to be made but in certain cases, applicants may be asked to provide a single academic reference at the request of the academic selector.

An example of work relevant to the applicant’s study path is required with the application. Anyone applying for more than one study path should provide examples of work in both areas.

For performance, submit two contrasting songs/pieces totalling 7-15 minutes. By ‘contrasting’ we mean songs/pieces that showcase different aspects of the applicant’s musical and technical abilities. We will assess performers working in many genres and styles, e.g., musical theatre, pop vocals and/or classical, operatic singing. A list of our current visiting tutors for performance can be found on the Department of Music web pages. If you cannot see a tutor for your chosen study, please use the email address or Enquire Now button (above) to ask about possible tuition. Whilst we will try to accommodate specific genres/specialisms/instruments, this is not always possible. All performances submitted with applications should be recorded as if live, i.e., without significant editing. Applicants typically include a link to an online video at the end of their personal statement. The video does not need to be made to professional standards; the important thing is that it lets us assess the quality of the performance.

Details about applying for other study paths are in the box below.

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

For music education, submit one essay in English of approximately 2000 words. We prefer to see essays on educational topics, but we can assess essays on any topic related to music or education. coherent academic English and evidence of engagement with relevant scholarly literature (e.g., references to academic sources). Where applicants submit a music education essay, we hope to see evidence of a reflective approach to the topic, ideally engaging with recent debates in the field.

For composition, submit at least two contrasting notated compositions. By ‘contrasting’ we mean compositions that showcase different aspects of the applicant’s abilities. Since most composition tuition in the Department involves some form of notation in the tradition of Western art music, we must see the scores for the submitted compositions. If applicants also wish to provide audio or video files of their compositions, we will assess those, but only the notated scores are required. Applicants typically include (a link to) score files and a brief commentary (no more than 500 words) on the submitted work. We will assess composers working in many genres and styles; what we are looking for is evidence of creativity and experimentation as well as a sufficient craft to thrive at master’s level.

For musicology, submit one essay in English of approximately 2000 words. We can assess essays on any music-related topic, and we welcome students adopting any methodological approach (ethnographic, historical, theoretical, etc). The main things we are looking for are coherent academic English and evidence of engagement with relevant scholarly literature (e.g., references to academic sources). We hope to see evidence of a reflective approach to the topic, ideally engaging with recent debates in the field.

For sonic arts, submit at least two contrasting compositions that make good use of technology, which can include electronic music, soundscape composition, audio-visual composition & sound design and music for film and/or games. By 'contrasting' we mean compositions that showcase different aspects of the applicant's technical and creative abilities. Applicants typically include (a link to) audio files and a brief commentary (no more than 500 words) on the submitted work.

For community music, submit one essay in English of approximately 2000 words. We prefer to see essays on community music topics, but we can assess essays on any topic related to music or communities. The main things we are looking for are coherent academic English and evidence of engagement with relevant scholarly literature (e.g., references to academic sources). Where applicants submit a community music essay, we hope to see evidence of a reflective approach to the topic, ideally engaging with recent debates in the field.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Careers

Students entering the MMus might have specific career aspirations from the start, i.e., composition or musicology, or they may want to use the programme as a route to further study (i.e., a PhD). We also welcome students wishing to generalise and simply learn more about their subject.

The courses are designed for in-depth work and to enable students to understand and experience a number of different aspects of music research and the music profession. The degree can also be used as an entry to other professions, as is the case with other postgraduate degrees, where subject specialism is not important.

Our Experts

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX