Music with Education Postgraduate Taught - Entry

The MA in Music with Education is a flexible programme which allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of teaching music to others. The course is intended for students with backgrounds in music or education (or both) who wish to develop skills and knowledge in both disciplines while exploring some of the ways in which the two fields are related.

On this programme you will develop your musical skills at an advanced level through performance, composition or musicology, while enhancing your knowledge and conceptual understanding of a range of issues relating to music education. You will hone personal and professional skills valued in the music education sector, and will develop skills and methodologies to undertake specialist research in your chosen area of expertise.

You will work closely with established researchers, most of whom have international profiles. The School of Music enjoys close links with industrial and third-sector parties such as the Venue Cymru, Ensemble Cymru and the BBC; in addition both the School of Music and the School of Education share well established partnerships with local primary and secondary schools, where many teachers of music are our graduates.

What will you study on this course?

The programme is divided into two parts: two semesters of taught study (Part 1, 120 credits) and a substantial independent piece of work in the main area, produced over the summer (Part 2, 60 credits). Teaching is provided through a combination of individual tuition and small-group seminars.

Part 1 (diploma):

You will take two modules in the School of Education:

• Curriculum Development
• Assessment in Education

Note. Non-native English or Welsh speakers may replace one of these with advanced English-language classes.

You may also take an optional Placement in a local school or college. 

In the School of Music, you may choose two modules from a wide range of options, including:

• Performance and History
• Current Musicology
• Composition in Context
• Music in Historical Context
• Music in Society
• Performance Studies in Education
• Composition Project
• Performance project
• Independent Research Project

Part 2 (MA):

The Part II Project, which is completed over the summer, is similarly flexible in format. It will normally include a dissertation element, and may also include a lecture-recital, a portfolio of compositions for educational use, pedagogical materials for your voice or instrument, or an alternative format agreed in advance with the lecturing staff.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Music with Education Modules  page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

A first degree in Music at 2.ii standard or higher (or equivalent) is required. Candidates with a 2.ii degree must however achieve a 2.i in a substantial project in their chosen area of study (e.g. a dissertation, a portfolio of compositions, or an extended recital). Musicologists may be asked to submit a piece of written work of 3,000- 5,000 words that can either be: 1) a discussion of a selected topic from music history; or 2) an analysis of a selected composition. The essay must be academic in style, and must include footnotes and a full bibliography. Composers may be asked to submit representative samples of their creative work (normally two or three pieces); these can be notated scores, or audio recordings, or both, and may be sent on paper, as a data DVD, or via a weblink such as Dropbox. Performers will be asked to audition or, where this is not feasible, to submit a recent unedited recorded video performance, featuring contrasting repertoire (25-30 minutes). A sample of academic work may also be requested from performers.

Applicants who do not speak English or Welsh as their first language must pass the IELTS English test with a score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5).

The MA in Music with Education acts as a bridge between a Music degree and a professional career in music education. It will give you valuable insights that will prepare you for a postgraduate teacher training qualification. It is also appropriate for those already working in music education looking to advance their careers. Alternatively, the programme will set you on the road to further research in music education, at PhD level and beyond. The course will also equip you with skills in critical thinking, analysis and communication which are valued by employers both within and outside the fields of music and education.