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Postgraduate Taught

The School of Music at Cardiff University runs five taught Masters programmes:

Each programme has its own distinct profile while sharing key features and teaching (for example, the 'Skills' modules). A notable feature across the programmes is the emphasis on one-to-one tutorials and small-group seminars.

All students take 180 credits, including a final 60-credit project. An outline of currently available modules in each programme is given below. Further details on each of these programmes, including part-time pathways, are given in the School of Music's Postgraduate Handbook for current students and in individual leaflets for individual programmes. If you would like us to send you a copy of any of these, please contact the office.

MA in Ethnomusicology (commencing 2008-09)

Programme Director: Dr John Morgan O'Connell

The MA in Ethnomusicology provides a coherent programme in ethnomusicological study by looking at music from an anthropological perspective and by allowing students to study a wide range of musical traditions in different cultural contexts. Especially appealing to students with a background in music and/or anthropology, the programme includes a final Project in the form of a Dissertation, involving where possible a period of field research.

MA in Music, Culture and Politics

Programme Director: Dr Kenneth Gloag

This is an interdisciplinary MA, taught in collaboration with Department of Philosophy from the School of English, Communication and Philosophy. It consists of a wide-ranging consideration of the interaction of music with broad cultural and political contexts. The theoretical basis of the programme is constructed through seminar discussion of specific writings by key thinkers (Adorno, Barthes, Dahlhaus and Said, among others).

MA in Musicology

Programme Director: Prof. Adrian Thomas

The MA in Musicology provides a coherent programme of musicological study that enables students to develop a solid basis in techniques and methods as well as to explore new avenues of research. Students with interests in music from 1700 to the present day will find much to stimulate their imagination, from the historical to the analytical and theoretical, with openings for contextual and broader cultural studies. The final Project may take the form of a Dissertation, Analysis Project or Edition & Commentary.

MA in Performance Studies

Programme Director: Prof. Robin Stowell

The MA in Performance Studies is intended for proven performers who are also committed to academic enquiry into areas that enhance and support their practical studies. It includes aspects of research methodology, of the history, repertory, performing techniques and teaching principles of the chosen instrument (or voice) and two recitals. Instrumental/vocal tuition is included in the teaching provision.

MMus in Composition

Programme Director: Prof. Anthony Powers

The MMus is designed to equip aspiring composers with a variety of techniques and practical experience. It will appeal to students who wish to explore the diversity of contemporary musical language to develop their own compositional voice and hear their works develop from rehearsal to performance.

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