Psychology of Music - Postgraduate Courses
*Scholarships are available for outstanding candidates in Psychology of Music*
Master of Arts in Psychology of Music (Taught Course)
The onsite taught master's degree (taken either one year full-time, or two years part-time) is intended for students new to the psychology of music, or who may have limited experience of psychological approaches to music at undergraduate level. The course allows students to gain an overview of research in music psychology and then specialize in a particular topic, perhaps with a view to future doctoral research, or vocational training in music therapy or education. Students acquire a grounding in the literature and empirical research methods, and carry out supervised empirical work. Assessment consists of coursework essays, short individual research tasks, reports of group empirical research tasks, and a dissertation. Students are also encouraged to participate in the musical life of the department of music, the University, and City of Sheffield.
Master of Arts in Psychology for Musicians, and
Master of Arts in Music Psychology in Education (Distance Learning Taught Course)
These two courses are each taken part-time over two years and are aimed at graduate musicians who work in the fields of music therapy, performance, or teaching. These programmes are intended to enhance individual professional and personal development, and to prepare students for doctoral research in psychology of music or music education, should they wish to continue beyond the MA. Both programmes share the same first year modules, which focus on the application of psychological research to musical experiences and professions. The two MA programmes diverge in the second year: Psychology for Musicians provides a training in the research methods used by psychologists, together with the conceptual framework within which these methods can help to inform and explore musical expertise and understanding; Music Psychology in Education focuses on educational research. Assessment is by means of coursework essays, and a Dissertation in the relevant specialism of either music psychology or education.
Master of Science in Psychological Research
The MSc in Psychological Research is offered by the Department of Psychology and aims to give advanced training in psychological research methods and professional skills as a foundation for subsequent registration for an MPhil/PhD. Within the MSc students take a 60 credit Research Project which can be in an area of Music Psychology, supervised by the specialist staff from the music department. Students should have a good Honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline.
Master of Music (Research)
Students who already have a high level of experience and training in Psychology of Music or Music Education can specialise by taking the one-year MMus (Research) option (two years part-time). The MMus allows students to combine original research in the psychology of music and/or music education with composition or performance. If taken within the specialism of psychology of music and music education, the student´s work on the MMus comprises the preparation of a dissertation, or a folio of empirical work, combined with one other element: either an assessed recital or a series of compositions. Students receive supervision from a tutor and attend weekly research seminars, which help develop research and presentation skills. It is not possible to take both the dissertation and folio within psychology of music and music education, and students wishing to do so will be directed to take either one of the taught MA programmes, or a higher research degree, depending on the individual´s qualifications and experience.
Master of Philosophy (Research)
The MPhil is a research degree which is usually the first form of registration for students reading for a doctorate (PhD), but which can be taken as a separate research degree in its own right. The MPhil is taken two years full time or three to four years part-time, and takes the form of a written thesis of 40,000 words. The MPhil is suitable for those who already have a substantial research project in mind and considerable skills and experience in the psychology of music, hence the entry requirements are comparable to those of the Master of Music.
Doctor of Philosophy
Students who already have a high standard of training, experience and qualifications can embark on a PhD course, which normally lasts three years full-time or six years part-time. The PhD is a research degree which involves regular supervisions, and a programme of research training, which helps the student carry out and report original research that will make a significant contribution to knowledge within the field of music psychology and/or music education. Students attend departmental research seminars and study days, and are expected to take a full part in discussion with visiting speakers, as well as participating in conferences and other academic events beyond the University. Postgraduates are helped towards publishing their research and in gaining skills appropriate to subsequent employment.
Special Information for Overseas Students
Other than the standard full-time model of study, the University recognises two special schemes for certain applicants: Joint Location and Remote Location. Joint Location is designed for those who need to spend a substantial amount of time away from Sheffield during the course of their research. A reduction to the usual fees is made. Distance Location is for applicants who are permanently living elsewhere, and who plan to visit Sheffield only briefly for supervisory contact. The fees in this scheme are considerably lower than those normally charged full-time students. Applicants in this category need to be able to satisfy the University that they are able to carry out independent research, and that they have access to all the facilities for research they require. (This scheme is designed mostly for academic staff at other institutions worldwide and experienced researchers seeking formal qualifications.) The department awards a number of scholarships each year to assist students with fees for doctoral research. These are awarded in May each year on a competitive basis.