The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

MA World Music Studies

Department of Music, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Choose from all aspects of the study of music, including composition, performance, history, ethnomusicology, education and psychology.

About the course

2 years part-time distance learning

Explore research in world music and ethnomusicology in this unique programme that combines practical, applied and theoretical perspectives. It's relevant whether you’re a musician, an educator or you work in the music media and industry.

Entry requirements

For this course you'll need at least a 2:1 in music, or a combined degree with a substantial music component.

Other qualifications may be acceptable depending on your background, for instance a degree in anthropology, drama, education, psychology or another subject, equivalent life experience, or a performance diploma from a conservatoire or academy.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

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Course content

  • Research Skills
  • Music of the World
  • Approaches to Fieldwork
  • Case Studies in Ethnomusicology
  • Special Topic in World Music
  • 15,000-word dissertation

Teaching

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • World music performance workshops
  • Email tutorials
  • Supporting course texts and guidance notes

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Sample radio programme
  • Folio of fieldwork materials

Fees and funding

University and faculty funding is available each year. The closing date for applications is mid-January. The department has a small number of tuition studentships available. The closing date for these is the end of April.

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: j.m.burrows@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0470

Caroline Bruce, MA Psychology of Music

Why your masters matters

We offer a variety of specialist courses, taught by expert staff. We're among the UK's top five music departments, and our teaching and research have both been rated as excellent.

We're influential in music psychology and education, acoustic and electronic composition, performance studies and the ethnomusicology of East Asia. Our Centre for Applied and Interdisciplinary Research in Music (CAIRM) supports research collaborations.

Many of our students go on to lead careers in the education sector, whilst others enjoy careers as performers in various popular genres, both here in the UK and abroad, or work in sound recording studios. Recent graduates have gone on to work for employers such as universities, colleges, concert agencies, sound recording studios and music promoters.

Work alongside professional musicians and researchers to develop your skills and knowledge.

Our department

We have scores, books, periodicals and recordings, plus online resources that you can access.

Resident professional musicians bring performance expertise to the department, most recently Ensemble 360 and tabla performer John Ball. For extra support, you can apply for a small grant to support your postgraduate research project.

You'll get the chance to take part in practical music sessions at two four-day residentials throughout the year.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form