MA MUSIC, CULTURE AND PRACTICE

Our innovative MA in Music, Culture, and Practice is grounded in cutting-edge academic and creative research, positioning students at the forefront of scholarly exploration.

Collaborating with esteemed international scholars in the Department's key disciplines of musicology and/or performance, students explore a core curriculum that focuses on honing research and creative skills in these areas.

This is complemented by a diverse range of electives that cater to individual specialisation in musicology or performance, or while also allowing students to maintain a more diverse programme of study.This comprehensive degree equips students with the tools required to pursue musicological and/or practice-based research, to foster specialisation and to nurture independent scholarship.

Immersed in a vibrant and collaborative research culture, students will enrich their academic experience by regularly interacting with visiting seminar speakers, performers, and composers. A distinctive feature of our programme is the inclusion of an elective placement component, providing students with practical experiences that enhance their academic and professional growth.

Click here for brochure MA in Music, Culture and Practice

Honours degree with a minimum of Grade 2.2 or international equivalent. Applicants may be required to attend an interview (in person or online) and to submit an example of their written work. Students wishing to specialise in performance may also be required to audition (in person or via submitted video).

Experienced music professionals who do not hold a primary or higher degree are also eligible to apply via the University's Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning Initiative. Evidence of creative activity and/or graduate-level writing ability may be requested as part of the application process for such applicants.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

Our graduates typically go on to successful careers in the Creative Arts, in Music Industry, Music Broadcasting, Music Journalism, Music Adminsitration and/or Teaching in established institutions in Ireland and internationally.