Cerddoriaeth (MA)
This MA is an opportunity to challenge yourself academically and musically, while developing a specialism.
This MA is an opportunity to challenge yourself academically and musically, while developing a specialism in a research-led university environment. We place an emphasis on flexibility and student choice and have designed a programme that allows you to personalise your course of study.
A significant proportion of module choices will be determined by your abilities and interests so that you can tailor your programme of study to best meet your career goals and ambitions.
This programme is ideal for performers, composers and music scholars with an interest in developing their area of expertise, learning valuable skills, and exploring a relevant course of study.
Areas of Study
You will have the opportunity to follow one of three pathways: Performance, Composition and Music Studies.
Performance:
This pathway is designed for performers who are committed to improving their skills as instrumentalists and/or singers, both as soloists and in ensembles.
Composition:
This pathway will equip composers with the techniques and practical experience to pursue their own creative goals to a professional level with confidence and imagination.
Music Studies:
This pathway is designed to allow students to develop a solid basis in research techniques and methods in the fields of Historical Musicology, Music Analysis, Popular Music, and Ethnomusicology, whilst exploring different music styles and traditions in their historical, analytical, and theoretical perspectives.
Nodweddion unigryw
You will have the option to specialise in one of three main areas:
- Performance
- Composition
- Music Studies.
You will be taught by staff who are internationally-recognised experts in these subject areas.
Our reputation for international research was recognised in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the UK government’s assessment of research across all higher education institutions, where we are ranked 8th in the UK amongst music departments for research excellence and 2nd for the quality of our research environment.
Ffeithiau allweddol
| Nifer Myfyrwyr newydd nesaf | Medi 2019 |
|---|---|
| Hyd | 1 blwyddyn |
| Cymhwyster | MA |
| Ffurf | Amser llawn |
| Ffyrdd eraill i astudio cwrs hwn | |
| Nifer y ceisiadau a dderbynnir fel arfer | 130 |
| Cysylltu |
Meini prawf derbyn
Entry requirements - A first or upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant related subject area, such as Music, is required.
Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have reached a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with no subscore less than 5.5).
Application process – You should complete the University’s online application form and upload your supporting documents (two references (preferably academic) and copies of academic transcripts).
Please supply a personal statement which demonstrates your interest in the programme and your background in the field of study.
You should name the pathway you are interested in applying to in your personal statement and also provide the below supporting materials:
Performance
You will need to provide a link to an online audition showing a video performance of two contrasting pieces of music. Face and hands should be visible at all times to show technique. The video recording must not be edited. Your personal statement will need to discuss and evidence your knowledge of performance, style, and technique.
Composition
Experienced composers with relevant qualifications will be considered for the composition specialism. Please supply a personal statement which addresses your style and rationale for your compositions, looking at techniques, imagination and confidence in approach. You will also need to provide three notated scores in either Sibelius, Finale or PDF. Audio links of these pieces would also be helpful but you will not be penalised if these cannot be provided
Music Studies
We welcome applications from students with backgrounds in music and cognate areas e.g. anthropology, history, politics, cultural studies, philosophy, film and media studies. As well as a personal statement, you will be asked to provide an essay which is the best example of your undergraduate work (in English or Welsh). The essay should be of 1,500-2,000 words about a specific topic (e.g., a composer, piece, musical practice) which demonstrates a knowledge of leading scholars, contemporary theories and relevant literature in the field. The essay should include citations and a comprehensive bibliography. Please note that applicants are advised that unless discussing ethnography, narratives about musical experience should be in the personal statement rather than essay sample.
Rhagor o wybodaeth am ofynion Iaith Saesneg.
Mae'n rhaid i ymgeiswyr sydd angen fisa Haen 4 i astudio yn y DU gyflwyno cymhwyster iaith Saesneg derbyniol er mwyn bodloni gofynion UKVI (Fisâu a Mewnfudo y DU).
This is a one-year full time programme covering a total of 180 credits.
Stage one
Modules taken vary according to the area of study chosen. All include basic music training via Research Skills and two core modules that are taken in the Autumn term. These are: Disciplining Music (Music Studies pathway) and Music Leadership and Public Engagement (Performance and Composition pathways).
Each pathway also includes specialised modules which are also taken in the Autumn term. These are: Practising Musicology, Studying Popular Music, Composition Portfolio, Doing Ethnomusicology and Closed Recital (subject to availability).
In addition, you choose from a large selection of optional modules in the Spring term which allow you to hone your interests.
Stage two
Modules in stage one are followed by a major project, relevant to your chosen pathway: a public recital (Performance), a thesis composition (Composition) and a musicological dissertation (Music Studies).
Mae'r modiwlau a ddangosir yn esiampl o'r cwricwlwm arferol. Byddant yn cael eu hadolygu cyn blwyddyn academaidd 2019/20. Bydd y modiwlau terfynol yn cael eu cyhoeddi erbyn mis Medi 2019.
| Teitl modiwl | Côd modiwl | Credydau |
|---|---|---|
| MA Research Skills | MUT001 | 10 credits |
| Teitl modiwl | Côd modiwl | Credydau |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Composition | MUT301 | 60 credydau |
| Public Recital | MUT302 | 60 credydau |
| Dissertation | MUT303 | 60 credydau |
| Teitl modiwl | Côd modiwl | Credydau |
|---|---|---|
| Music Leadership and Public Engagement | MUT003 | 20 credydau |
| Disciplining Music | MUT004 | 20 credydau |
| Composition Portfolio | MUT101 | 30 credydau |
| Closed Recital | MUT102 | 30 credydau |
| Doing Ethnomusicology | MUT105 | 30 credydau |
| Introducing Music Studies | MUT108 | 30 credydau |
| 20th and 21st Century Music | MUT201 | 30 credydau |
| Postgraduate Ensemble | MUT202 | 30 credydau |
| Cultures of Performance | MUT204 | 30 credydau |
| Music and Politics | MUT205 | 30 credydau |
| The World of Music | MUT206 | 30 credydau |
| Special Topic in Aesthetics, Criticism and Social or Critical Theory | MUT207 | 30 credydau |
| Studio Techniques | MUT208 | 30 credydau |
| Teaching Music: techniques, disciplines and genres | MUT211 | 30 credydau |
Sut y caf fy addysgu?
Teaching of academic modules is delivered primarily through seminars and small-group tutorials, and you will have the opportunity to develop your own interests through fieldwork, interdisciplinary study, and other areas of work.
Our regular series of workshops and masterclasses allow you to work directly with distinguished composers and performers.
You will be expected to attend and participate in a weekly Postgraduate Forum and to attend the School’s research lecture series, which attracts visiting speakers from around the world.
Performance
In addition to the academic modules delivered through tutorials and seminars, instrumental/vocal tuition is delivered on a one-to-one basis with your allocated instrumental/vocal tutor. Instrumental/vocal teaching will total no more than 24 hours throughout the duration of the programme. In addition, you will be expected to pursue private reading, listening, instrumental/vocal practice, attend and participate in the seminars of the weekly Postgraduate Forum (including presentations) and John Bird research lectures. Attendance at all seminars and tutorials, including the Postgraduate Forum and John Bird lectures is compulsory.
You will also participate in a range of ensembles (e.g. University Orchestra / Choir, Contemporary Music Group) and will be required to perform in the Advanced Performance classes along with the opportunity to take part in Postgraduate Performance seminars.
Recital programmes will be your own choice made in consultation with your allocated instrumental/vocal tutor and the recital module leader who will also give formal approval of the proposed programmes.
The dissertation-equivalent Stage Two Public Recital requires a work composed within the last fifty years to be included. (Exceptions are made for those who may be period instrument specialists, e.g. Baroque flute).
Composition
Teaching of the composition modules is via individual one-to-one tutorials. Teaching of the academic and technical areas of the discipline is delivered through tutorials and seminars (for each module).
Attendance at all seminars and tutorials is compulsory. You will be expected to pursue private study and participate in the seminars of the weekly Postgraduate Forum (including presentations), John Bird research lectures, and Composition Seminars.
For the Stage Two Thesis Composition Portfolio, you will be allocated a supervisor who will guide and advise during the Spring Semester through five 60-minute individual sessions.
Music Studies
Teaching of academic modules is delivered via tutorials and seminars (for each module). Attendance at all seminars and tutorials is compulsory. In addition, you will be expected to pursue private study and attend and participate in the seminars of the weekly Postgraduate Forum (including presentations) and John Bird research lectures.
For the Stage Two Dissertation, you will be allocated a supervisor who will guide and advise during the Spring Semester through a minimum of five 60-minute individual sessions.
Sut y caf fy nghefnogi?
At the start of the year you will be given a guide to module aims, learning outcomes, methods of assessment, module syllabuses, and reading and listening lists. Your allocated personal tutor will be able to provide advice and guidance on module choices and you will have regular meetings with them.
For the stage two projects you will have a supervisor to monitor progress and provide individual consultations by arrangement.
Instrumental tuition for performance pathway students is fully funded by the School of Music on your principal study instrument, including accompaniment at recitals. You will receive 24 hour-long lessons over the duration of the course.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
You will receive written feedback on all assessments. The opportunity to test knowledge and understanding will also be provided through the weekly seminars of the Postgraduate Forum.
Sut y caf fy asesu?
Performance
The taught modules are assessed in a variety of ways including:
- Oral presentations
- Ensemble performance
- Musicianship examinations
- Music editing (in musical notation)
- Solo performance (involving an accompanist as required) in a 30-minute Closed Recital (Stage One) and a 45-minute Public Performance (Stage Two)
- Printed programme with scholarly programme notes and performance diary (Stage Two).
Composition
The taught modules within the programme are assessed through the following:
- Composition portfolios
- Essays
- Written reports and/or commentaries
- IT computer-based notational assignments (incl. editing)
- Oral presentations
- Orchestrations.
Music Studies
The taught modules within the programme are assessed through the following:
- Extended essays
- Written reports
- Field work, as needed
- Oral presentations
- Dissertation (12–15,000 words).
The opportunity to test knowledge and understanding will also be provided through reflective seminar participation reports.
Pa sgiliau y byddaf yn eu hymarfer a’u datblygu?
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable discipline-specific skills, as well as employability, research, communication and presentation skills.
Performers will acquire specific skills, such as the practical and interpretative musical skills associated with your chosen instrument or voice, an understanding of the relationship between the history and practice of music, knowledge of repertoires and recent developments in performance practice, as well as participating in lecture-recital, public recital and ensemble recitals.
Composers can expect to acquire specific skills, such as knowledge and understanding of contemporary compositional techniques, IT skills in music notation inputting and editing, the ability to rehearse an ensemble, communicate musical intentions to performers via notation and written instructions, direct a rehearsal of your own composition as a conductor, and illustrate how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge.
If you are following the music studies pathway, you will acquire specific skills, such as the ability to analyse and process complex texts, ideas and concepts, develop different forms of academic writing, experience of oral and written presentations, gain an understanding of standard bibliographies, catalogues and other reference material in music, develop research techniques and choice of appropriate sources to aid individual research, undertake complex library-based research, undertake field work and interpret a range of quantitative and qualitative data.
“If anyone ever asks whether I have a ‘second home’, Cardiff will definitely be my answer. Although I had lived in Bath and London before, neither of them gave me the same impression as Cardiff has. Here, one can experience both the beauty of a British town and the prosperity of a national capital. To me, this means that I can concentrate on my studies, have a healthy and safety life, but without losing the opportunities to enjoy world-class arts, cultural and social events. These factors prompted me to come back here for my master degree. The School of Music has shown great care since the first day I received my offer. From visa, accommodation to financial supports, the school was always keen to help. Upon arrival, I received a comprehensive introduction to the course and the school. I was really surprised by all kinds of supports that are available to me, including personal tutoring, music-dedicated English sessions, and career advices for international students. Most important, I found the School open to all people, regardless of their age, backgrounds, and views. I was able to participate in a large variety of music activities, and to share my view in different academic occasions — all without worrying about doing or saying things ‘wrong’. This atmosphere is so precious for foreign students, and I still appreciate it everyday.”
Gwybodaeth arall
Our Postgraduate Suite provides dedicated, 24-hour study facilities for postgraduate students, including computer workrooms with networked Macs and PCs, Sibelius notation software, listening rooms, photocopying facilities, a kitchen, and a social space.
Other facilities include a 250-seat Concert Hall equipped with a concert grand Steinway, Bösendorfer, and organ, chamber organ, period keyboard instruments, electro-acoustic studios, and performance-recording facilities.
An extensive onsite Music Library provides access to books, journals, CDs, and electronic resources covering western music from the medieval period to the present, as well as traditional, classical and popular music from cultures around the world.
Our graduates will have a broad spectrum of knowledge relating to the specialised subject and variety of skills, making them highly attractive both to potential employers and research establishments. Preparing for, and leading towards, the PhD in Music, the MA has been designed to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, understanding and skills in the chosen area of study.
93% of responding graduates between 2010 and 2013 reported that they are in full-time, part-time, self or unpaid employment and/or continuing study. Those graduates have entered a range of roles, including musicologist, administrator, music manager, freelance musician, research development officer and music teacher.
Our annual series of talks on Careers in Music offer a great chance to meet professionals active in a range of fields such as performance, music education, music journalism, arts and artist management, production and licensing, and composing for media.
"I cannot recommend the MA music programme at Cardiff University heartily enough. My year spent in Cardiff was one of the most academically nurturing times of my life. While the first term courses were especially helpful in providing some fundamental preparation for an academic future in musicology, the second term provided courses tailored to really interesting and diverse subdisciplines within musicology, which I found to be very engaging and intellectually stimulating. I believe that this structure is very balanced and facilitates more specialized study while not "skimping" on the more basic concepts of music scholarship. I also found the course leaders and lecturers to be incredibly supportive of my personal growth as a student and very willing to advise me in regard to various assignments. They were generous with their time and efforts to answer all of the MANY questions I had. I had a truly great experience completing the MA in music at Cardiff and, like I said, I cannot recommend it heartily enough."
Ffioedd dysgu
Myfyrwyr y DU ac UE (2019/20)
| Ffioedd Dysgu | Blaendal | Nodiadau |
|---|---|---|
| £7,650 | Dim |
Rhagor o wybodaeth am ffioedd dysgu a blaendaliadau, gan gynnwys ar gyfer myfyrwyr rhan-amser a pharhaus.
Bydd myfyrwyr yr UE sy'n dechrau yn 2019/20 yn talu'r un ffioedd dysgu â myfyrwyr y DU drwy gydol eu cyrsiau. Gallai ffioedd godi'n flynyddol yn unol â chwyddiant. Nid oes penderfyniadau wedi’u gwneud eto ynglŷn â ffioedd a benthyciadau i fyfyrwyr yr UE sy'n dechrau yn 2020/21. Caiff y rhain eu gwneud yn rhan o drafodaethau'r DU ynglŷn â’' haelodaeth o'r UE, a byddwn yn rhoi rhagor o fanylion i chi cyn gynted ag y bo modd.
Myfyrwyr tu allan i'r UE (2019/20)
| Ffioedd Dysgu | Blaendal | Nodiadau |
|---|---|---|
| £17,650 | £1,000 |
Rhagor o wybodaeth am ffioedd dysgu a blaendaliadau, gan gynnwys ar gyfer myfyrwyr rhan-amser a pharhaus.
Costau ychwanegol
If you are on the Music Studies pathway you may choose to undertake fieldwork as part of your stage two Dissertation research. You will need to cover any fieldwork research costs.
A fydd angen unrhyw gyfarpar penodol arnaf I astudio’r cwrs hwn?
Apart from a performer’s principal instrument, any equipment required will be supplied by the School.
Decisions are made based on your written application and references which are received on a continuous basis throughout the year.
Applicants are not routinely invited to interview but this is at the discretion of the admissions tutor.
Students on the Music Studies pathway may choose to undertake fieldwork as part of their Stage 2 Dissertation research. (Any fieldwork research costs are to be covered by the student).
