Department of Music

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Start date
Duration
1 year
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £12,220
International: £25,320

Course code
W3U8
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) in music or a related subject (including popular music, folk or world music, music education or music technology). We will also consider applicants without a music degree who have relevant professional qualifications (such as advanced study in a conservatoire which has not led to a degree) or relevant professional experience (such as working as a professional musician, performer or composer). In addition to degree classification, we consider other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

 

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

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The MA Music programme provides theoretical and practical grounding in the discipline of ethnomusicology, as well as the opportunity to develop performance and ethnographic skills.

On this programme students gain a practical understanding of how music can work in the sphere of social development and an in-depth study of global musical styles. You will study with a world-leading group of ethnomusicologists who are all experts in the musical traditions of Africa and Asia. You will be part of a thriving culture of performance, research and active engagement with music around the globe.

This MA Music programme will suit those looking for a springboard into further research or employment in a range of music-related fields including journalism, industry, NGOs and education, and often serves as a conversion route for those trained predominantly in western music traditions.

Why study Music at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • The Department of Music has been ranked best in the UK for research impact and 5th overall in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
  • We sustain a thriving culture of musical performance from traditional ensembles to contemporary collaborations
  • We run an acclaimed public concert series that attracts London-wide audiences and performers from across the globe

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Students must complete 120 credits of taught modules in addition to the compulsory dissertation of 60 credits . In addition to these formal elements, students are expected to attend regular postgraduate and public seminars and may also participate in performance ensemble classes and other activities.

Part-time

Students may be allowed to study for the MA on a part-time basis.

  • The part-time MA may be taken over two years, in which case the student takes two 30 credits modules (or equivalent 15 credits modules) in the first year, and two 30 credits modules (or equivalent 15 credits modules) and the dissertation in the second year.
  • Alternatively, it can be taken over three years, in which case the student can distribute the 120 credits modules evenly in each of the three years. The dissertation can be written in year two or three, but it is strongly recommended that this be undertaken in the final year of the programme. It must be submitted in September of the year in which the student registers for it.

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. 

Core

Compulsory - Dissertation

Guided options

Guided options List A

Up to 60 credits from List A

Guided options List B

Up to 60 credits from List B

Open options

Students can take a maximum of 30 credits from the School-wide open options list, including languages.

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The Department of Music has been highly rated for teaching and research in all recent assessment exercises, and is regularly ranked amongst the top Music departments in the UK in Good University Guides.

Music students have access to the large Main Library of the School which holds numerous books, journals and recordings relevant to the study of ethnomusicology and world music, as well as the nearby British Library Sound Archive and other London libraries and museums.

The SOAS Library holds copies of standard reference works on music, such as the current edition of the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. The Grove dictionary and the RILM database can also be accessed on line from computer terminals in the Library or elsewhere on the SOAS network. Listening facilities are provided in the Library, and most CDs are available on short loan. Among special items in the Department’s collections are:

  • field recordings, films and slides
  • a large working collection of musical instruments from Asia and Africa
  • extensive staff collections relating to specific research interests

Contact hours

All Masters programmes consist of 180 credits , made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits . The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. 

Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary.

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Title Deadline date
Tibawi Trust Award
Felix Non-Indian Scholarship
Felix Scholarships
Sasakawa Studentships
SOAS Master's Scholarships (Home)

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Students in the School of Arts develop a ​​critical and theoretically informed approach to global arts and culture. In addition to an intercultural awareness and practical expertise, graduates gain a wide portfolio of transferable skills which are especially sought after in the creative and cultural industries.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • British Library Sound Archive 
  • Songlines Magazine 
  • Music in Detention 
  • Tangram Music Collective 
  • Roundhouse Trust 
  • Alliance for Global Education 
  • Suzhou University 

Find out about our Careers Service.

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