COURSE CURRICULUM

The MusM in Musicology offers an advanced program designed to develop students’ expertise in musicological research, theory, and practice. Core modules such as Advanced Music Studies: Issues and Approaches and Advanced Music Studies: Research Skills in the Digital Age provide a foundation in critical thinking, scholarly methodologies, and the use of digital tools for music research. The program includes a substantial dissertation or critical edition, allowing students to pursue independent research and contribute original insights to the field. Case Studies in Musicology: Texts and Histories further develops analytical and interpretative skills by engaging with historical and contemporary musicological debates. Optional units, including Popular Music and Identity, Advanced Analysis, Studying World Music Cultures: Themes and Debates, Fieldwork and Ethnography, Advanced Orchestration, and Historical and Editorial Skills, allow students to tailor their studies to individual interests and career goals. The course fosters the development of practical and intellectual skills necessary for doctoral-level research, academic careers, and applied music professions. Studying in Manchester offers a rich cultural environment, with access to professional orchestras, live performances, and internationally recognised institutions, enhancing learning through exposure to real-world music practice and research opportunities. Graduates emerge equipped with both scholarly expertise and practical experience, ready for careers in academia, performance, or cultural institutions.