Career prospects

Graduates of the programme are equipped to operate in the international field of musicology and, in particular, the field of their research specialism. They often continue their studies at doctoral level and subsequently pursue careers in academic teaching and research. Graduates who do not wish to pursue doctoral studies have found employment in museums, libraries, archives, publishing houses, and as teachers or freelance consultants in the cultural sector.

Academic careers

After successfully completing the research Master's programme in Musicology, you will be able to formulate a PhD research proposal on a particular aspect of musicology. You will have a clear idea of the positioning of your own research within the context of international musicological research.

You will also be qualified to compete successfully for admission to a doctoral programme in Musicology in Europe, the USA, and elsewhere. Graduates of the programme have been successfully admitted, among others, to doctoral programmes at the Cornell University, Brandeis University, UCLA, Berkeley, University of Toronto, Royal Holloway, University of London, Duke University, Cambridge University, University of Oxford, University of Amsterdam, Leuven University, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and, of course, Utrecht University. 

Alumni stories

  • Gabriele Giacosa is a PhD student in Systematic Musicology at the University of Cologne. 

Professional careers

Below you find some examples of jobs that require an expertise in the field of musicology or other academic skills.

Alumni stories

Career development

National and international network

Through the mentor system, you are closely supervised when stepping outside academia into employment or when applying for a PhD position. All teaching staff have an extensive national and international network that they make available to students and alumni of the programme to establish contact with potential employers.

Moreover, alumni of our Musicology programme are found everywhere in Dutch and Flemish music life, and increasingly in music-related academic and research institutions around the world, thus forming a powerful network that will help you find your way into a job. In addition, the programme facilitates contact with other networks, e.g., through the semester abroad.

Career Services

Career Services offers events, tests, coaching and training in and outside your Master's programme, related to professional self-analysis, career orientation and job application skills. You can find more information about career services on Career Services for Dutch students or Career Services for international students.

Other career events

  • Your Perspective is a monthly career orientation meeting for students and alumni of the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University. 
  • The Faculty of Humanities organises a Career Night Humanities with interesting partners who will illustrate the diversity in career opportunities for humanities graduates. 
  • Once a year Utrecht University organises a Careers Day. This Careers Day offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair.