Studying Music in Depth
Our research Master’s in Musicology will train you in advanced research while giving you academic insight into the theoretical and artistic principles underpinning music across history and cultures. You will also investigate the contextual circumstances influencing the production, distribution, and reception of music. The programme is innovative, while at the same time retaining its links to the traditional musicological research fostered at the University over the past 85 years.
Western Music from the Middle Ages to the Present; Music and Media
The Musicology programme at Utrecht University focuses on Western music from the Middle Ages to the present, the impact of media on the reception and conceptualisation of music, and digital musicology. Interdisciplinary work is central to the programme, and there are particularly strong links with Medieval and Renaissance Studies, New Media & Digital Culture, Gender Studies, Postcolonial Studies, Computational Humanities, as well as Game Research.
Hallmarks of Research
Our current research focuses on late medieval music from the 13th to the early 15th centuries, Renaissance Franco-Flemish polyphony, music and migration, Baroque opera, Dutch music since the 17th century, music and its epistemologies from the late 18th century to the present, 20th-and 21st-century art and popular music, the complex relationship between music and politics, the interaction between music and media, and the impact of digital research tools on musicology. This research is firmly imbedded within the taught components of this programme, which are further enhanced by guest lectures and master classes led by international experts.
Strong COMMUNITY
As a student of this programme, you will become part of a strong community of students, PhD researchers and teaching staff working together at a leading research institute. Read more about the teaching and research environment, including our teaching staff.
After graduation
- You will possess thorough knowledge of the field of musicology.
- You have acquired sophisticated knowledge of a research specialism, either within the field of musicology, and/or an interdisciplinary subject.
- You are equiped with the academic and professional skills needed to identify, define, analyse, and solve research problems.
- You have learned to conduct independent research in the field of musicology and to report on this research at an advanced level.
This programme will give you the specialist knowledge, insight and skills necessary to pursue further study at PhD level or a career as a researcher. Many alumni pursue academic careers in international musicological research. Read more about career development and possible career prospects.
Admission
Musicology is a selective research Master’s programme. Do you want to know if you are eligible for this Master? Check the entry requirements.
Flexible study
You can also enrol in the Musicology programme as a flexible study student. This allows you to choose for yourself how many courses you want to take each year, and your tuition fees will be adjusted accordingly. You must, however, meet certain conditions. You can find further information on this under Application and Admission > Application procedure (for UU students and students from other Dutch universities only).
