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Musicology and Music Performance● OpenMastersOpen until filledPreview

MLitt in Music (Research) Programme

A research-focused master’s programme for musicians and scholars seeking to advance knowledge in musicology or performance.

Best for:Best for musicians, musicologists, and scholars with a strong research interest in music theory, performance, or historical analysis, seeking a structured yet flexible research environment.

Maynooth University · Maynooth, Ireland
More professors at Maynooth University
Historical musicologyMusic theoryPerformance practiceMusic analysisMusic cognitionEthnomusicology
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Until filled
rolling
Funding
—
2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time)
Start date
2026/7 academic year
Location
Maynooth
Ireland

Overview

The MLitt in Music (Research) at Maynooth University is designed for students aiming to conduct high-quality research in musicology, performance, or related disciplines. This structured programme combines discipline-specific and generic skills modules to support research-oriented study. Applicants are expected to present a research proposal during an interview and engage with faculty in their proposed area of study. The programme offers flexibility for both full-time (2 years) and part-time (3 years) study, catering to diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Music researchMLitt MusicStructured research programmeMusicologyPerformance studiesResearch proposalInterdisciplinary music studies

What you'll do

  • Conduct independent research in a specialised area of musicology or performance under faculty supervision.
  • Develop and refine a research proposal aligned with departmental expertise and interests.
  • Participate in discipline-specific and generic skills modules to enhance research capabilities.
  • Present research findings in academic forums, including an oral defence of the thesis.
  • Engage with peers and faculty to collaborate on scholarly projects and discussions.

Requirements

Degree required: Normally a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Music or a related discipline; alternatively, a 2.1 honours degree in Music or a related field at the master’s level.

Language: English proficiency for non-native speakers: IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, e.g., TOEFL 90) or recognised equivalent. For musicological research, proficiency in the language of the composer(s) or author(s) is required and should be built to proficiency level during the programme.

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Proven academic ability in music or a related discipline, demonstrated by a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent.
  • Ability to develop and articulate a coherent research proposal in musicology or performance.
  • Basic proficiency in the language of the composer(s) or author(s) whose work is being researched (for musicological studies).
  • Strong written and oral communication skills for academic research and presentation.
Nice to have
Advanced proficiency in a musical instrument or voice (for performance-focused research).Experience with digital tools or software relevant to music research (e.g., notation software, audio editing tools).Prior involvement in academic conferences or publications in music-related fields.
Eligibility
  • Applicants must hold a recognised primary degree equivalent to an Irish university degree.
  • No specific nationality or residency restrictions, but English proficiency requirements apply for non-native speakers.
  • No age restrictions, but prior academic achievement is the primary criterion.

Funding & terms

Type
Unknown
Amount
—
Duration
2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time)
Programme
—

Programme and admissions

Admissions not verified

A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.

Intake
Not confirmed by the source
Duration
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Teaching language
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Taught / research mode
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Study mode
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Campus
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Prerequisites
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Application instructions
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Tuition
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Funding
Not confirmed by the source

How to apply

Deadline: Rolling (applications generally accepted at any time) · open until filled

Prospective applicants must first contact the department to discuss their research proposal and ensure alignment with faculty interests. Applications are submitted via Maynooth University’s online portal. An interview will be conducted to assess the research plan, and applicants must provide proof of English proficiency if applicable.

Documents required
  • CV or curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts of previous degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s if applicable)
  • Research proposal outline or statement
  • Proof of English proficiency (if required)
  • Two letters of recommendation (if applicable)
↗Check programme and admissions

Contact

Lab
Department of Music
Maynooth University
Ireland
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