Master of Arts in Music Studies
Explore the intersection of musicology, cognitive science, and cultural theory in Amsterdam’s interdisciplinary humanities programme.
Best for:Best for scholars and practitioners with a bachelor’s in musicology, anthropology, or related humanities disciplines who seek to specialise in interdisciplinary music studies with a focus on global traditions and theoretical innovation.
Overview
The one-year Master of Arts in Music Studies at the University of Amsterdam offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding music through historical, cultural, and cognitive lenses. Students engage with diverse traditions—from Middle Eastern and Indonesian music to European art music and jazz—while integrating frameworks like postcolonial theory, computation, and ethnography. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to blend musicological research with fields such as philosophy, cognitive science, and digital humanities. It is ideal for scholars seeking to explore music’s multifaceted roles in society, culture, and cognition, with a global perspective shaped by the university’s diverse academic community.
What you'll do
- Develop a specialised research project integrating historical, cultural, or cognitive approaches to music studies.
- Engage with interdisciplinary frameworks such as postcolonial theory, computation, or ethnography to analyse music traditions.
- Participate in seminars and workshops exploring diverse global music traditions, including Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and jazz music.
- Conduct independent research and produce a master’s thesis under faculty supervision.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to explore the intersections of music with philosophy, cognitive science, and digital humanities.
- Present research findings in academic forums and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions within the programme.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Musicology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, or a related humanities or social sciences discipline
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic study and research
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in musicology, anthropology, or a related humanities discipline
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers
- Familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches to cultural and historical analysis
- Proficiency in English for academic study and communication
- Open to international applicants; no residency restrictions
- No age restrictions
- No prior work experience required
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-03-01
Applicants must submit an online application through the University of Amsterdam’s portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, a research proposal, and two letters of recommendation. The application process involves reviewing academic qualifications and research potential.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Research proposal (500–1000 words)
- Two letters of recommendation
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