Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Ethnomusicology (MA)

Course Aims:

To offer knowledge and expertise which will enable students to pursue further academic research (e.g. at PhD level) and/or teaching in the subject area.

Course Description:

This MA programme examines music from an anthropological perspective and offers an opportunity to study a wide range of musical traditions in different cultural contexts. The course will draw upon the research expertise of scholars both within and outside the School of Music, including academic staff at centres dedicated to the study of relevant cultural and religious interests, such as the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK (CSIUK).

The programme aims to provide students with a solid basis in research techniques and methodology and to develop students’ critical independence, intellectual curiosity and integrity.

There is a range of modules on offer, covering cross-cultural issues, practical and theoretical training, and theoretical and contextual aspects of ethnomusicology. Those students who wish to embrace outlooks from a parallel sub-discipline will be able to choose from the full range of MA modules for part of their studies. The other relevant MA programmes are MA in Music, Culture and Politics and MA in Musicology.

Students take five modules in Stage 1 which, once successfully completed, is followed by a final dissertation or project. For the pattern of part-time study in Stage 1, please consult the School.

Stage 1 - taught component

• MA Research Skills
• Methods in Ethnomusicology
• Anthropology of Music
• The World of Music
• Music and Discourse

In the Spring semester, all students will be able to choose 60 credits from the range fo taught MA modules. Further details of the modules in this programme are available from the School.

Stage 2 - project/dissertation

• Dissertation (15,000 words) or another approved project.

Available Modules:

MA Research Skills: This module, shared with students taking other MA programmes in Music, covers practical topics including music bibliography, information technology, music editing and academic writing.

Methods in Ethnomusicology: Students are provided with a practical knowledge of research methods in ethnomusicology with a particular focus on analytical techniques and technological skills.

Anthropology of Music: This module provides a thorough grounding in the history of theory in ethnomusicology. It focuses upon the significance of anthropological theory for the discipline, showing how different traditions and styles of anthropological inquiry inform ethnomusicological research.

The World of Music: Employing practical and theoretical techniques learned in the Autumn Semester, students will study the traditional musics of Europe and the musical traditions of Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australasia.

Music and Discourse: This module examines the methodological problems associated with musical discourse.

Special Features:

• Teaching is by seminar and individual tutorials.
• Specialist interests in Celtic and Islamic studies will draw on complementary expertise from other Schools in the university.

Skills Acquired:

• Define and plan objectives pertinent to selected research topics
• Apply established research techniques and/or modes of enquiry
• Interpret cogently and convincingly research results in relation to research objectives
• Original thinking and original approaches to research
• Illustrate how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline
• Develop interpersonal interaction and communication
• Pursue independent intellectual enquiry
• Writing skills

Career Prospects:

Graduates of the programme may also wish to consider postgraduate research in the field at PhD level, making use of the University’s interdisciplinary ethos where area specializations in the musical traditions of the African and Celtic worlds, Eastern Europe and West Asia (amongst others) are well established.

Entry Requirements:

Suitable for graduates in music and/or anthropology; applicants in cognate areas will also be considered.

Applicants should possess or expect to obtain a first or upper second class UK Honours degree, or equivalent. In addition, applicants should supply evidence of appropriate skills in written and spoken English (usually via a score of 570 on TOEFL (230 on computer based marking) or band 6.5 on IELTS) and, if relevant, foreign language skills.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Next intake: October each year

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