This Major in Musicology is suitable for students who wish to specialise in the history, philosophy and analysis of music and develop sound critical thinking skills with the ability to write about music in an authoritative, independent manner.
All students will study core modules in Aural, History and Composition/Theory to meet the criteria of core subjects in music degrees. For students wishing to progress to the PME, we have included other statutory modules (as options) to meet Teaching Council requirements.
As a student, you will have twelve mandatory modules (assuming the Major commences in Year 2) totalling 65 ECTS credits. You will also be able to choose from optional modules and pathways as you progress through the Major. The History, Analysis, and Music Philosophy modules focus on the contextual and cultural understanding of music and provide the foundations for submitting a Research Project in Year 4. These are complemented by supporting practical modules in Aural and Composition (theory).
There are a range of optional modules that enable students to explore performance opportunities through participation in Chamber Music, Ensemble, Improvisation and Conducting modules. There are options to develop Professional, Music Technology, Orchestration and Keyboard Skills, and options to expand cultural studies by taking modules in Irish Traditional Music and World Music.
ECTS Credits: 80
- Total Number of Mandatory credits to be taken (excluding the capstone project): 55
- Total Number of Optional credits to be taken: 15
- Total Number of Credits for the Capstone Project:10
What is the latest (semester) a student can select the Major:
Spring Recess 2nd Year
- Composition Studies 1
- Foundations of Music Theory
- Aural 1
- History of Music 1
- Aural 2
- Composition Studies 2
- History of Music 2
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 1
- Tonal and Post-Tonal Analysis
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 1
- Studies in Music History and Performance Practice 2
- Music Philosophy and Criticism 2
- Capstone: Research Project
- Keyboard Skills
- Introduction to Irish Traditional Music Past and Present *Needed for teaching council requirements
- Technology and Professional Studies 1 *Needed for teaching council requirements
- Chamber Music and Conducting 1
- Chamber Music and Improvisation 1
- Performance 1
- Performance 2
- Ensemble 2
- Technology and Professional Studies 2
- Introduction to Analysis and Inst./Vocal Teaching
- Ensemble 3
- Technology and Professional Studies 3
- Chamber Music 3
- 19th-C. Composition and Orchestration
- Post-Tonal Analysis and 20th – 21st -Century Composition
- Studies in World Music
- Ensemble 4
- Chamber Music 4
- Professional Studies 4
A major in Musicology allows you to approach music from a variety of angles and perspectives, tracing the evolution of major Western genres such as the symphony, concerto, sonata, oratorio and opera as well as Irish and World music traditions. It offers you a deeper understanding of musical structure, gaining insights into the composer’s craft. You will develop sensitivity to musical style and performance practice, observing the personal expression of musicians across different eras.
You will encounter music for a variety of contexts and functions, from large-scale ceremonies to social and private rituals. You can explore how music responds to broader artistic trends in literature and fine art and how it can influence politics, maintain the status quo, or incite revolutions.
You will have the opportunity to explore individual aspects in detail, ranging from the romantic orchestra to the intricacies of individual instruments and the human voice. A major in Musicology develops cultural awareness and critical thinking, equipping students from any background to excel in developing life-long learning skills. A major in Musicology can form the foundation for a range of artistic collaborations and industry engagement.
Graduates of the major in Musicology on the Arts programme are likely to pursue career opportunities in many sectors, especially if they complement their study in Arts with electives or even a double major in disciplines as disparate as computer science, media, tourism & hospitality management or food science.
It is the ideal major for those with a real interest in music, cultural studies and social history. You will be able to develop your interests and passions through the choices you make, and through your engagement with the creative and critical approaches to learning that you will experience.
As musicologists with demonstrable ability to communicate effectively about music and the broader cultural and social context with diverse audiences, graduates will be able to draw on valuable skills, insight and knowledge to build careers in both public and private enterprises.
Graduates of this course could find themselves
- Working in the creative and cultural industries providing research, analysis and cultural sensitivity
- Working in areas of arts administration, archival services or librarianship
- Pursuing professional postgraduate study to qualify as primary school teachers or to qualify and register with the Teaching Council for second-level teaching
- Pursuing postgraduate study in new or complementary areas of interest, and for which a major in Musicology provides an ideal background
- Working in the public service and in the policy sphere, where cultural sensitivity is crucial for diplomacy and dialogue in exploration of global issues