Master's Programme in Musicology - Music and Human Beings, 120 credits

The master's program in musicology is aimed at those of you with a bachelor's degree in musicology, the humanities or social sciences, or related disciplines, who have a budding interest in understanding more about music. The program prepares you for a career in doctoral research on music in academia, but also provides knowledge that can be used in a wide variety of music related professions. E.g. working with data analysis in the media and music industries or working in the public cultural sector.

During the program you will learn how to deal with different perspectives relating to, among other things: human beings’ "innate" musicality, the impact of technologies on our musical experiences, how we can research music’s "impact" on people and the role of music in creating a fair society.

The program entails two years of full-time study although you can finish after one year with a Master's (magister) degree. Year 1 provides you as a student with an in-depth introduction to central themes and debates in music research from different perspectives and methodologies. If you want to finish after only one year you will write a Master's thesis (magister). If you go on to study the second year you will undertake an individually selected specialization in an area of your own choosing. Year 2 focuses on social science and cultural theory perspectives looking specifically at music’s societal value. These courses deal with aesthetic, cultural, educational and sociological questions about the music place in the world today. At the end of the second year you will write an independent Master’s thesis.

Programme syllabus Master's Programme in Musicology - Music and Human Beings, 120 credits

Semester 1: The first year starts with the course "Music, Human Beings, Technologies", 15 credits. This course addresses debates about how and why human beings are musical, as well as the relationship between human beings, culture, technologies and music. Following this you will undertake the course "Music Research in its Many Forms", 15 credits. This course explores music research from a multidisciplinary perspective and will equip you as a student with in-depth perspective on multimodal music analysis.
Semester 2: During this semester you will first take the course "Methods and Methodologies in Music Research: Theory and Practice", 15 credits. This course is focused on developing the methodological and theoretical skills to research people's musical engagement using different methods (eg. social media analysis, questionnaires and archive research). Following this you can either choose to write an independent Master’s thesis (magister), 15 credits, if you want to finish after the first year, or an “Individually chosen specialization course”, 15 credits, adapted to a topic that you are personally interested in.
Semester 3: This semester starts with the course "Culture, Structure and Society", 15 credits, which will deepen your understanding of questions related to music's relationship to the concept of "culture" and societies at large. Following this, you will take the course "Music’s Value in the World" 15 credits, which is aimed at enhancing your understanding of music in a democratic and fair society from aesthetic, philosophical and pedagogical perspectives.
Semester 4: During this semester you will undertake an independent Master’s thesis, 30 credits, the entire semester. During the course, you will be able to choose a music-related topic that you are most interested in. You will be supported by experts in the field of music research as supervisors.

Specific entry requirements: A first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits of which at least 90 credits are for specialised study in a humanities or social science main field of study.
The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

First semester: Autumn semester 2025

Pace of study: Full Time

Level: Second Cycle

Study places: 10

Selection: Number of credits obtained no later than on the last application date

Study venue: Örebro

School: School of Music, Theatre and Art

Qualifications: Degree of Master of Arts/Science [60 credits], Degree of Master of Arts/Science [120 credits]

Language of instruction: The language of instruction is English.

Head of programme: Ulrik Volgsten

Application code ORU-M4500

If you want to research music, or just simply understand more about it, the Master's program in Musicology provides you with a solid foundation. The program offers an in-depth, interdisciplinary training and, upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to study at the doctoral level (licentiate or doctorate) in a wide range of fields on music research.
The program is suitable primarily for those thinking about doctoral studies. However it is also suitable for music teachers who want to further their knowledge of musicology or music research in general. The program will also help those of you looking to develop a career in a variety of music related professions. E.g. in analyzing data in the music industry, working as a cultural activities coordinator, or working in public or private sector with marketing and research.

Study Advisor: Urban Tholén

Phone: +46 19 303000 (switchboard)

Email: studievagledning.mh@oru.se