Ethnomusicology - MA

During this programme, you will:  

• Explore music in its cultural, social, political and ecological contexts, asking how and why people make music and why that matters, now more than ever. 

• Develop a sound theoretical basis for undertaking music (and movement) research with important applied dimensions. 

• Benefit from experiences in music and movement ensembles with a focus on embodied practice. 

• Develop applied skills and generate impactful research that tackles social, political, and ecological challenges in the 21st century. 

Key Information: 

• Complete full-time in one year   

• Delivered on campus  

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters  

• Submit dissertation at the end of the summer semester  

• Students take 5 core modules and 1 elective module in the autumn semester and 3 core modules and 1 elective module in the spring semester 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• Reflective practice and guided research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers      

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core modules:  

• History of Ethnomusicology (MU5101) provides an overview of the history and the theory of ethnomusicology since the 19th century. 

• Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques (MD6021) introduces basic elements of fieldwork including its ethical principles, participant observation, and interview techniques. 

• Introduction to Ritual Studies (MD6041) equips students with a knowledge of the emergence and development of ritual studies as an interdisciplinary discourse. 

• Media Technologies for Performing Arts and Arts Research (MD6031) explores current media technologies used in the fields of performing arts, creative arts therapies, and arts research. 

• Music Ethnography (MU6061) trains students in the epistemology, methodology, methods and techniques for sustained ethnographic inquiry. 

Electives – choose 1: 

• Independent Study 1 (MD6051)
• Writing & the Documentation of Arts Practice 1 (MD6071)
• Academic Literacies for International Students 1 (AW6001) 

Spring Semester 

Core modules:  

• Anthropology of Music (MU5022) explores current issues in ethnomusicology. 

• World Music Survey (MU5032) examines specific music and movement cultures to gain an awareness of diverse systems of embodiment and practice within their socio-cultural contexts. 

• Critical Engagements with Irish Traditional Music (MD6081) examines manuscript, printed, audio and visual sources of Irish traditional music. 

Electives – choose 1 

• Independent Study 2 (MD6052)
• Writing & the Documentation of Arts Practice 2 (MD6072)
• Academic Literacies for International Students 2 (AW6002) 

Summer Semester 

• Final Presentations (MD5522) equips students to conduct a research project to the level of a master's standard dissertation, or a combination of ethnographic or practice-based project with performance. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules. 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. 

• The university will shortlist and invite you to an interview with the course director. 

• Applications from graduates with music and/or dance experience are especially welcome. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

International students:   

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents:    

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Additional audio visual and/or written material. 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.  

• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.   

EU - €7,995

Non- EU - €18,000

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie). 

 
Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• University and college lecturer in ethnomusicology
• Music archivist
• Music administrator
• Music educator
• Inter/trans cultural consultant 

Cody Robinson 

“The ethnomusicology course is a hands-on learning experience with ample topics of discussion. We are exposed to vast musical cultures and often work with the ethnochoreology students to fuse dance and music together to create a more holistic idea of the cultures we are studying.  

By participating in this course, my eyes and mind were opened to a whole new way of observing musical traditions. New questions were forming, and a new sense of wanting to participate musically with others was ignited. The faculty were extremely knowledgeable and provided very hands on learning opportunities. 

In conjunction with the ethnomusicology course, studying at the Irish World Academy was absolutely amazing! The vast opportunities that were available between the lunch time concerts, evening performances, guest speakers and roundtable discussions allowed exploration of many different avenues of music and ethnomusicology. Anyone wanting to study here would not be disappointed.” 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions