MA Music
About this course
MA in Music, a psychology and music degree centred on academic and practical approaches to sonic study. Core topics include Research Methods. Students can tailor their degree pathway by selecting from a broad range of options in each year to match individual interests. The first year establishes fundamental knowledge through modules such as Listening in Culture and Listening through Analysis. The second year introduces further technical and practical training via Analysis: Formalist Approaches, Introduction to Composition, and Jazz Style and Practice. Subsequent years expand on these themes with specialized study options including Film Music, Popular Music Politics, and Aesthetics And Philosophy Of Music. Students also complete independent research through the Dissertation in Music or Applied Dissertation in Music.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level Music (OR ABRSM Music Theory grade 5).) IB: 34 (6,5,5) (Additional requirements: HL English and HL Humanities (plus ABRSM Music Theory required at grade 5).) Scottish Higher: BBBB is the minimum requirement from S6 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applications who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAAB by the end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements - Higher Music (OR ABSRM Music Theory Grade 5). Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB* Additional requirements: Higher English and Higher Music (OR ABRSM Music Theory grade 5). Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
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What students say
Based on about 27 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 72%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Caring personal services: 15%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 75%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- Access course: 3%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
- Other qualifications: 1%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Modules
- Listening in Culture
- Listening through Analysis
- [[[MUSIC2001]]]
- Analysis: Formalist Approaches
- Introduction to Composition
- Musical Techniques, Foundation (MA/BEng/MEng)
- Sonic Arts: Interacting with Sound (BEng/MEng)
- Sonic Arts: Interacting with Sound (MA/BMus)
- Musical Techniques, Foundation Semester One
- Musical Techniques, Foundation Semester Two
- Jazz Style and Practice
- Experimental Music Practice
- Aesthetics And Philosophy Of Music (MA/BEng/MEng/BMus Hons)
- Analysis: Formalist Approaches (Honours)
- Introduction to Composition for Honours
- Musical Techniques, Intermediate (MA/BEng/MEng Hons)
- Live Performance, Introduction (Hons)
- Romantic Song
- Genders (20)
- Composition Advanced 40
- Composition Higher
- Experimental Music Practice
- Film Music
- Notation
- Live Performance, Advanced
- Performance Practices
- Popular Music Politics
- Sonic Arts: Individual Creative Project
- Sonic Arts: Interacting with Sound
- Sonic Arts: Interactive Audiovisual Media
- Sonic Arts: Sound for Narrative Film
- Live Performance, Higher
- Dissertation in Music
- Music General Paper
- Applied Dissertation in Music
- Digital Art and Performance (20 Credits)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Music at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £30,500 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £35,500. The £28,500 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Psychology.
What do graduates of MA Music at University of Glasgow do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Music at University of Glasgow?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Music at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 210 UCAS points.
Is MA Music at University of Glasgow accredited?
Yes. Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Does MA Music at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Music at University of Glasgow?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.