University of Amsterdam

Overview

The University of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive one-year Master's programme in Music Studies (Arts and Culture). This course examines the intricate relationship between music, history, society, and cognition. Students engage with musicological methods while integrating perspectives from cultural studies, cognitive science, computation, and postcolonial theory.

What you'll study

The Music Studies (Arts and Culture) programme is structured to provide a robust academic foundation through core courses, research training, and opportunities to tailor your academic profile. The curriculum emphasizes historical, cultural, and cognitive aspects of music.

Core courses

• Cultural Musicology
• Musicology of the Everyday
• How Music Works: Computational and Cognitive Perspectives
• Historical Analysis in Music
• New Jazz Studies (including perspectives on race, gender, class, music travel, identity, and archiving art)
• Music Cognition and Computation

Research and final component

The programme includes a significant research component, allowing you to delve deeper into your chosen area of study and showcase your academic skills through written assignments or a culminating research project.

Specialisation and electives

Students have the flexibility to curate their learning experience by selecting electives that resonate with their interests, such as historical musicology, cultural analysis, cognition/computation, or global music traditions. The final study plan is developed in collaboration with academic advisors.

Entry requirements

Applicants need to possess a relevant Bachelor’s degree that is equivalent to three years of Dutch university education. The programme is particularly suited for individuals with a background in musicology or related disciplines.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Music Studies (Arts and Culture) programme are well-equipped for diverse career paths in academia, research, cultural institutions, music organizations, and various sectors of the creative industries. The interdisciplinary nature of the course prepares students for roles that require a nuanced understanding of music's role in society and culture.