The MPhil in Music Studies is a 12-month freestanding programme offering advanced training in key areas of musical studies, while at the same time providing a preparation for doctoral research. Its main aims are to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level:

• critical awareness of issues and trends, informed by current research, across a broad spectrum of music studies;
• the opportunity to acquire or develop research skills and expertise relevant to a specified area of music studies;
• experience in carrying out focused research under close supervision.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme students will have acquired or further developed:

• knowledge of and the ability to critically evaluate research techniques and methods relevant to a specialist area of music studies;
• familiarity with current debates across a broad range of music studies;
• a range of research skills relevant to music studies, together with skills appropriate to their specific research interests;
• the ability to utilise established techniques of enquiry in the context of original research.

Continuing

Students wishing to continue to the PhD In Music degree must pass the MPhil in Music Studies with at least a high pass of 70%.

Teaching consists of lectures and/or seminars, together with supervisions, self-directed study and (where relevant) practical instrumental/vocal tuition and composition workshops. Students are also expected to participate in the research culture of the Faculty, in particular by attending its programme of research colloquia.

Feedback

Written feedback is provided for all assessed work. Oral feedback is provided for seminar and class presentations.

Assessment

Thesis

55% (Standard Project, up to 15,000 words) or 70% (Extended Project, up to 25,000 words). Those taking performance or composition options substitute either a recital or compositions respectively.

Essays

45% (Standard Project) or 30% (Extended Project).

Practical assessment

50 - 60 minute recital for those taking the recital option.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. An outline in approximately 250 words of your proposed thesis topic or composition portfolio with suggested Supervisor.
• Sample of Work. c. 3,000, and no more than 5,000 words in total
• Composition Works. If you are applying for the composition pathway you must provide: -a list of works and details of previous studies in composition, and -between two and four original scores which demonstrate the breadth of your work
• Audio recordings. If you are applying for the composition pathway you must provide recordings of some or all of the scores required above. If you wish to take the recital option you must provide one or more audio recordings featuring a range of repertoire lasting approximately 60 minutes in total. All recordings should be submitted through Dropbox by sharing electronic files with graduate.applications@mus.cam.ac.uk
• Personal Reference. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships