Music - Contemporary Music Practices

Grounded in cutting-edge academic and creative research, our innovative MA in Contemporary Music Practices positions students at the forefront of scholarly exploration and artistry. Collaborating with esteemed international scholars in the Department's key disciplines of composition, performance, and music technology, students explore a core curriculum that focuses on honing practical, creative and research skills in these areas.



This is complemented by a diverse range of electives that cater to individual specialisation in composition, performance, or music technology, or equally allow students to maintain a more diverse programme of study as relevant to reflect their practice.



This comprehensive degree equips students with fundamental intellectual and practical tools required to pursue practice-based research, to foster specialisation and to nurture independent scholarship. Immersed in a vibrant and collaborative research culture, students regularly interact with visiting seminar speakers, performers, and composers, enriching their academic experience. A distinctive feature of our programme is the inclusion of an elective placement component, providing students with practical experiences that enhance their academic and professional growth.

The proposed programme consists of a mandatory core totaling 60 ECTS, incorporating a specialised individual component in the form of a Capstone Project (thesis, performance, or other agreed research artefact). Additionally, three 10-ECTS modulesDigital Audio Skills, Writing About Music, and Creative Collaboration and Disseminationare designed to be pathway flexible, accommodating a diverse range of practices across performance, composition and music technology.



These unique modules cultivate core academic skills while simulating real-world professional scenarios that integrate academic discourse with creative work. Notably, the Writing About Music module employs a distinctive delivery method, primarily through online evening classes complemented by two on-campus workshops. This module is accessible to external applicants as a microcredential, enhancing the potential for building professional networks among students. Industry specialists play a crucial role in delivering this module, engaging students in activities such as music journalism, broadcasting, publicity, arts administration, and funding.



Augmenting these core modules are 30 ECTS of elective modules, providing students the flexibility to specialise (e.g., in musicology or performance) or mix and match modules to maintain breadth.



A unique feature is the Placement Module, organised in collaboration with external industry partners like Irish National Opera, the Irish Traditional Music Archive, and the Contemporary Music Centre, is that it offers students invaluable professional experiences and connections to potential employers.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline, with a minimum of a grade 1 (2:1) in a composition or performance specialism.



Applicants without this prerequisite qualification will be requested to provide additional evidence to demonstrate equivalent skills in composition or performance. Other disciplines may be considered for entry without the prerequisite of a music qualification on condition of an audition (via portfolio of material supplied).



Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants.

Closing Date : 14 August 2026

MHT66: 1 year full-time

Career Options

The course leads to a wide variety of career paths in music industry, music journalism, composition, broadcasting, administrative and teaching positions within a broad range of music institutions and organisations in Ireland and internationally.