Music Culture & Practice

This is complemented by a diverse range of electives that cater to individual specialisation in musicology or performance, or while also allowing students to maintain a more diverse programme of study.This comprehensive degree equips students with the tools required to pursue musicological and/or practice-based research, to foster specialisation and to nurture independent scholarship.



Immersed in a vibrant and collaborative research culture, students will enrich their academic experience by regularly interacting with visiting seminar speakers, performers, and composers. 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 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 modules Research Methods, Writing About Music, Creative Collaboration and Dissemination re designed to be pathway flexible, accommodating a diverse range of entrants under the music umbrella, including musicologists, performers, and composers.



These unique modules foster interaction among different learners, cultivating 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, Irish Traditional Music Archive, and the Contemporary Music Centre, which offers students invaluable professional experiences and connections to potential employers. Contact time for each module is detailed in the module descriptors.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a Music or related discipline.



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

MHT68: 1 year full-time

MHT69: 2 years part-time

Career Options

Our graduates typically go on to successful careers in the Creative Arts, in Music Industry, Music Broadcasting, Music Journalism, Music Administration and/or Teaching in established institutions in Ireland and internationally.