Music - Performance & Musicology

The MA in Performance & Musicology degree programme is designed for students with strengths in performance who want opportunities to deepen and extend their skills. The pathway is carefully honed to foster and develop skills in performance and musicology at postgraduate level. The preparation of a dissertation allows you to develop research skills in an area closely related to your final recital performance. All of this takes place within the rich environment of the Department of Music with its research and teaching strengths in musicology, performance, composition and technology.

Normally a minimum II.1 honours degree in music is required. Applicants without this prerequisite qualification will be requested to provide additional evidence of to demonstrate equivalent skills in performance and musicology.



Internal Maynooth University applicants:

Applicants specialising in performance for their UG programme must obtain a minimum of a high II.1 result for Single/Double Recital



Applicants not specialising in performance for their UG programme will be required to demonstrate in audition and interview a standard on proposed principal instrument/voice equivalent to a minimum of a high II.1 bachelor degree. The audition should consist of c. 20 minutes of contrasting music. Vocalists are expected to demonstrate the ability to sing in three languages. Copies of music to be provided for examining panel along with listed programme.



External/International applicants:

International applicants must have a recognized primary degree considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Applicants will be required to demonstrate in audition and interview a standard on proposed principal instrument/voice equivalent to a minimum of a high II.1 Irish university bachelor degree. The audition should consist of c. 20 minutes of contrasting music. Vocalists are expected to demonstrate the ability to sing in three languages. Copies of music to be provided for examining panel along with listed programme.



International applicants should contact music.department@mu.ie for full details of the audition process.



International applicants whose first language is not English may be requested to submit samples of written material.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study.

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Commences: September

MA Performance and Musicology students develop a portfolio of performance, communication, critical, and analytical skills, while the programme also trains students to work independently and manage their time effectively. These skills serve graduates well in a wide range of working situations, ranging from the freelance solo performing career, to arts administration and events management. The MA in Performance and Musicology is also an excellent option for those considering further postgraduate study or instrumental and vocal training.