University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Art History and Music, MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Art History and Music at the University of Aberdeen offers you a unique opportunity to explore the rich interplay between visual arts and sonic expression across diverse historical periods and global contexts. This postgraduate degree is ideal if you are passionate about understanding how art and music shape culture, power, and identity. You will delve into key areas such as modern and contemporary art, fashion theory, curation, and the historical development of musical forms, preparing you for advanced academic study or a career in the creative industries.

This full-time, on-campus MA is studied over four years, providing a comprehensive foundation in both disciplines. Your learning journey will involve engaging with primary sources, critical analysis of artworks and musical compositions, and developing your own research skills through essays and presentations. In your final year, you will have the option to undertake a significant dissertation in either Art History or Music, allowing you to focus on a specialised topic. You will graduate with a deep understanding of art historical methodologies and musical analysis, ready for diverse professional pathways.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master of Arts program offers a comprehensive exploration of art history and music, spanning foundational concepts to advanced critical analysis. Students will engage with diverse topics such as the history of art, fashion, modern and contemporary art, and music studies. The curriculum progresses through various academic years, culminating in a dissertation and specialized modules in areas like surrealism, architecture, and curation.

1 YEAR 1

Academic Writing for Language & Literature Compulsory
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Introduction to Music Studies Compulsory
Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art Compulsory
Fashion: History and Theory Compulsory
Introduction to Art History Compulsory
Encountering Art: Museums Through History Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

What is Art? Compulsory
Art Matters: Materials and Techniques Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Surrealism and Its Legacies in Contemporary Art Compulsory
Architecture and Power Compulsory
Curation: Theory and Practice Compulsory
Women Writing Art History, C. 1850-1970 Compulsory
Painting in Tudor and Early Stuart England Compulsory

4 YEAR 4

History of Art Dissertation
Dissertation in Music
Film and Music
Literature and Music
Art and the City
Surrealism and Its Legacies in Contemporary Art
Architecture and Power

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 112,461.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Consumer Finance & Credit ServicesEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationFilm & Television ProductionHigher Education & UniversitiesInvestment Management & Asset ManagementJournalism & ReportingMedia Research & AnalyticsPhotojournalism & Visual MediaSpecial & Inclusive Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Deloitte

National History Museum

National Trust

University of Aberdeen

University of Edinburgh

Warner Bros

Why Study Art History and Music, MA at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Art History and Music, MA at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students in Degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can choose from several tests such as Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, with specific score criteria for each. Ensure you check the minimum scores needed for admission.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Art Curator, Museum Educator, Gallery Manager, Art Consultant, and Cultural Heritage Officer.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Art History program at the University of Aberdeen covers the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present. It emphasizes the global connectedness of European art and its complexities.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Art History and Music, MA program is September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
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