University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

English 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 English and Music at the University of Aberdeen offers you a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of the arts, designed for students passionate about both literary analysis and musical expression. You will delve into diverse literary periods, from medieval writings and Renaissance drama to modernism and contemporary literature, while simultaneously engaging with music studies that encompass composition, history, and theory. This degree is ideal if you seek to understand the intricate connections between words and music, developing a sophisticated critical perspective on cultural production and its historical contexts.

This full-time, on-campus programme is structured over four years, allowing you to build a comprehensive understanding through compulsory courses in your early years, such as Academic Writing and Introduction to Music Studies. As you progress, you will have the flexibility to choose optional modules in English literature and Music, tailoring your studies to your specific interests. In your final year, you will undertake a significant independent research project, choosing between an English Dissertation or a Dissertation in Music. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, prepared for careers in education, arts administration, publishing, or further academic research.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA program offers a comprehensive exploration of English literature and music, spanning foundational academic skills and specialized subject matter. Students will engage with diverse literary periods and genres, from medieval writings and Shakespeare to modernism and American literature, alongside critical analyses of music studies. The program culminates in a significant dissertation project, allowing for in-depth research in either English or music.

1 YEAR 1

Academic writing for language & literature Compulsory
Getting started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Acts of reading Compulsory
Introduction to music studies Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

Encounters with Shakespeare Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Page and stage: Renaissance writings 1500-1640
Knights, virgins and viragos: Chaucer and medieval writing
Romanticism
Sympathy for the devil: Scottish short stories
Britain and the 19th century world
Fallen women and self-made men
Modernism: make it new
American voices: self and society, 1850-1930
Haunted texts
Art and atrocity: representations of violence and trauma

4 YEAR 4

English dissertation
Dissertation in music

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

Clinical & Medical ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentDigital Media & Online PublishingHealth Technology & Digital HealthHigher Education & UniversitiesJournalism & ReportingPhotojournalism & Visual MediaPublic Broadcasting & DocumentaryPublic Health & EpidemiologyTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Elite linguistics

Global language solution

NHS

University of Aberdeen

University of Edinburgh

Warner Bros

Why Study English 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 English and Music, MA at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree programs can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

The program requires proficiency in English, with specific scores for various tests: for Duolingo, a minimum overall score of 105 is required. TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores also have specific requirements that must be met.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as a writer, musicologist, composer, or arts manager, among other roles.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program allows you to explore subjects like literature, language, and creative writing, alongside music composition and musicology. You'll develop key skills for a career in the arts and creative industries.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The English and Music MA program at Aberdeen has an intake in September. Make sure to apply ahead of time to secure your spot.
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