University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Music and Philosophy, 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

Embark on the MA Music and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, a distinctive postgraduate programme designed for those who seek to explore the profound connections between sonic creation and existential inquiry. This course is ideal if you are passionate about understanding how music shapes our experience of reality, knowledge, and culture, and how philosophical thought can illuminate musical practice. You will delve into the critical analysis of music, from historical contexts to contemporary ethnomusicology, while simultaneously engaging with fundamental philosophical questions, preparing you for advanced academic or creative pursuits.

This full-time, on-campus MA is structured over two years, offering a rich blend of compulsory and optional modules across both disciplines. You will engage in in-depth study, including specialised courses such as Analysing Music, Introduction to Ethnomusicology, and advanced Philosophy seminars, culminating in a significant dissertation in either Music or Philosophy in your final year. You will develop advanced research, critical thinking, and analytical skills, graduating with a unique interdisciplinary perspective valuable for careers in academia, arts management, cultural criticism, or further specialised study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master of Arts program in Music and Philosophy offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between these two disciplines. Across four years, students will develop foundational academic skills and delve into core concepts of philosophy and music studies. Subsequent years expand upon these foundations, examining diverse musical traditions, historical contexts, and cultural expressions, culminating in advanced modules and dissertation work that allows for in-depth research and synthesis of knowledge.

1 YEAR 1

Academic Writing for Language & Literature Compulsory
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Experience, Knowledge and Reality Compulsory
Introduction to Music Studies Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

Analysing Music
Introduction to Ethnomusicology
Global Music History
Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions

3 YEAR 3

Film and Music
Spanish Identity through Music, Film and Visual Culture
Music, Health and Wellbeing (Public Engagement)
Eurovision: Media, Memory, Euphoria & Identities

4 YEAR 4

PH402D Dissertation in Philosophy
MU4049 Dissertation in Music
FS4017 Film and Music
FS4018 Spanish Identity through Music, Film and Visual Culture
EL45HC Literature and 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

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdult & Continuing EducationCivil & Infrastructure EngineeringConstruction Technology & Digital SolutionsCorporate Training & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationEnvironmental & Sustainable ConstructionIndustrial & Offshore Construction

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

University of Aberdeen

University of Edinburgh

Why Study Music and Philosophy, 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 Music and Philosophy, 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. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

The English language requirements include a Duolingo overall score of 105, or an IELTS overall score of 6.0, among other criteria. Different tests have specific score requirements, so choose accordingly.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Music Educator, Music Producer, Music Therapist, Arts Administrator, and Sound Engineer.

What will I actually study in this course?

Music at Aberdeen offers the opportunity to learn, compose and perform with world-renowned composers, conductors, musicologists and researchers working in all genres, styles and periods. You will grow as a musician and performer while seeking to understand the world around us and how we might answer the Big Questions that humans have wrestled with throughout the ages. You will gain the strong intellectual skills sought by

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Music and Philosophy MA program at Aberdeen starts in September. Ensure you apply in advance to secure your spot.
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