University of Sheffield United Kingdom

Music Performance Studies MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Music Performance Studies MA at the University of Sheffield is designed for aspiring musicians seeking to elevate their performance skills to a professional concert level. You will delve into advanced ensemble techniques and explore historically-informed performance practices, whether on the piano pathway or another instrumental focus. This postgraduate degree is ideal for those who wish to deepen their understanding of performance as a research-informed discipline, preparing you for a dynamic career within the music industry. You will develop the stylistic awareness and technical mastery demanded by today's classical music landscape.

This Master's degree is studied full-time on campus over one year, offering an intensive and immersive experience. Your learning will involve specialist masterclasses, one-to-one tuition, and collaborative projects, culminating in a significant public recital. You will explore optional modules ranging from applied music psychology to critical musicology, enhancing your holistic musicianship. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as soloists, ensemble musicians, or educators, with opportunities to perform within Sheffield's vibrant cultural scene and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Music Performance Studies MA program cultivates advanced ensemble and historically-informed performance skills, culminating in recitals. Students will engage with core modules in academic skills and specialized areas such as historically-informed piano performance. The curriculum also offers a range of recommended and optional modules, allowing for exploration in collaborative practice, music communication, critical listening, South Asian rhythm, musicology, and applied music psychology.

1 Core Modules

Academic skills
Advanced ensemble performance skills

2 Specialist Core

Historically-informed piano performance
Piano recital

3 Specialist Core

Historically-informed performance
Recital

4 Recommended Options

Collaborative practice, public engagement and impact
Communicating about music and music research
Critical listening and the musical work
Performing South Asian rhythm

5 Optional Modules

Topics in musicology
Critical musicology
Applied music psychology
Music, brain and body
Qualitative data collection/techniques

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 39,456.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 39,456.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 667.00 - USD 2,267.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sheffield Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising & Media SalesAdvertising TechnologyDigital Media & Online PublishingEvent & Experiential MarketingEvent Promotion & ManagementGaming & Interactive MediaJournalism & ReportingMedia Research & AnalyticsPerformance & Growth MarketingPublic Relations

Top Employers Hiring for this course

YouTube

sony interactive entertainment

Why Study Music Performance Studies MA at University of Sheffield

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Sheffield 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 Performance Studies MA at University of Sheffield

Can I work while studying?

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

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit scores like TOEFL (overall score 88) or IELTS (overall score 6.5). Be sure you meet these requirements to ensure your application is considered.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as concert performers, music educators, rehearsal directors, or arts administrators.

What will I actually study in this course?

 

This course is designed to help you build the stylistic awareness and advanced techniques to perform classical music at concert level.

Through workshops, masterclasses and one-to-one lessons with specialist tutors, you will hone your abilities as both a solo and ensemble performer, culminating in a public recital at the end of your course. You can either choose to take a piano performance pathway or instrumental performance pathway.

You will have the

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Music Performance Studies MA program has an intake in September. Make sure to prepare your application and meet all requirements before this date.
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