The programme comprises seven modules in total: six group-seminar modules and a year-round thesis module for which students are allocated individual supervisors. You will encounter a rich spectrum of musicological topics, themes, and approaches in the programme, which reflects the variety of faculty research interests. In addition, a year-round research seminar series provides an opportunity to hear guest lectures by visiting musicologists, composers, and performers. Students also present their work in progress during the Research Seminars and Colloquia.
You will take 90 credits in total over the two years: Thesis (30 credits, submitted at the end of August in Year 2) and six 10-credit modules in Semesters 1 and 2: (1) Research Methods (including Work Placement in Sem. 2); (2) Writing About Music; (3) Music in Ireland; (4) Music and Gender; (5) Music and Screen Media; and (6) Sound, Images, Spaces. There is flexibility to take some of the ten-credit modules in Year 1 and some in Year 2.
Students benefit from small-group teaching in seminars and one-on-one tuition with thesis and project supervisors. Through dedicated, welcoming postgraduate research colloquia, MA Musicology students benefit from the opportunity to share research in progress with peers and academics in the Department. Our strong ties with associations such as the Society for Musicology in Ireland creates further networking opportunities and supports for students. Maynooth is home to a thriving music research community. We regularly host conferences and symposia that attract international attention. In recent years, these events have explored diverse interests, including Med-Ren (MedievalRenaissance Music), Schubert, Dukas, Kylie Minogue, Music and Visual Cultures, and Sound Design in Film. In addition to a varied menu of compulsory and optional modules, the Music Department hosts a Research Seminar series, featuring guest speakers from Ireland and abroad. The library holds extensive music collections and digital database subscriptions. Maynooth's location facilitates access to further libraries and archives in Dublin and beyond.
