History and Music, MA

Program Overview

This History and Music MA program combines a comprehensive historical education with a deep exploration of music theory and practice. Students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills while fostering their musical talents. The program prepares graduates for careers in history, music, or related fields, or for further academic study.

Program Outline

History and Music, MA

Degree Overview:

This program offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deep into the study of history in conjunction with music. You will gain a rich understanding of various historical periods across the world, while simultaneously exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of music. The program aims to:

• Provide a comprehensive education in history, covering a range of time periods, geographical areas, and methodologies.
• Develop your critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
• Foster your musical talent and knowledge, regardless of your prior experience.
• Equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in history, music, or a related field.

Outline:

Year 1:

• You will explore the historical landscape from the ancient world to the present day.
• You will acquire essential academic skills through courses on writing and critical analysis.
• You will select a minimum of three history courses from a range of options, such as Scottish Folklore and Oral Traditions, The Twelfth-Century Renaissance, and Materialising Faith: Women, Art and Religion.
• You will choose four music courses from a variety of options, including Music and Health and Wellbeing, Global Music History, Spanish Identity Through Music, Film and Visual Culture, and Analyzing Music.

Year 3:

• You will delve deeper into specific topics in history through optional modules like Reformation, Reason & Revolt: Church, Politics & Theology, and History of Medicine.
• You will choose a minimum of three history courses from a range of options.
• You will continue your musical journey with three music courses from a selection of options, including Spanish Identity through Music, Film and Visual Culture, Music and Health and Wellbeing, and Analysing Music.

Year 4:

• You will choose between a dissertation in History or a dissertation in Music, accompanied by an additional course on History in Practice II.
• You will complete a Special Subject in History.
• You will select additional courses in both History and Music to reach a total of 60 credit points in each subject.

Assessment:

• You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, reports, presentations, practical exercises, and written examinations.
• The exact assessment methods will vary depending on the specific course and year of study.
• Honors projects will be assessed based on a dissertation.

Teaching:

• You will learn from experts in history and music, many of whom are internationally recognized scholars and performers.
• You will benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Sir Duncan Rice Library and specialist music technology studios.
• You will be encouraged to engage in active learning, independent research, and collaborative projects.

Careers:

• This program equips you with transferrable skills valuable in various fields, including research, writing, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Graduates have pursued careers in history, music, education, journalism, cultural heritage, and many other areas.
• The program also provides a strong foundation for further study, such as a PhD or Master's degree.

Other:

• The program is structured to allow flexibility, enabling you to customize your studies to your interests and career aspirations.
• You will have access to a range of support services, including career guidance, academic advising, and mental health counseling.