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Postgraduate Study

We offer both a taught MA, and research postgraduate programmes, with high levels of individual attention and personal support, and a student experience of exceptionally high quality. In addition to fostering intellectual growth, we assist in professional development by preparing students for the world of employment, for example by providing opportunities for them to work as teaching and research assistants, to disseminate their research, and to participate in dedicated training courses.

Postgraduates benefit from and contribute to a wide range of activities, including a Research Forum featuring contributions from both Durham and visiting academics, and a weekly Postgraduate Seminar run by the students themselves. Postgraduates share a dedicated room in the Department with PC and Apple computers set up for their needs, and can also make full use of other facilities in the department such as our studios, multimedia room, concert room and instrument collection.

We encourage you to look through the staff areas of expertise to identify how your own research interests might fit within our inclusive and active department.

  • Taught Masters

    The flexible modular structure of our taught MA programme allows students to focus on a chosen area of specialism but simultaneously facilitates exploration of a wide range of research areas relating to music.
    Durham University Music PG Study Taught Courses
  • Research Degrees

    Students studying for a research degree concentrate on pursuing an independent research project devised in consultation with their supervisors.
    PG research study in Music

Taught Masters

The flexible modular structure of our taught MA programme allows students to focus on a chosen area of specialism but simultaneously facilitates exploration of a wide range of research areas relating to music.
Durham University Music PG Study Taught Courses

Research Degrees

Students studying for a research degree concentrate on pursuing an independent research project devised in consultation with their supervisors.
PG research study in Music
QS World University Rankings 2024

World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2025

Durham is now ranked 89th in the world top 100 universities. Our top performance came in the Sustainability category, where we ranked 19th in the world. We also have a world-class reputation with employers, being ranked 65th.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings
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What is the Durham MA in Music?

Discover the MA in Music of Durham University's Department of Music. We offer a taught Master's degree with pathways in musicology, ethnomusicology, music & science, composition and performance.

Discover the MA in Music
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What is the MA in Music Psychology?

Discover the MA pathway in Music Psychology at Durham University's Department of Music. This taught MA covers various topics from music psychology and computational musicology, and provides practical training in empirical methods and analysis.

Discover the MA in Music Psychology

Choose your pathway

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Look Closer at Our Department of Music

Discover the big picture and the little details of our Department of Music.

Find out more about our taught MA in Music

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Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

Find out more about available scholarships and bursaries.

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International students

Joining us from abroad? Find out more information for international students.

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