About Studies In Music - Arts (ba (hons)) in University College Cork

Studies in Music is a broad introduction to the study of music as part of human society; it makes available Modules about music from all over the world and in many periods of history. The course embraces historical, sociological, ethnographic, political and educational approaches, among others, and will enable you to develop your knowledge in key areas of modern music studies.

You will develop an understanding of how music works as a part of human culture in varied settings. This understanding will help you understand people and their musical behaviours and preferences. You will learn to reflect critically on the roles and uses of music as an expressive device in a range of environments, historical and present-day. You will be positioned to contribute directly to future cultural and economic development, for instance by writing insightfully about music’s connections to other fields of activity, such as digital media, language, literature, governmental policy, religious practice or educational development.

You will complete courses that examine music from humanistic and cultural perspectives, that enhance critical thinking and communication skills and that develop an understanding of the main modern fields of music studies.

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture hours: 5-credit modules normally have a timetabled slot of two hours a week, and 10-credit modules involve four hours of class time, typically broken into two sessions. Some classes are supported by tutorials, seminars or practical activity (such as concert attendance, oral presentations, school visits or workshops). Classes are timetabled over the full week, and attendance is monitored.

Expected reading hours: As with all undergraduate degrees, there is an expectation that you will devote time before and after scheduled lectures to reading, research and developing your knowledge. This averages out at around 4 hours per week for each 5 credits on your timetable. Music notation: You do not need to be able to read music notation to take this course (although basic music knowledge is always helpful, and not difficult to acquire). Practical study: You do not need to play an instrument to take this course, and gaining mastery of an instrument or voice is not a requirement of the course. You will have access to the Department of Music’s practice and rehearsal rooms and to the wider extra-curricular musical life of the University, and so great opportunity to develop your practical skills and experience from being immersed in a vibrant musical environment. Additionally, should you wish to study an instrument or voice, we may be able to help you find a qualified tutor—you will need personal funds for this.

Assessment

Any written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Music modules use many types of assessment, such as a personal research project, reflexive learning journal, fieldwork report, class presentation or online discussion.

A variety of assessment methods are used on this course, reflecting its emphasis on the development and application of knowledge across music studies more widely.

Who teaches this course?

The course is delivered by lecturers and staff who are engaged in research at the forefront of their respective subject areas. This ensures that you graduate with a fully contemporaneous skill-set and understanding of music in human life. A full staff list can be consulted on the Department of Music’s website.

Why Choose This Course

A course that offers students with no prior musical experience a way to study the subject. A uniquely broad range of music topics.

Skills and Careers Information

Today’s market requires graduates whose education has equipped them to be flexible, innovative and imaginative, and the BA degree equips students with these skills. Many graduates go directly into employment in areas such as:

• Administration
• Public relations
• Arts management
• Finance and banking
• Heritage and tourism

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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