PMMUSETMFTR3-2024-5-O - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

Master of Music in Ethnomusicology

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

3 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-time (by Research)

Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

a Bachelor degree in Music Studies or in the areas of specialization indicated in bye-law 3 of the bye-laws for the course, from this University, obtained with at least Second Class Honours or
a Bachelor degree in Music Studies from this University with at least Category II or
a qualification deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to be comparable to the qualifications listed in paragraphs (a) and (b).

The admission of applicants under paragraphs (b) and, if necessary, (c) may be made conditional on the results of an audition/interview conducted for the purpose, or the submission of essays/musical compositions.

Applicants may submit their application form, together with a comprehensive research proposal that includes the compositional tools and techniques in the case of the Degree by composition, and the analytical tools and performance practices in the case of the Degree by performance, at any time of the year.

Applicants admitted under paragraph (a) who wish to focus on an area of specialization different from that followed in the Bachelor (Honours) degree, but do not possess either the skills or the knowledge to take up postgraduate studies in that area, shall be required to follow a Preparatory Programme, prior to their registration as regular students in the Course.

Applicants admitted under paragraphs (b) and, if necessary, (c) may be required to complete a preparatory programme, prior to their registration as regular students in the Course.

In cases where applicants lack essential knowledge in particular areas not covered in their first degree, the Board may require students admitted to the Course to follow and pass supplementary study-unit/s in the particular area, in addition to the programme of study.

The Board may grant students full or partial exemption from the requirement of the Preparatory Programme if it is satisfied, following an interview, that the student has reached the required standard for direct entry to the Course.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.

This programme of study is also offered on a part-time basis. Please consult the Registrar's website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

As a Masters' student of Ethnomusicology, you will undergo in-depth studies about the origins and multifaceted angles of music through a cultural, social, cognitive and biological stance, to name a few. This programme is designed to offer you specialisation in any one of the areas on offer. You will be required to follow study-units that are directly related to your chosen area of specialisation. A dissertation is required in all areas of specialisation. You will also be expected to perform research tasks that are directly related to your area of specialisation. As a prospective student, the ultimate aim in this course is to help you acquire expertise and experience in a field that will be essential to your professional careers.


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MSP5020*	Dissertation	80 ECTS
* Work on the dissertation is expected to start in semester 1 of academic year 2024-2025 and continue up to the end of semester 1 of academic year 2025-2026.

Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MSP5003	Readings in Music Studies	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

MSP5800	Music Research Methods	5 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the degree of Master of Music - M.Mus. - under the auspices of the School of Performing Arts.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Understand current issues, concepts and theories in ethnomusicology.
Attain an insightful understanding of the various contexts in which ethnomusicologists work.
Identify the carious paths and approaches to the writing up of a dissertation.
Recognise a range of research techniques and approaches in music research.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of ethnomusicological theory.
Demonstrate a practical understanding of how research techniques have been used to interpret the research topic.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 7,400
Yr 1: Eur 7,400 - Yr 2: NIL

You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.

As a holder of the Master of Music in Ethnomusicology, you will be able to enter a career both locally and internationally in music publishing, producing, librarianship, music therapy, arts management, journalism and performance.

If you are a prospective academic, or would like to further your knowledge, then you may opt to enrol in a doctorate programme offered by the University of Malta, or a foreign institution abroad.