MA Musicology: Courses, Universities, Eligibility & Careers

MA Musicology is a postgraduate course that studies music through history, culture, and theory. It helps students understand how music shapes people and societies. Many students in India and abroad choose this course to build careers in research, teaching, or music production. The best part is that there are many options to study MA Musicology without spending too much. This blog will guide you through the top universities, eligibility, costs, and job opportunities so you can plan your musicology journey with clarity and confidence.

What is MA Musicology and Why Choose It?

MA in Musicology is a postgraduate program that studies music as an academic subject. The course focuses on music theory, cultural history, and the social impact of sound. Students learn how music evolves across time, traditions, and regions. The program trains students to analyze songs, instruments, and musical systems in a research-based way.

Musicology helps students build strong analytical and writing skills. The degree suits those who want to connect art with knowledge. The course prepares students for roles in research, teaching, sound design, and cultural studies. Musicology lets music lovers turn curiosity into a meaningful career.

Top MA Musicology Courses in India and Abroad

MA in Musicology is offered in selected universities in India and around the world. Students can choose courses based on specialization, fees, and location. Comparing options helps international and Indian students plan applications and budgets effectively. 

MA in Musicology Courses in India

India offers several full-time MA Musicology programs, focusing on research, music history, and cultural studies. These courses usually span 2 years and combine theory with some practical exposure.

Course Name	University	Average Course Fees
Full-Time Postgraduate in Musicology	MGM University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra	INR 1,21,000
Full-Time Postgraduate in Musicology	University of Delhi, Delhi	INR 90,000
Full-Time Postgraduate in Musicology	Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	INR 80,000

MA in Musicology Courses Abroad

International universities offer an MA in Musicology with global exposure, research opportunities, and diverse music traditions. These programs vary in duration from 1 to 2 years and often include seminars, workshops, and archival projects.

Course Name	University	Average Course Fees
MA Performance and Musicology	Maynooth University, Ireland	EUR 14,000 per year
MA in Musicology	Uppsala University, Sweden	SEK 100,000 per year
MA in Musicology	Utrecht University, Netherlands	EUR 17,500 per year
MA Music	University of Birmingham, UK	GBP 19,440 per year
MA Music	Goldsmiths, University of London, UK	GBP 17,070 per year

Also Read: Top Courses at Dublin City University for International Students

MA in Musicology Syllabus & Subjects

The Musicology syllabus is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in music history, theory, and cultural analysis. Students gain skills and prepare for careers in academia, media, archives, and research institutions.

Semester	Subject	Overview
Semester 1	History of Music	Study the evolution of music from ancient to modern times across cultures.
	Music Theory and Analysis	Learn structures, forms, notation, and critical analysis of compositions.
	Research Methods in Music	Introduction to academic research, methodologies, and scholarly writing.
Semester 2	Ethnomusicology	Explore music from different cultures, traditions, and societies globally.
	Music Criticism	Develop skills to analyze and evaluate musical works, performances, and compositions.
	Archiving and Documentation	Learn to preserve musical heritage through records, archives, and documentation techniques.
Semester 3	Indian Classical Music (Elective)	In-depth study of Hindustani or Carnatic music traditions.
	Western Classical Music (Elective)	Focus on European music history, composition, and analysis.
	Popular Music Studies (Elective)	Examine contemporary, global, and commercial music trends.
Semester 4	Music and Technology (Elective)	Learn music software, digital analysis, and sound production techniques.
	Film and Media Music (Elective)	Study music in cinema, television, and other media platforms.
	Dissertation & Research Project	Conduct an independent research project on a chosen topic in musicology.

Eligibility Requirements for Indian and International Students

Postgraduate in Musicology require students to meet specific academic, language, and skill-based criteria. Universities in India and abroad have slightly different standards, but most aim to ensure that students have a strong foundation in music, research capability, and critical thinking. Meeting eligibility requirements improves admission chances and helps students plan their applications strategically.

Eligibility Requirements in India

Indian universities focus on academic qualifications, prior music experience, and sometimes entrance tests. Students with a background in music or the arts generally have an advantage. Some universities accept students from non-music backgrounds if they can demonstrate sufficient knowledge or portfolio work.

Requirement Type	Criteria
Academic Qualification	Students must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in Music, Performing Arts, or Humanities.
Minimum Marks	Most universities require 70 to 90% marks in undergraduate studies.
Entrance Exam	Some universities conduct written or practical music exams.
Work Portfolio	Students may submit recordings, compositions, or prior research projects.
Language	Courses in English require basic fluency. Some universities may conduct interviews.
Extra-Curricular	Participation in competitions, concerts, or research projects strengthens applications.

Eligibility Requirements Abroad

International universities emphasize academic credentials, language proficiency, and research aptitude. Students from diverse backgrounds can apply if they meet the degree and language requirements. 

Requirement Type	Criteria
Academic Qualification	Recognized undergraduate degree in Music, Arts, or related fields.
Minimum GPA	Usually 3.0/4.0 GPA or equivalent. Top programs may require higher.
Language Proficiency	IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL 90 to 100 is standard for international students.
Work Portfolio	Recordings, compositions, or research work showcasing skills.
Letters of Recommendation	Two or three references from professors or mentors in music or related fields.
Statement of Purpose	Explanation of interest in Musicology and future goals in research or music-related careers.

Cost of MA Musicology Abroad & in India 

Students need a clear idea of tuition and living costs when planning their MA in Musicology studies. Expenses vary depending on the country, university, and city. Knowing these costs helps students budget effectively, search for scholarships, and plan affordable study options.

Country	Average Tuition & Living Costs
India	INR 80,000 – INR 1,50,000 total for 2 years
UK	GBP 15,000 – GBP 25,000 per year
USA	USD 25,000 – USD 35,000 per year
Netherlands	EUR 14,000 – EUR 18,000 per year
Ireland	EUR 12,000 – EUR 16,000 per year
Sweden	SEK 100,000 – SEK 150,000 per year
Canada	CAD 20,000 – CAD 30,000 per year
Australia	AUD 25,000 – AUD 35,000 per year

Also Read: Unique Courses To Study in the UK

Career Opportunities After MA in Musicology in India and Abroad

MA in Musicology opens doors to careers in academia, research, cultural institutions, media, and performance. Graduates can work in India or abroad, depending on their specialization and interests. High-paying roles often require a combination of music knowledge, research skills, and practical experience. 

Job Role	Country	Average Salary
Music Researcher	India	INR 6,00,000 – INR 12,00,000 per year
Musicologist / Academic	UK	GBP 35,000 – GBP 50,000 per year
Archivist / Music Librarian	USA	USD 45,000 – USD 70,000 per year
Ethnomusicologist	Netherlands	EUR 40,000 – EUR 60,000 per year
Music Critic / Journalist	India	INR 5,00,000 – INR 10,00,000 per year
Film / Media Music Specialist	Canada	CAD 50,000 – CAD 75,000 per year
Music Teacher / Lecturer	Sweden	SEK 400,000 – SEK 600,000 per year
Performer / Concert Specialist	Australia	AUD 50,000 – AUD 80,000 per year

Skills and Preparation Needed for Success in Musicology

Students must develop a combination of academic, analytical, and practical skills to excel in Musicology. Strong preparation improves research quality, performance, understanding, and career opportunities. Here are some skills to excel in this career.

• Archiving & Documentation Techniques
• Analytical Listening Skills
• Historical Music Research
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge (Anthropology, History, Literature)
• Sound Technology & Digital Audio Analysis
• Ethnomusicological Fieldwork Skills
• Music Transcription & Notation Mastery
• Creative Collaboration & Ensemble Work
• Grant Writing & Funding Proposal Skills

Also Read: MS in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) in USA

Also Read: MS in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) in USA

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This was all about pursuing an MA in Musicology in India and abroad. We covered the top courses, syllabus, eligibility, and career opportunities. Now, you can plan your studies and take the first step toward a successful career in music research, academia, or performance. For more such insights, make sure to check out the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu and stay updated!