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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Ethnomusicology

Course Fact File

Code	MAEMUS
Duration	1 Year Full-time, 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time
Qualifications	MA
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

Ethnomusicology is the study of people making music ... (J.T.Titon)

Our Ethnomusicology programme embraces global musical traditions—old and new, sacred and secular, professional and amateur—and places strong emphasis on musical performance, extended fieldwork, and community engagement. 

Learning is grounded in building relationships with musical communities and in hands-on music-making. Students explore performance as research, and applied ethnomusicology encourages advocacy and public engagement. 

The programme combines scholarly depth with practical training, including ensemble and individual performance, ethnographic methods, and interdisciplinary research. 

Final research projects may take the form of dissertations, performance-led enquiries, audiovisual work, or educational resources. 

Programme Details

The MA in Ethnomusicology may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Part-time: The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over two years. The course structure for part-time students is subject to agreement with the Department of Music. 

The MA consists of 90 credits as follows:

Part I (60 credits)

• MU6050  Performance Studies (10 credits) 
• MU6004  Performance Practice (15 credits) 
• MU6030  Research Skills (5 credits)
• MU6034  Multidisciplinary Debates in Musicology and Ethnomusicology (5 credits)
• MU6042  Ethnography of Music (10 credits)
• MU6043  History and Theory of Ethnomusicology (10 credits)
• MU6047  Music Cognition and Perception in Culture (5 credits) 

Part II

• MU6006  Research Project (30 credits)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, Ethnomusicology students should be able to:

• Demonstrate improved knowledge and understanding of the history of ethnomusicological theory and methodology;
• Demonstrate an understanding of fieldwork theory and methodology and apply this knowledge in the course of ethnographic research and representation;
• Apply theories of performance in critical and creative to musical performance;
• Demonstrate improved skills in musical performance, improvisation, and creativity across a range of music genres and repertories;
• Demonstrate improved skills in written and oral presentation of ethnomusicological concepts and methods (Diploma students);
• Demonstrate the competence to carry out an independent research dissertation (Master’s students).

Postgraduate Diploma in Ethnomusicology (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

Candidates who pass at least 60 credits of taught modules may elect to exit the programme and be awarded a postgraduate Diploma in Ethnomusicology.

Course Practicalities

Teaching is delivered in seminars, ensemble classes, workshops, tutorials, and one-to-one supervision. Contact time ranges from 8–12 hours weekly, depending on ensemble and workshop involvement in supervision. Some modules involve additional learning beyond class hours, such as rehearsals, performances, and fieldwork. 

Assessment

Assessment is fully continuous and includes written work, presentations, performance assessments, and participation. 

Who teaches this course

Our teaching staff from the Department of Music at UCC include:

• Dr. Michalis Poupazis (Programme Coordinator)
• Professor Jonathan Stock 
• Dr Alexander Khalil 
• Kelly Boyle
• Dr Jack Talty
• Lijuan Qian

Also supported by a wider team of instrumental and vocal tutors, covering Irish traditional music, Indian classical music, jazz, popular music, and Javanese and Balinese gamelan, amongst others.  

Why Choose This Course

The MA in Ethnomusicology at UCC is a leading programme in Europe and beyond. It centres on historical and theoretical disciplinary and multidisciplinary foundations, performance, collaborative fieldwork, and most importantly the creative application of musical knowledge. 

Students are encouraged to engage in applied ethnomusicology and draw on disciplinary insights from folklore, anthropology, sound studies, cultural studies, and performance. 

The programme is delivered by a vibrant team of scholars and performers in a Department where all musical traditions are treated with equal value. 

Staff includes world-renowned figures such as Professor Jonathan Stock, and a wider team involved in field-based, interdisciplinary, and performance-led research. 

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates go on to careers across the creative arts, cultural heritage, education, and media sectors. 

Many continue to doctoral research in Ireland or internationally. 

Others work as professional musicians, arts educators, curators, community facilitators, or arts administrators. 

Some graduates have also transferred the world music performance skills developed on the programme into tutoring roles with younger or emerging musicians. 

The programme cultivates research fluency, performance expertise, intercultural communication, and academic and professional adaptability. 

Requirements

You will have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours Arts degree (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent, in music or a related subject (e.g. anthropology, folklore, cultural studies). Applicants with an appropriate professional equivalent (e.g. professional musicians of high standing, music media professionals) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). All applicants will be required to attend an interview with members of the programme team and may be required to pass a qualifying test.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning, and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please detail your research interest(s). 
• Please enter the names and email addresses of two referees.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.