MMus Ethnomusicology

Learn a language as part of this programme

Degree programmes at SOAS - including this one - can include language courses in more than forty African and Asian languages. It is SOAS students’ command of an African or Asian language which sets SOAS apart from other universities.

Students must complete 120 credits of taught modules in addition to the compulsory dissertation (60 credits). In addition to these formal elements, students are expected to attend regular postgraduate and public seminars and may also participate in performance ensemble classes and other activities.

Students may be allowed to study for the MA on a part-time basis.

• The part-time MMus may be taken over two years, in which case the student takes two 30 credits modules (or equivalent 15 credits modules) in the first year, and two 30 credits modules (or equivalent 15 credits modules) and the dissertation in the second year.
• Alternatively, it can be taken over three years, in which case the student can distribute the 120 credits modules evenly in each of the three years. The dissertation can be written in year two or three, but it is strongly recommended that this be undertaken in the final year of the programme. It must be submitted in September of the year in which the student registers for it.

The formal elements of the MMus Ethnomusicology programme are:

• The two core modules Music in Global Perspective and Theory and Method in Ethnomusicology (15 credits each).
• The Dissertation in Music (60 credits)
  A special study 10,000 words in length on a topic agreed with the candidate's supervisor. This will normally relate to the "major region" chosen below, but may instead deal with a theoretical or comparative topic. Part-time students normally take this in their final year.
• Student must select modules to the value of 30 credits from List A
• Student must select modules to the value of 30 credits from list A, B
• Student must also select modules to the value of 30 credits from list B,C and D.Please note that not all option modules may run every year.

• Dissertation in Music
• Music in Global Perspective
• Theory and Method in Ethnomusicology

• Atlantic Africa: Players in the Mediation of African Popular Music
• Aspects of Music and Religion in South East Asia
• Ethnicity, Religion and Gender in Middle Eastern Musical cultures
• Indian vocal music: Styles and histories
• Klezmer Music: Roots and Revival
• Music in Africa: Critical Listening
• Music in Africa: Travelling on a Song
• Music on the Silk Road: travel and circulation (PG)
• Music, Place and Politics in Cuba
• Music, Nation and Conflict in Jerusalem
• Musical Traditions of East Asia (Masters)
• Pop and Politics in East Asia (Masters)
• Popular and Fusion Music in South East Asia (PG)
• Sacred Sound in South Asia

• Analysing World Music: Transcription & Analysis in Ethnomusicology
• Composition
• Digital traditional broadcasting communication
• Gender and Music (MMus)
• Music and Healing
• Music in Development
• Performance
• Sound Recording and Production
• The Music Business (Masters)

SOAS MMus and MA Music students can also take as a credited part of their programme up to two 20 credit units at Kings College London Music Department, choosing modules from the following list: note that a) modules in Performance and Composition are not permitted as part of the agreement; and b) you will need to obtain the written consent of the convenor of the KCL course before enrolling.

Modules at SOAS from other departments in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities or MA Area Studies Modules (including languages) in the Faculty of Languages and Cultures. Module choices are subject to the agreement of both the module convenor and the MMus Ethnomusicology convenor. Modules will normally relate to the same geographical region chosen from List A Module(s).Please note that not all option modules may run every year.

If you are a current student you can find structure information on Moodle or through your Department.

• MMus Ethnomusicology Programme specification 2017-18 (pdf; 63kb)

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules