MMus Performance

Students are required to take a total of 120 credits modules in addition to Performance as Research (60 credits).30 credits modules being two-terms in duration, while 15 credits modules are taught in one term only. In addition to these formal elements, students may attend 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 Performance programme are:

• The Music in Global Perspective compulsory module (15 credits); part-time students must normally take this in year 1.
• Performance compulsory module (30 credits).
  Performance lessons in a vocal or instrumental tradition from their selected region. Examined by a public recital in May-June (for part-time students: in May-June of year 1) and by coursework.
• Performance as Research (equivalent to the dissertation on other Music programmes) (60 credits)
  Further study of the same tradition as under the above, but with a more specific research focus. Examined by a public recital in September (for part-time students: in September of the final year) and by coursework.
• Student must select modules to the value of 15 credits from List A
• Student must select modules to the value of 30 credits from list A,B or C
• Student must also select modules to the value of 30 credits from the list of recommended options.

• Music in Global Perspective
• Performance
• Performance As Research

• Aspects of Music and Religion in South East Asia
• Atlantic Africa: Players in the Mediation of African Popular Music
• 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, Nation and Conflict in Jerusalem
• Music on the Silk Road: travel and circulation (PG)
• Music, Place and Politics in Cuba
• 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
• Gender and Music (MMus)
• The Music Business (Masters)
• Theory and Method in Ethnomusicology

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 list on the KCL website.

Please note that

1. modules in Performance and Composition are not permitted as part of the agreement; and
2. you will need to obtain the written consent of the convenor of the KCL course before enrolling.

Please check with modules tutors at King’s for requirements.

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

• Programme Specification 2017-18 (pdf; 63kb)
• MMus Performance Programme Details 2017-18 (pdf; 145kb)

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules