Music and Music Psychology

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to music psychology, examine the role music has played in society and culture over time and look at different approaches to studying and interpreting music; you’ll also choose from optional modules that allow you to develop skills in composition, performance or music technology.

In the following year you’ll look at how psychological research and theories have been used to explain different emotional responses to music, listening, performance and other musical behaviours. Our Music in Context core module will introduce you to an area of musicology that you choose from the range on offer, related to the research interests of our staff. Optional modules will give you the chance to develop your musical skills in fields such as performance, analysis, composition, music technology, and aesthetics.

In Year 3, you’ll build your understanding of the different research techniques in music psychology, and you’ll design, conduct and analyse empirical projects of your own. You’ll also choose from optional modules to develop your musical interests and specialisms.

In your final year, you’ll apply your knowledge of music psychology to a series of case studies in key fields such as education, therapy, advertising and technology, and you can continue an area of special interest in your choice of optional module. You’ll also investigate a specific topic in depth when you complete your own major research project.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Understanding Music 20 credits
• Music in History and Culture 20 credits
• Music Research Skills 20 credits
• Introduction to the Psychology of Music 20 credits
• Studying in a Digital Age (Music) 5 credits

Optional modules

• Composition 20 credits
• Performance 20 credits
• Ensemble Performance 20 credits
• Sound, Technology, and Music 20 credits

Discovery modules

• Discovery modules 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• The Psychology of Listening and Performance 20 credits
• Music in Context 20 credits

Optional modules

• Interpreting Music 20 credits
• Composition 20 credits
• Performance 20 credits
• Ensemble Performance 20 credits
• Notation and Editing 20 credits
• Aesthetics and Criticism 20 credits
• Music Technology Skills and Techniques 20 credits
• Music in Practice 20 credits
• Music Students into Schools 20 credits

Discovery modules

• Discovery modules 20 credits

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