To understand music.

Degree programme objectives

2395/5000

The aim of the study of the field of musical science in the master's degree is the multilateral development of knowledge, skills and methodological knowledge from the field of musical science. It is characterized by the wide range of themes it deals with, as well as the high variety of methods to achieve the intended goals. In addition to the history of musical history (devoted to areas of historical development of musical cultures, national and composer schools, life and creation of individual composers, changes in interpretative practice, etc.), historiography is devoted to increased attention to the methodology and subjects of systematic musical science. These are mainly music aesthetics, theory and philosophy, selected problems of musical paleography (characteristics, qualification and classification of various notation systems), musical sociology and psychology, musical organology and its related disciplines including musical iconography. Language equipment is also important (except English, Latin and German). In the acquisition of key competencies, music activities are still very important (within the framework of the lessons it is possible to perform singing in several choirs, playing piano, chamber ensembles or orchestra). An Erasmus + internship is also desirable at one of the many European universities with which the Institute of Musicology has concluded a partnership agreement and the application of the knowledge and experience gained abroad in their own musical work. This field of study is intended especially for graduates and graduates of bachelor studies in the field of musical science, or other related fields (eg the field of Theory and Operational Practice of Old Music, which is guaranteed by the Brno Institute of Musicology). His concept counts on deepening the theoretical set of knowledge, skills and methods of musical science as well as their application in practice. Students of the master's degree in musical science are able to work with professional literature (Czech and foreign) as well as with primary and secondary sources related to different areas of musical culture. The aim is also to maximize the critical thinking and application of modern methodological procedures and knowledge. Graduates in this field will be able to analyze and contextualize various types and forms of artistic expression, both in the field of classical music and non-artistic music. Graduates can further study musical science in a doctoral degree program, but they are also ready for specialized practice in practice.

Study plans

Admission Procedures
Admission to Master's degree programmes in 2024/2025 (beginning: Autumn 2024)
Submission deadline until midnight 30. 4. 2024

  • Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme

    Deadline for submitting applications: January 1 - April 30

    Who the programme is intended for: The programme is intended for graduates of the Bachelor’s programme of Musicology as well as for graduates of the Bachelor’s programme of Theory and Practice of Early Music implemented by the Department of Musicology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University.

    Subject matter of the entrance examination: A prerequisite for admission is passing an online oral entrance examination in the scope of the requirements for the Bachelor’s state examination. The length of the interview is about 20 minutes. Applicants shall also submit a written proposal for their intended Master’s thesis in the range of max. 1 standard page in their e-applications (rubric “Documents”) by 1 June. Applicants are required to include their full name and application number on the proposal.

    Waiver of the entrance examination: The entrance examination will be waived for applicants who have passed the Bachelor’s examination in the field/programme Musicology at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University with an excellent (A) or very good (B) result. Applicants can ask for a waiver for the entrance examination via the e-application form, section "Application for waiver of the entrance examination".

    Website Department of Musicology.

    General information on the course of the admission procedure to the follow-up Master’s degree programmes at FA MU can be found here. Documents for the current admission procedure are kept in Materials for Applicants.

  • Evaluation criteria valid for the applicants applying for a place on this degree programme

    Pass/fail line of the entrance examination: 40 points (out of 100).

Studies

  • Objectives

    2395/5000

    The aim of the study of the field of musical science in the master's degree is the multilateral development of knowledge, skills and methodological knowledge from the field of musical science. It is characterized by the wide range of themes it deals with, as well as the high variety of methods to achieve the intended goals. In addition to the history of musical history (devoted to areas of historical development of musical cultures, national and composer schools, life and creation of individual composers, changes in interpretative practice, etc.), historiography is devoted to increased attention to the methodology and subjects of systematic musical science. These are mainly music aesthetics, theory and philosophy, selected problems of musical paleography (characteristics, qualification and classification of various notation systems), musical sociology and psychology, musical organology and its related disciplines including musical iconography. Language equipment is also important (except English, Latin and German). In the acquisition of key competencies, music activities are still very important (within the framework of the lessons it is possible to perform singing in several choirs, playing piano, chamber ensembles or orchestra). An Erasmus + internship is also desirable at one of the many European universities with which the Institute of Musicology has concluded a partnership agreement and the application of the knowledge and experience gained abroad in their own musical work. This field of study is intended especially for graduates and graduates of bachelor studies in the field of musical science, or other related fields (eg the field of Theory and Operational Practice of Old Music, which is guaranteed by the Brno Institute of Musicology). His concept counts on deepening the theoretical set of knowledge, skills and methods of musical science as well as their application in practice. Students of the master's degree in musical science are able to work with professional literature (Czech and foreign) as well as with primary and secondary sources related to different areas of musical culture. The aim is also to maximize the critical thinking and application of modern methodological procedures and knowledge. Graduates in this field will be able to analyze and contextualize various types and forms of artistic expression, both in the field of classical music and non-artistic music. Graduates can further study musical science in a doctoral degree program, but they are also ready for specialized practice in practice.

  • Learning Outcomes

    After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

    • Deeper mastering of historical, theoretical and methodological issues of musicology;
    • professional treatment of the results of musical research;
    • specialized insight into systematical musicological disciplines;
    • critical thinking and contextualization in the work with sources and with literature;
    • applying theoretical knowledge in practice.
  • Occupational Profiles of Graduates

    The graduate of musicology gains a deep knowledge of the theory and history of music, enabling him to have a wide and varied range of applications in professional practice, including independent solving of scientific tasks, both in the sphere of basic and applied research (academic workplaces, archives and museums). He is also qualified for application in musical institutions (orchestras, opera theaters, printed and electronic media, editorial offices, music publishers and publishers, musical and cultural foundations, etc.). He can also apply professionally in the field of music education. He can also study musical science in the doctoral study program.

  • Practical Training

    Student will practice in various musical and cultural institutions (museums, archives, theaters, media, orchestras, concert agencies etc.). It can also participate in the research tasks of the Institute and some grant projects.

  • Goals of Theses

    The standard range of master's diploma theses is at least 140,000 characters, including footnotes, cover letter, content, index, list of literature and annotations. A compulsory part of both types is Czech and 2 foreign language resumes. The aim of the thesis is to demonstrate the ability to formulate professional problems and to find solutions, to work critically with specialized texts and source materials. The Master's State Exam is a comprehensive exam which concludes a master's degree in music science, and therefore covers all major parts of the discipline. At the Master's State Exam, the candidate must demonstrate a solid orientation in the field, including the ability to deeper master some of the sections of his / her historical, theoretical and methodological issues. Particular attention is paid to the ability to critically handle the results of musicological research and the knowledge of the basic and recent literature in the field.

  • Access to Further Studies

    A graduate of a master's degree program may, after fulfilling the conditions of admission, continue the Ph.D. study of music science.

Basic information

Abbreviation
N-VH_
Type
master's degree programme (following the bachelor's one)
Profile
academic
Degree
Mgr.
Degree in Advanced Master's state examination
PhDr.
Length of studies
2 years
Language of instruction
Czech Czech

20
estimated number of admitted
17
number of active students
14
number of theses/dissertations

Faculty of Arts
Programme guaranteed by