Expand+This taught, 2-semester online programme is rooted in Irish traditional music while also exploring outwards into the neighbouring traditions which have impacted on Irish music. It is performance- and presentation- based, with all material explored vi...

Hide-This taught, 2-semester online programme is rooted in Irish traditional music while also exploring outwards into the neighbouring traditions which have impacted on Irish music. It is performance- and presentation- based, with all material explored via personal solo and group music interpretation. Lectures and tutorials will be delivered online on a weekly basis with one campus residential week per semester. Students will be in regular contact with teaching faculty and other students through a variety of online media.

The programme combines academic research, performance practice and the latest technological methods, focusing on the musical, social and historical dimensions of the folk music traditions of many areas of Europe including Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Scandinavia. Students engage with the discipline of ethnomusicology undertaking courses in traditional music studies, collection and archiving, popular music theory, transmission and technology. The dissertation/research project provides the opportunities for students to develop an in-depth specialised study, which can be academic or performance based.

The programme is designed to inform a variety of interests including musicians, educators​, media commentators, producers and promoters. Course materials for this programme include critical and analytical texts, and video and audio recordings in Folk/Traditional music studies and Ethnomusicology.

Expand+Students will study:

•Irish Traditional music performance style and contexts
•Traditional music collection and archiving
•Scottish music style, forms and repertoire
•Popular music aesthetics and sociology
•English Traditional music and song
•...

Hide-Students will study:

•Irish Traditional music performance style and contexts
•Traditional music collection and archiving
•Scottish music style, forms and repertoire
•Popular music aesthetics and sociology
•English Traditional music and song
•Folk musics of Europe
•Transmission, education and technology

These in addition to a major, researched dissertation/project.

This is a full time course, with part-time options offered through blended delivery mode. The seven academic modules collectively engage with Traditional music forms as artistic, social and professional practices. They involve performance, production and presentation of music, song, dance, each of which is engaged with by participants according to personal strengths. Ongoing assessment is mostly continuous. Final assessment for the MA level involves a major research dissertation or music project which is completed over the summer months; the PGDip is completed in early summer by a minor dissertation or project. The programme has been planned to suit the needs of a range of candidates of varying age, education level and music background. Such might be Traditional Irish music, song or dance performers who wish to gain a more academic knowledge of their subject, or a wider view of traditional musics on these islands and in Europe. It will be of great value to those involved in non-performance aspects of the Traditional-music spectrum who wish to learn more about its history and practice. It is designed also for those who wish to explore Traditional music newly, who will have much to gain by immersion in both its academic analysis and performance.

Expand+Follow On Programmes:
Master of Arts by Research in Music
PhD in Music

Graduates would have eligibility potential for a wide span of Traditional music and Arts related employment niches which require specialist field knowledge and aesthetic jud...

Hide-Follow On Programmes:
Master of Arts by Research in Music
PhD in Music

Graduates would have eligibility potential for a wide span of Traditional music and Arts related employment niches which require specialist field knowledge and aesthetic judgment and sensitivity to community and cultural values. Such include:

Education
Research
Production companies
Arts administration
Television and Radio
Print media
Artiste representation and PR
Music Rights
Music supplies
Recording studios and video companies
Music technology and Web
Archives and local history projects