MMus Music and Culture - 1 year
Our MMus taught postgraduate programme gives students the opportunity to work with scholars of international standing in the School’s core disciplines of historical musicology, ethnomusicology, and composition.
The following application documents are required:
1. Personal statement
In your personal statement (max 500 words) you should:
- specify which two of the three core disciplines (historical musicology, ethnomusicology, and composition) you hope to pursue during your studies.
- outline your motivation for choosing these two disciplines and for studying at UCD. For each discipline, you should include a brief explanation of your experience in this discipline so far and the kind of topics or musical materials that excite you within this discipline.
2. A sample of academic written work on a music-related topic (1000 - 4000 words)
Your choice of written work should reflect what you intend to be your main specialism in the MMus. If you intend your main focus to be on Composition, it should preferably discuss your own music or music from the 1950s onwards. If you intend to focus on Historical Musicology and / or Ethnomusicology, it should focus on a topic from one of these areas.
3. If you intend to pursue the COMPOSITION strand, you should also submit a portfolio of 2-3 pieces. The portfolio can be notated music, recorded music (electronic music, songs etc), or a mixture of both.
Scores should be submitted as PDF files (no Sibelius/MuseScore files etc). Recordings should be submitted as MP3s or links to work hosted online (YouTube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp etc.). If there are any problems with submitting these files to the application system, please send them directly to (opens in a new window)music@ucd.ie.
4. Academic Transcript(s)
If you have not yet completed your bachelor's degree, you can apply with your academic transcript to present. If successful, an offer will be made with the condition that you successfully complete your bachelor's degree and submit your final transcript prior to commencing the MMus.
5. Reference letters from two academic referees.
Reference letters should be on headed paper and signed. Reference letters can be uploaded by the applicant with their application files, or emailed by referees directly to music@ucd.ie
6. (For applicants whose first language is not English) An English language test certificate - IELTS or equivalent at 7.0 with no component less than 6.5. This should be achieved in advance of application submission. For those who have not yet reached this language proficiency, you could consider applying via the Pre-Masters Pathway.
All documents should be included in the online application.
Click here for programme details and to start an application.
MMus Music & Culture Scholarship Opportunity
MMus Music & Culture Funding Opportunities
There are numerous funding sources available for MMus applications, including the UCD School of Music’s own scholarships. To be considered for these School Scholarships, you will need to apply before Friday 16 May 2026. For some other funding schemes, you may need to apply before this date. For details, see our page on MMus funding opportunities.