Qualification : MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
CAO/MU Apply code : MHT55
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 June 2025
The MA in Performance & Musicology degree programme is designed for students with strengths in performance who want opportunities to deepen and extend their skills. The pathway is carefully honed to foster and develop skills in performance and musicology at postgraduate level. The preparation of a dissertation allows students to develop research skills in an area closely related to your final recital performance. All of this takes place within the rich environment of the Department of Music with its research and teaching strengths in musicology, performance, composition and technology. You can find more information about the areas of expertise among our academic staff here: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/music/our-people
Professor Fiona M. Palmer is the Director of the MA in Performance in Musicology Programme, see her personal webpage at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/fiona-m-palmer
What You Can Expect:
- Funding towards lessons on your instrument/voice.
- Priority access to practice room facilities.
- Regular rehearsal time with an official accompanist.
- Regular opportunities to perform in Performance Seminar classes.
- Priority allocation of tutorial time with visiting performers as available.
- Priority inclusion in the Departments public lunchtime concert series.
- Opportunities to have performances recorded.
- Individual tutorial time with a designated advisor.
- Involvement in Research Seminar presentations in which MA students have the opportunity to present their research and receive feedback.
- Expert advice on interpretative issues from musicologists, performers and composers at the cutting edge of their fields.
Click here for brochure https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/admin/content/assets/view/46965
September Entry
Normally a minimum II.1 honours degree in music is required. Applicants without this prerequisite qualification will be requested to provide additional evidence to demonstrate equivalent skills in performance and musicology.
Internal Maynooth University applicants
Applicants specializing in performance for their UG programme must obtain a minimum of a high II.1 result for Single/Double Recital.
Applicants who are not specializing in performance for their UG programme will be required to demonstrate in audition and interview a standard on proposed instrument/voice equivalent to a minimum of a high II.1 bachelor degree. The audition should consist of c. 20 minutes of contrasting music. Vocalists are expected to demonstrate the ability to sing in three languages. Copies of music to be provided for examining panel along with listed programme.
External/International applicants
International applicants must have a recognized primary degree considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate in audition and interview a standard on proposed instrument/voice equivalent to a minimum of a high II.1 Irish university bachelor degree. The audition should consist of c. 20 minutes of contrasting music. Vocalists are expected to demonstrate the ability to sing in three languages. Copies of music must to be provided for the examining panel along with listed programme.
International applicants should contact [email protected] for full details of the audition process.
International applicants whose first language is not English may be requested to submit samples of written material.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Applications will typically be processed within three weeks.
Academic
Academic
The programme offers a strong foundational course in research methodology and individual tutorial time with a designated advisor leading to submission of a thesis related to performance repertoire. It features expert advice on interpretative issues from musicologists, performers and composers at the cutting edge of their fields. The programme includes funding towards first study lessons, priority allocation of tutorial time with visiting performers as available, priority practice room access and inclusion in the Departments public lunchtime concert series, as well as opportunities to have performances recorded.
Current academic year modules details below
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- A personal statement
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.