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Maynooth University Department of Music

Qualification : MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)

CAO/MU Apply code : MHT61

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 30 June 2025

This MA is designed for students who are interested in traditional music, arts, and culture, including the broader areas of literature, language, and history, and who want to develop their interests in performance, creativity or research. The MA is anchored by a final capstone project (choosing from options in performance, recording, and thesis) and provides specialist training in the areas of student choice.

Click here for brochure Irish Traditional Music

September entry

Undergraduate degree in traditional music; undergraduate degree in music and prior experience and expertise in Irish traditional music (or other related traditional and folk musics); undergraduate degree in a related subject (e.g. Irish, history) and significant experience in traditional music in an area such as performance, research, education, broadcasting, production, or administration; or professional involvement in some area of traditional music.

One year full-time (90 credits in total), with and for part-time study to be option examined.

Three main strands of study (performance, portfolio (recording), thesis) allowing the student to explore practice, creativity and research according to their own specialisms.

60 credits for taught modules drawn from extant taught PG programmes in the Department with the option of electives drawn from other programmes more widely in the Faculty.

30 credits for a Capstone Project.

There will be the possibility for a 60-credit taught PG Dip exit route that negates the requirement of the 30-credit capstone project or admits the inclusion of a smaller project within the taught offering.)

Students will be mentored by the programme director(s), who will help in the module choice, and coordinate the supervision of the MA Capstone Project.

By the end of the programme, students should be able to:

  • Engage actively in the performance, composition and or/recording of Irish traditional music;
  • Demonstrate a range of standard and specialised research tools or their equivalent;
  • Discuss a range of cultural topics related to Irish traditional music in national and international contexts;
  • Produce original work in the form of high-quality written texts, artistic performances, or artistic works;
  • Assess the impact of academic and/or artistic works in a given area of specialisation
Course Duration: 2 years part-time

The MA in Irish Traditional Music helps students develop critical, analytical, and communication skills and also trains students to work independently and manage their time effectively. These skills are beneficial to graduates in a wide range of employment situations, including areas specific to music such as performance and recording work, arts administration and events management. It is also an excellent option for those considering further postgraduate study.

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. 

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