
The Master’s Programme in Musicology is a two-year, full-time on-campus program that focuses on the study of music as a historical, cultural, and social phenomenon. The program examines how music is created, performed, and understood across different periods and societies, combining theoretical analysis with cultural interpretation. Students study topics such as music history, ethnomusicology, music theory, and the role of music in identity, media, and society.
Graduates develop strong musicological research skills, analytical listening abilities, and cultural interpretation expertise, preparing them for careers in academia, cultural institutions, music archives, education, and research organizations. Uppsala University offers a research-oriented environment that supports in-depth exploration of music within broader humanities and cultural studies.
Semester 1 – Foundations of Musicology
• Introduction to Musicology
• History of Western Music
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Research Methods in Musicology
Semester 2 – Advanced Musicology
• Ethnomusicology and Cultural Studies
• Music and Society
• Music and Technology
• Elective Modules in Musicology
Semester 3 – Specialized Musicology
• Music Performance and Interpretation
• Music Criticism and Aesthetics
• Music in Modern Media
• Fieldwork/Research Project in Musicology
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis & Final Project
• Independent Research / Thesis
• Advanced Musicological Analysis
• Final Presentation & Research Evaluation
Graduates of the Musicology Master’s program are prepared for careers in music research, cultural criticism, music education, and performing arts management. With expertise in the history, theory, and analysis of music, alumni can work as musicologists, researchers, curators, and music educators. The growing interest in preserving musical heritage and understanding the cultural significance of music ensures that graduates have a wide range of opportunities in academic, cultural, and artistic fields.
The Musicology program offers students the opportunity to explore the rich history and theory behind musical traditions from across the globe. Students will gain a deep understanding of music as a cultural and social phenomenon, studying everything from classical compositions to contemporary music practices. This program prepares graduates for careers in academia, music curation, and cultural institutions, where they can contribute to preserving and interpreting music’s role in society.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +46 18 471 00 00
Email: info@uu.se
Address: Uppsala University, S:t Olofsgatan 10B, 753 11 Uppsala, Sweden