Applied Psychology of Music MA

University of Leeds

This course offers opportunities to study existing research and theories in the applied psychology of music, develop a range of relevant research methods and techniques, and produce a significant piece of empirical work in an area of music psychology of your choosing. You’ll explore topics on the social, developmental and cognitive psychology of music, considering what research from these traditions reveals about a range of musical behaviours, including performance and listening. Multidisciplinary in nature, this course draws influences from psychology, musicology, sociology and cultural studies, combining both theoretical and empirical approaches. The course enables you to develop your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods. You’ll also build your research skills while learning to critically evaluate studies in the applied psychology of music in areas such as music education, therapy, science and technology. You’ll complete a Dissertation as your major project and have the opportunity to select optional modules in other areas of music, such as musicology, music and wellbeing, or performance (depending on your prior experience), undertake an international research project, or explore audience engagement and impact. You’ll gain an insight into the importance and role of research in music psychology to prepare you for a wide range of careers or further research. Additional highlightsWe are one of the largest schools of music in the country, which brings several benefits to our students. Our size enables us to incorporate an impressive range of specialisms within our curriculum, reflecting our ethos that music is music, regardless of genre or style. We attract a diverse body of students from across the UK and internationally, which gives the School a vibrant community and culture. Decolonisation, equality and inclusivity are embedded within our curriculum so all our students can feel a sense of belonging in the School and can thrive on their course no matter what their background and musical experience. Take a tour of our School Join School rep, Georgie, on a tour of our building and its specialist facilities to get a feel for life as a student in the School. The School of Music is part of a strong musical community at the University of Leeds, and there are numerous Leeds University Union (LUU) clubs and societies that offer opportunities to get involved in music and performance activities. The Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) is one of the Union’s largest societies and boasts ten ensembles including orchestras, choirs, brass and wind ensembles, and a composers’ collective each one gives regular concerts, and some go on tour. LUUMS is linked to the School of Music as our departmental society, and the School and LUUMS work closely on social events and the promotion of musical opportunities. School of Music students also often participate in other campus-based ensembles such as the Clothworkers Consort of Leeds (led by School of Music staff members) and Student Union performance societies such as: the LUU Big Bandvarious musical theatre, opera and pantomime groupssoceties focused on jazz and blues, folk, and pop musica cappella (unaccompanied) singingelectronic music and DJingThe Clothworkers Concert Hall in the School of Music hosts our diverse International Concert Series, the Students’ Union runs regular gigs and its long-standing Friday evening club night, ‘Fruity’, and beyond the University campus the city of Leeds provides numerous opportunities to engage with a wide variety of musics at venues including: Leeds First Direct Arena, a fixture on the national touring circuit for leading artists and bands.