Music and Data Science MA

Course overview

Music is being transformed by data, from music making to music consumption. In an era in which data permeates every facet of our lives, it has become evident that the intersection of music and data science offers exciting possibilities. This course aims to equip you with the skills to navigate this dynamic landscape. By blending artistic and subject-specific music knowledge with data science, the programme aims to bridge the gap between creativity and data-driven insights.

This innovative interdisciplinary course combines advanced study in both music and computer science and is aimed at those wishing to develop a unique skillset that combines music knowledge with data science expertise.

You'll also benefit from engagement with the School of Music, the School of Computer Science and the Business School, providing valuable experience of different disciplinary approaches.

Course highlights

• Be part of the first Music and Data Science master's programme of its kind in the UK
• Gain cutting-edge skills in data science and analytics that are highly in-demand across the music industries.
• Develop a unique interdisciplinary perspective combining technical data skills with deep musical knowledge.
• Apply data science techniques to musical datasets and industry challenges through the capstone project.
• Access specialist facilities and industry networks across both the Schools of Music and Computer Science.
• Flexibility to tailor your studies by choosing music options that align with a range of interests and career goals.
• The School of Music’s Industrial Advisory Board is made up of industry experts and provides valuable insights that help shape the curriculum you’ll learn, preparing you for a career in industry.

Course details and modules

The MA Music and Data Science draws on the expertise and resources of the School of Computer Science, the School of Music and Leeds University Business School. Studies in data science provide a strong foundation in the core topics of data mining, machine learning, and data analytics. This ensures that you’ll benefit from training in data science techniques and programming skills.

Studies in Music offer a range of modules covering music data history and the music industries including topics such as the recording industry, music publishing and digital marketing. The course culminates in the 60-credit Music and Data Science Project. Through this major project, you’ll get chance to apply your data science skills to real-world challenges in the music industry, bridging the gap between technical knowledge and practical application.

Compulsory Modules

Data Mining and Text Analytics – 15 credits

Introduction to linguistic theory and terminology. Understand and use algorithms and resources for implementing and evaluating text mining and analytics systems. Develop solutions using open-source and commercial toolkits. Consider the applications of data mining and text analytics through case studies in information retrieval and extraction.

Programming for Data Science – 15 credits

Develop a strong foundation in programming to enhance your data science skill set. This module is designed to give those with little, or no programming experience a firm foundation in programming for data analysis and AI systems, recognising a diversity of backgrounds. The module will also fully stretch those with substantial prior programming experience (e.g., computer scientists) to extend their programming and system-building knowledge through self-learning supported by on-line courseware.

Data Science – 15 credits

The aim of the module is for students to understand methods of analysis that allow people to gain insights from complex data. The module covers the theoretical basis of a variety of approaches, placed into a practical context using different application domains.

Machine Learning in Practice – 15 credits

This module gives students a solid understanding of machine learning methodologies and the chance to use them in practice within a business context. Students will learn about classical machine learning approaches such as decision trees, probability-based classification, support vector machines and neural networks. It will also cover bleeding edge methods such as deep learning and text analytics. This module assumes no prior knowledge of machine learning and would be suitable for students with strong quantitative skills.

Music and Music Data History – 30 credits

This module focusses on the use of music data sets in different historical contexts. Large data sets can inform the investigation of music publishing, concert going and advertising, changes in musical genre and other historical trends in music. Through case studies, students will consider the use of data as a research tool and engage with a range of historical contexts in which large data set can be used.

Music and Data Science Project – 60 credits

This project will provide students with the opportunity to work on real-world challenges in collaboration with music industry partners, applying their data science skills to address specific problems or opportunities.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• The Recording Industry Now – 30 credits
• How Songs Make Money – 30 credits
• Short Dissertation – 30 credits
• Individual Project – 30 credits

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Music and Data Science MA Full Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Academics in the School of Music, the School of Computer Science and the Business School are experts in their fields, and their activities inform their teaching directly. We use a range of inclusive, active and student-centred approaches to learning and teaching to engage you in your course and support you to develop your knowledge, understanding, and skills. Depending on the modules you choose, your learning and teaching methods may include workshops and practice-based sessions, as well as lectures, seminars, tutorials and other small-group learning classes.

Taught sessions are only a part of University learning, and on many of our modules you’ll be supplied with online learning resources designed to work in tandem with classroom sessions. Some modules may require you to engage with videos, podcasts, readings or other activities before class sessions, with some of the classroom time devoted to debate, discussion and deeper learning based on how students have interpreted the online materials. Your learning experience will offer opportunities for collaboration, a key aspect of music and the arts, and peer learning, as well as fostering a culture of reflection and self-awareness. Independent study is also an important part of your course, and you’ll develop your critical, creative and research skills through time spent in the University Library and Special Collections, practice rooms and studios, depending on your module choices.

We support your learning in several ways. Resources are made available through our virtual learning environment, Minerva, you can seek assistance as required from our experienced technical staff and your Academic Personal Tutor, and there is extensive support for students offered through the academic skills programme at the University Library. Additionally, all staff have office hours when they are available should you have questions, or you need to ask for help. We also work closely with the University’s Language Centre to ensure that international students are fully supported and able to thrive on our courses.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods, each of which is chosen to best measure your achievement of a module’s learning outcomes and associated skills, so you and we can understand and support your progress and development. Depending on the modules you choose, across your degree you are likely to encounter a mix of project work, written assignments (e.g. essays, reports, reviews, reflective logs), presentations, and online assessments. Some assignments will be completed individually, some collaboratively, and some may require elements of group working leading to individual submissions.

You might be given a brief, question or problem to be addressed, or you may have scope to determine your own question or approach under the guidance of a member of staff. You’ll be given clear instructions regarding the assessment requirements and criteria, and you’ll receive feedback on your work to support your learning as you progress through your course. Assessments will usually require you to synthesise and evaluate learning from multiple taught sessions and learning resources (e.g. a module’s lectures, seminars, set readings and other online resources), and you should think of your course as a whole, and apply your learning across your modules. Creative and practical work may offer you the chance to take risks and experiment with new ideas and concepts, and in all cases we encourage you to challenge yourself, to think critically and creatively, to move as far beyond your comfort zone as you can, and to reflect on your working process and achievement.

Our assessments are designed to be fair and inclusive, to engage you intellectually and to help prepare you for life beyond University through the development of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

Applying

Entry requirements

Applicants should typically have a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Exceptional candidates with lower qualifications may be considered if they can demonstrate significant relevant experience or skills. The applicants will also have to have GCSE or equivalent in Maths.

Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in music and computing-related subjects. This may include good undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, computer science, data science, or related fields. The programme will also consider applicants with degrees in other disciplines who can demonstrate relevant skills or experience.

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

• Your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying. Please also include official translations in English if applicable.
• If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language qualification.
• If you are an international applicant and have previously studied in the UK on a Student Visa, please provide a copy of your Visa (and Residence Permit if applicable) to cover all the dates of your time in the UK, a copy of your CAS summary, and a copy of your completion/award certificate if applicable.
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form.

• References may be requested.

• Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

1. What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
2. Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
3. How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
4. Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Music

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgtmusic@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,000 (Total)

International: £28,750 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on your chosen modules.

Reading materials

You’ll have access to a good supply of books, academic journals, periodicals, etc., that are available in the University libraries. You’ll also have online access to an extensive range of reading resources. You might decide, however, to purchase required books that are recommended on your programme.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and funding opportunities available in the School of Music.

Career opportunities

The MA Music & Data Science programme aligns with and responds to the growing demand for professionals with interdisciplinary skills in the rapidly evolving music industry. In today’s industry landscape, where digital technologies and data-driven approaches prevail, there’s a growing demand for individuals who can connect musical understanding with technical expertise in data science.

Industries

1. Music industry: The programme aligns directly with the needs of the music industry, including record labels, music publishers, concert promoters, music streaming services, music publishers, and music tech startups. These organisations increasingly rely on data analytics to inform strategic decisions, optimize operations, and enhance user experiences.

2. Creative industries: The skills acquired through the programme are also relevant to the wider creative industries, such as film, television, and gaming, where music and sound play a crucial role, and data-driven insights are increasingly valuable.

3. Technology industry: The programme responds to the demand for data science professionals in the technology industry, particularly in companies that develop music-related software, applications, or services, such as music recommendation systems or audio processing tools.

4. Academia and research: The interdisciplinary nature of the programme aligns with the growing interest in music technology research, and digital humanities within academic institutions and research centres, where the combination of musical knowledge and data science skills is highly valued.

Careers

• Music data analyst
• Music information retrieval specialist
• Music software developer
• Music industry consultant
• Music industry researcher
• Entrepreneurship
• Higher education research

Careers support

Skill development is built into our courses, so you start becoming more employable from the moment you begin your studies, and your degree is designed to help you recognise your skills and understand how you demonstrate them. Reflection on and understanding of your skillset is part of your course, meaning we will support you to be able to demonstrate these things by the time you graduate.

You’ll also have additional opportunities to develop your skillset and your CV. You could become a course representative and participate in our Student Staff Partnership Forum on behalf of your cohort, or apply to be our School Taught Postgraduate Representative and work with School and Faculty staff and the Students’ Union to drive the School and University forward.

You’ll have access to the University’s ‘MyCareer’ portal and have opportunities to discuss your personal and professional development with your Academic Personal Tutor. We run careers events every year in collaboration with our Faculty Employability Team and encourage all our students to attend to develop their awareness of the opportunities that exist beyond graduation, even if they are not yet sure what they want to do after their degree. Alongside this, the Careers Service provides a range of support and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.