Course overview
We engage with music in diverse contexts and situations every day; build the skills you’ll need to meet the growing demand to better understand the psychology behind this.
Advancements in education, health, and the wider creative industries increasingly call for skilled experts to apply psychological insights to real-world musical contexts.
This programme answers this need.
It's designed for aspiring and practising musicians, educators and professionals keen to learn how to apply psychological knowledge to help shape music creation, music making, learning, wellbeing and industry practice.
Throughout the course, you’ll tailor the programme to your interests and career goals to build a personalised pathway through a curriculum led by professional insights and the latest research.
This means you'll graduate with both the technical and collaborative skills to work flexibly and creatively across diverse professional settings. From education and community practice to industry, research and cultural organisations, this degree could open doors to a broad range of career opportunities.
Why study at Leeds?
- Learn in one of the largest UK music schools: We’re globally recognised for our size and reputation, attracting students and researchers with different backgrounds from all over the world.
- Your course, your choice: Choose specialist optional modules that align with your career goals, spanning areas like wellbeing, education, data science, performance and composition.
- Prepare for your career with industry-relevant facilities: With All‑Steinway status, recording studios, performance spaces, and the Helix digital innovation hub, you’ll develop practical and creative skills using professional standard tools.
- Benefit from our industry connections: Our close working relationships with cultural organisations like Opera North, Made with Music and Helix help open doors to placements, collaborations and future employment. We also host BBC Radio 3 concerts, Leeds Song and the Leeds International Piano Competition.
- Find your home in a thriving musical city: Leeds is home to national and international music venues, including the Leeds First Direct Arena, Leeds Grand Theatre, Opera North, Leeds Playhouse, and O2 Academy Leeds.
- Gain real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Course details and modules
The MA Music Psychology is a research-focused programme that combines core subject knowledge with opportunities to shape your programme to suit your own goals and interests. Core modules will develop your knowledge of music psychology, as well as your understanding of research methods and skills in analysis and critical evaluation.
You’ll complete your course by choosing two optional modules enabling you to focus on specific interests in areas such as music and wellbeing, music education, musicology (including applied/practice-led musicology, and the option to undertake a focused musicology project on a topic of your choosing), music industries, music and data science, and, depending on your prior experience, modules in performance and composition.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
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.
Compulsory modules
Empirical Research Techniques (30 credits)
This module allows you to develop your understanding and application of quantitative and qualitative research techniques in the field of music psychology. Through a series of weekly lectures, seminars, independent and group tasks, you'll consider and evaluate the ways in which empirical research can enhance our understanding of human minds and behaviour, and develop an understanding of the range of analytical tools that can be used to explore music-psychological data. The module emphasises practical work and provides you with the opportunity to design, conduct, analyse and write-up empirical projects.
Music Psychology: Applications and Impact (30 credits)
This module will provide you with a contextual understanding of how music psychology is applied within areas such as education, therapy, performance, and media. This will give you a thorough grounding of the impact music psychology has in everyday life and in a variety of professional contexts. Through interactive seminars, you'll develop and refine your skills of critical evaluation, reasoning, and literature searching.
Dissertation (60 credits)
The Dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to investigate a musical subject of your choice, and to present your findings in an extended essay. Your supervisor will help you to define the scope and topic of your Dissertation, but it should be one that enables you to demonstrate a range of skills, including assimilating scholarly literature, expressing concepts and hypotheses in a critical fashion, and working confidently as an independent learner.
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Facilitating Music in Communities (30 credits)
This module offers a practical introduction to using music as a tool to support the wellbeing of others in different community contexts. You'll explore how musical activities can be applied to meet the needs of different participants, learning how to facilitate community enhancement through music-making. A key feature of the module is hands-on experience by having the opportunity to develop and lead musical activities using a variety of strategies and tools, reflect on your practice, and refine your approach in response to participants and organisational contexts.
Global Music Education Futures (30 credits)
This module reflects critically on the ways in which music education relates to global concerns, and in particular, the issues outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Classes will involve the discussion and analysis of key themes that emerge from the SDGs and how they may or may not relate to the diverse music education experiences, contexts, challenges and social situations of individual learners within the module. Students will be introduced to ways of thinking critically, ethically and sustainably about the global priorities for education and the important role that music education can play both locally and internationally in realising such goals.
Ideas and Impact for Wellbeing: Developing Professional Skills (30 credits)
This module aims to develop skills relating to professional practice in the field of creative health and wellbeing. You'll develop understanding of what it means to work as a creative health and wellbeing practitioner and the ways in which that practice can be supported and enhanced. You'll engage with academic literature, practitioners currently working in the field, policy and information directly from professional practice, and observations and reflections on own/others' practice.
Individual Project (30 credits)
This module allows you to pursue an extended project across the whole year in an area of music or sound studies in which you have a strong interest, agreed in negotiation with an appointed supervisor. The module involves devising, carrying out, documenting, and critically reflecting upon an independent project.
Music Data Research (30 credits)
This module explores the use of music data sets as a tool of research in the field of music studies. Using music data sets requires an understanding of how they can be collected and exploited, the affordances and challenges of metadata, and modes of data set analysis, presentation and visualisation. Through case studies you'll examine precedents for the use of music data sets, identify potential data sets and the purposes for which they may be used and propose strategies for carrying out research on such data sets within an ethical framework.
Music, Wellbeing, and its Evaluation (30 credits)
This module is designed to provide you with a contextual understanding of the physical and mental benefits and problems associated with musical participation, and critically compare approaches taken to the evaluation of musical engagement on wellbeing. You'll examine key concepts and texts thematically, considering areas such as therapy, health promotion, education, subjective wellbeing, and society.
Short Recital (30 credits)
On this module you'll have one-to-one lessons on your instrument, and you'll participate in weekly performance classes. Assessment will be via a recital, with repertoire chosen by the student, supported by programme notes. Students on this module should be experienced performers at Masters level and will be asked to provide a recording or audition to make sure that they are of a suitable performing standard.
The Recording Industry Now (30 credits)
This module introduces students to the complex challenges faced by a recording industry in transition. On completion, students will understand the ways in the traditional model of a high-value physical product, produced, manufactured and distributed by single industry companies has been replaced by complex system of interlocking tech- and context creating entities.
Composition Studies (30 credits)
This module focuses on the practical aspects of being a professional composer, and is delivered as weekly group seminars. The module provides an opportunity for students to compose with a specific focus on pragmatic aspects of composition as a profession, and to explore collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to composition; such as installation, audience participation, site-specific work, etc
Learning and teaching
Academics in the School of Music 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.
Specialist facilities and resources
As a student in one of the UK’s largest Schools of Music, you'll benefit from exceptional facilities including recording studios, rehearsal and performance spaces, dedicated space for music psychology research, digital innovation labs, and access to Helix—our cutting‑edge hub for immersive technologies and multimedia creation. These professional‑standard environments support your creativity, research and practical learning, helping you develop confidence with industry‑level tools and technologies.
Programme team
Throughout the course, you’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor whom you can meet regularly to discuss any personal or career issues that might enhance your student experience and assist in shaping your future plans, ensuring that you receive personalised advice and support tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.
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
This programme uses a variety of assessment methods, each of which is chosen to best measure your achievement of a module’s learning outcomes and associated skills in order to understand and support your progress and development.
Depending on the modules you choose, across this programme you are likely to encounter a combination of project work (e.g., research logs, portfolio submissions), written assignments (e.g., essays, reports), and creative outputs (e.g., performances, compositions).
Different assessments may require you to complete individual, independent assignments or to collaborate with others for group projects. In some modules 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 staff. You'll be given clear instructions regarding the assessment requirements and criteria for every module, and you'll receive feedback on your work to support your learning as you progress through the programme.
Assessments will usually require you to synthesise and evaluate what you have learnt through engagement with lectures, seminars, supervisions, readings, and online materials, both within and between modules.
Modules involving independent research, practical placements, and creative outputs will offer you the chance to experiment with new ideas and take creative risks, and you are encouraged to challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and think critically and reflectively throughout the learning process.
The assessment of this programme is designed to be fair and inclusive, to engage you intellectually, and to help prepare you for life beyond university through the development of relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
Applying
Entry requirements
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in Music, Psychology or a related discipline.
Related subjects include: music, psychology, healthcare, education, performing arts, educational psychology, health sciences.
We’ll also consider applicants with relevant professional experience or who are coming from a complementary area of expertise.
Get in touch with admissions for further information about related courses or experience we’ll accept.
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'll need
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
- Your approved English language test* (if applicable)
- A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
- A full up-to-date CV
- Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
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:
- 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
- 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.
- What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
- How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
- Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
- What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.
Relevant work experience might include: music performance, music education, psychology, counselling, mental health support, research assistance, community music projects, or work in healthcare or educational settings involving music.
Next steps
Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.
We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.
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 2027
This course is taught by
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions
Email: pgtmusic@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £12,400 (Total)
International: £29,600 (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.
Study trips and placements
There may also be the opportunity for optional study trips and individual projects / placements. Costs will depend on the project / placement undertaken, and on the nature and location of each trip.
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. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
The MA Music Psychology programme aligns with a growing demand for research-informed applications of psychology in a range of different educational, practical, and professional contexts, both in the UK and across the world.
A postgraduate degree in Music Psychology from the University of Leeds equips you with valuable subject knowledge, cultural and social awareness, and strong transferable skills that will help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Skills such as communication, leadership, time and resource management, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are particularly attractive to employers. You’ll also be able to demonstrate the flexibility, resilience and confidence needed to adapt to new situations and environments.
Your subject-specific knowledge will bring your critical, applied, research and problem-solving abilities to the fore, and you’ll be able to articulate how the experience gained through your postgraduate course has prepared you for whatever comes next, be that work or further study.
Where this degree could take you
Our postgraduate courses equip our graduates to work in a wide range of areas:
- arts and scientific research
- arts, artist, project and event management
- community music
- consultancy
- creative health
- creative production
- education
- music publishing and copyright
- marketing and digital marketing
- public relations
- teaching, lecturing and coaching.
Graduates from our postgraduate courses also often go on to undertake Doctoral research here at Leeds and elsewhere.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go wel beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Work placements and industry experience
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
- Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.
- Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.