Course overview
Develop the expertise to research and innovate in music education, and graduate ready to respond to contemporary challenges across schools, communities, and the creative sector.
In homes, schools, and communities across the world, music education plays an integral role in shaping, sustaining, and sharing diverse musical cultures.
Taught across the School of Music and the School of Education, this programme combines training in educational theory alongside specialist expertise across musical disciplines. This gives you a great basis for developing critical insight into how musical, cultural, and societal forces shape learning.
The curriculum engages with themes such as inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, digital pedagogies, and AI, preparing you to work confidently in modern educational and community settings.
At Leeds, it's our industry connections, extensive specialist facilities, research-led curriculum, and real-world opportunities that'll equip you with the crucial skills you'll need to help shape the future of music education practice.
Why study at Leeds?
- Gain expertise across music and education: You'll learn about cutting-edge educational practices in both local and global contexts from internationally leading academics working across diverse disciplines in music and education.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gain real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.
- 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.
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 Education draws on the expertise and resources of both the School of Music and the School of Education. Core modules will develop your knowledge of music education, offering a thorough grounding in educational research methodologies, frameworks, and techniques, plus an understanding of current opportunities and challenges for music education in local and global contexts. Optional modules will enable you to focus on specific interests in areas such as care and inclusion, child poverty and wellbeing, and facilitating music in communities, thereby broadening your expertise and knowledge of contemporary research, theory, and practice.
The course culminates in a 60-credit capstone Performing Arts Education Project, through which you'll develop your knowledge and skills by designing, planning, and executing an extended independent research project on a music education topic of your own choice.
If you choose to study part-time, you'll study the programme over two years 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
Foundations in Educational Research (30 credits)
This module develops knowledge and understanding of the foundations of educational research. By examining key issues and perspectives around researching education and considering the potential contexts of their own research, students will learn how to critically consider extant research literature, identify a research topic, formulate research questions, and design and conduct empirical research.
Global Music Education Futures (30 credits)
This module reflects critically on the ways in which music education relates to the global concerns outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Lectures and seminars will involve the discussion and analysis of key themes that emerge from the Sustainable Development Goals and how they relate to the diverse music education experiences, contexts, and challenges of students undertaking the module. Students will be introduced to critical issues around educational quality, health and wellbeing, ecoliteracy and sustainability, and political ideology and social justice, and will evaluate the important role that music education can play both locally and internationally in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Performing Arts Education Project (60 credits)
This module provides a capstone opportunity for students to undertake an independent, research-driven project within performing arts education. Students will work closely with a supervisor to develop and execute a project on a subject of their choice, thereby demonstrating professionally relevant skills and knowledge and integrating theory and practice.
Optional Modules (example of available optional modules)
Teaching Music for Care and Inclusion (30 credits)
This module explores the intersectional identities and interpersonal relationships involved in the process of teaching and learning music. Students will investigate concepts such as care ethics, democratic praxis, adaptive design, and trauma-informed pedagogy, and evaluate their role in relation to the lived experiences of pupils and teachers in classroom and community music education contexts.
Child Poverty and Wellbeing (30 credits)
This module introduces the concepts of child poverty and wellbeing and examines them in national and international perspectives. Students will explore different, and sometimes competing, theories around what child poverty is and why some children experience poverty while others do not.
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. Students will 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, reflecting on practice, and refining approaches to working with external organisations and participants.
Issues in Musicology (30 credits)
This module focuses on a range of theoretical work by prominent scholars associated with a variety of critical viewpoints in current musicology and musical culture. It is designed as a thorough grounding in the principles and philosophies that have shaped the discipline of musicology and related fields such as music education and community music, concentrating on European and American approaches.
Individual Project (30 credits)
This module allows students to pursue an extended project across the whole year in an area of music or sound studies in which they 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.
Short Dissertation (30 credits)
This module provides students with the opportunity to investigate a musical subject of their choosing and to present their findings in an extended essay. Students will be supported with expert individual supervision to help develop a range of skills, including assimilating scholarly literature, expressing concepts and hypotheses in a critical fashion, and working confidently as an independent learner.
Learning and teaching
Academics in the School of Music and the School of Education are experts in their fields and their teaching is directly informed by their own pedagogical research. We use inclusive, active, and student-centred approaches to teaching and learning to engage you in your programme and support the development of your knowledge, understanding, and skills. Depending on the modules you choose, you may experience lectures and seminars, small-group tutorials and individual supervisions, or workshops and practical sessions.
Some modules may require you to engage with videos, podcasts, readings, or other activities before or after class sessions, with classroom time including debate, discussion, and deeper learning based on different interpretations of 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 depending on your modules, you'll develop your critical, creative, and research skills through time spent in the University Library and Special Collections, practice rooms, and recording studios.
Specialist facilities and resources
As one of the largest schools of music in the UK, the School of Music offers an exceptional range of specialist facilities that support learning, performance, creativity, and collaboration across all musical genres and styles.
Our dedicated, purpose-built facilities include computer clusters, recording studios, rehearsal and practice rooms, performance spaces, and specialist teaching environments. In 2017, the University of Leeds became the first Russell Group university to achieve All-Steinway status following an investment of more than £700,000. All 29 pianos in the School, including upright, baby grand, and concert grand models, are Steinways. Our extensive instrument collection also includes a specially commissioned gamelan, historic and modern keyboard instruments, and a large selection of orchestral and world percussion.
At the heart of the School is the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, a beautiful performance venue that hosts a diverse programme of concerts throughout the year. Students can attend events in the International Concert Series free of charge. The adjoining Clothworkers Foyer serves as the School's social hub and regularly hosts popular music events and informal performances, including the Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS) Friday Feature series.
Students also benefit from access to Helix, the University's learning innovation hub. Located in the heart of campus, Helix provides cutting-edge digital facilities, including immersive technologies, multimedia production studios, and a makerspace, enabling students to develop creative projects through collaboration, innovation, and experimentation.
A diverse and inclusive music community
Our size and breadth of expertise enable us to offer an impressive range of specialisms within the curriculum, reflecting our belief that music is music, regardless of genre or style. We attract students from across the UK and around the world, creating a vibrant and supportive community. Decolonisation, equality, and inclusivity are embedded throughout our teaching, ensuring all students can feel a sense of belonging and thrive regardless of their background or musical experience.
We work closely with our students through initiatives such as the Student Staff Partnership Forum, helping to shape and continually enhance the student experience. Our Industrial Advisory Board, which includes professionals from across the music sector and several alumni, supports the development of our programmes to ensure they reflect current industry needs and prepare graduates for successful careers.
Research-led teaching
Our teaching is informed by internationally recognised research. In REF2021, 93% of our research was judged to be internationally excellent or world-leading for originality, significance, and rigour, with 56% rated world-leading.
Staff expertise directly informs the curriculum across areas, including:
- Music education and community music
- Music and wellbeing
- Music psychology
- Performance and performance practice
- Music and new technologies
- Music business in context
- Popular music cultures
- Film music
- Historical musicology.
Performance opportunities and student life
The School of Music is part of a thriving musical community both on campus and across the city. Students can participate in a wide range of Leeds University Union clubs and societies, including the Leeds University Union Music Society (LUUMS), one of the largest societies at the University. LUUMS supports ten ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, brass and wind ensembles, and a composers' collective, all of which perform regularly and some of which undertake national and international tours.
Students also take part in a variety of other campus ensembles and performance groups, including the Clothworkers Consort of Leeds and societies dedicated to:
- Big band performance
- Musical theatre, opera, and pantomime
- Jazz and blues, folk, and pop music
- A cappella singing
- Electronic music and DJing.
Music in Leeds
Beyond the University, Leeds is one of the UK's leading music cities, offering opportunities to engage with an extraordinary range of musical styles and performances. Major venues include:
- First Direct Arena
- Leeds Grand Theatre, home to Opera North and Northern Ballet
- Leeds Playhouse
- Leeds Town Hall and the Leeds International Concert Season
- O2 Academy Leeds
- Seven Arts
- Brudenell Social Club
- Howard Assembly Room
- Wharf Chambers.
Together, our outstanding facilities, research-led teaching, strong industry connections, diverse student community, and vibrant musical environment make studying music at the University of Leeds a distinctive and rewarding experience, preparing students for careers and further study both within and beyond the music profession.
Programme team
Throughout your programme, you'll be taught by our expert academics in the School of Music and School of Education, from lecturers through to professors. You'll also be supported by an academic personal tutor with whom you can meet regularly to discuss any personal or career issues that might enhance your student experience or assist in shaping your future plans. This ensures that you are able to 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
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.
Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in music and education-related subjects. This may include a good undergraduate degree in music, education, psychology, performance, or a related field. 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'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 Master’s course prior to taking a test.
Personal Statement requirements
Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular course. Your response can include details of your previous study, work experience relevant to the course, and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete it 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 with whom you would like to work.
- 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 or projects you have previously undertaken, independent study, or relevant work experience.
Relevant work experience might include: instrumental or vocal tuition, classroom teaching or teaching assistance, special educational needs support, community music facilitation, education or outreach volunteering, research or research assistance, ensemble direction or leadership, concert promotion and management, arts administration.
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
School of Music
School of Education
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
As a student on the MA Music Education, you'll develop strong grounding in educational research and musical expertise that aligns with the growing global demand for research-informed practice in music education. You'll build subject knowledge, cultural awareness, and a wide range of transferable skills including communication, leadership, time and resource management, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. These strengths will help you feel confident adapting to new situations, taking on responsibility and applying your learning in real educational contexts.
Your subject-specific knowledge will deepen your critical, applied, and research skills, strengthening your ability to solve problems, design learning experiences, and contribute meaningfully to music education in diverse settings. This will prepare you for a wide range of career paths or for further professional training, including routes into teaching.
Alongside these broad opportunities, the programme connects directly to current trends across the education and creative sectors. You'll gain a clear picture of where music education roles are growing, changing, or emerging, helping you understand how your skills can be applied and where you might shape your future career.
Where this degree could take you
State education
Music provision in state and government-funded schools across the world is declining, but your MA will provide a strong foundation for progressing into teaching training programmes such as the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), or international equivalents.
Independent education
In the UK, music provision in independent schools remains stable. Your MA Music Education will equip you to move into graduate teaching roles, often with the possibility of gaining Qualified Teacher Status at a later stage.
Online education
Digital music teaching is expanding rapidly. You'll be prepared for emerging roles in synchronous and asynchronous online music learning, including technology-supported and AI-enhanced teaching.
Higher education
Postgraduate research opportunities remain strong. You can progress into PhD, DPhil, DMA, or EdD study in music education, leading to teaching and research roles in higher or further education.
Instrumental and vocal tuition
Your MA Music Education will equip you to pursue peripatetic instrumental or vocal teaching, full time or part time, with potential progression into management roles at local or regional levels.
Education and outreach in the creative industries
Creative organisations often rely on education and outreach to secure grant funding and build partnerships. There is strong demand for graduates with experience in critical and close-to-practice research.
Community music
Grassroots organisations around the globe are growing, offering music education for community development, social justice, and wellbeing. Your MA will equip you for roles where reflective and research-informed practice is highly valued.
Music therapy, health, and wellbeing
Demand for therapeutic music services is rising. Your MA will provide a strong foundation for progressing into further study for music therapy certification in the UK or 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.