Applied Psychology of Music MA at University of Leeds

This course enables you to study existing research and theories in the psychology of music while continuing to follow your own musical interests.

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. Given its interdisciplinary nature, the course draws influences from numerous fields including psychology, musicology, sociology and cultural studies, combining theoretical and empirical approaches.

You’ll develop your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, building your own 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 also have the opportunity to select optional modules in other areas of music such as musicology or performance, undertake an international research project, or explore music and wellbeing or audience engagement and impact. You’ll gain an insight into the importance and role of research in music psychology to prepare you for further research or a wider range of careers.

We have a variety of excellent facilities to support your learning, including rehearsal, performance and practice spaces, a lab for studying the psychology of music and studios for sound recording, software development and computer music composition.

We also have good working relationships with a range of prestigious arts organisations: we host BBC Radio 3 concerts, Leeds Lieder and the Leeds International Piano Competition, as well as enjoying a close partnership with Opera North and many others in a city with a thriving music and cultural scene.

Career opportunities

This course will allow you to gain a range of transferable skills in research, analysis, interpretation and oral and written communication.

All of these can be applied in musical as well as non-musical contexts.

Recent graduates have gone on to launch careers within the fields of music education, music advertising, business development, marketing and administration, and artist management. Others have also continued with their research at PhD level