icon-symbol-logout-darkest-grey

Faculty of PhilosophyMusicology – Master

The musicology programme deals with music in all its theoretical and practical forms and contexts. The main focus of Heidelberg University’s Department of Musicology is the scientific study of European music history from antiquity until today. 

Facts & Formalities

DegreeMaster of Arts
Type of programmeConsecutive
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study4 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureConsecutive master’s programmes with access restriction
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
Part-time optionYes
May be studied as a minor subjectYes

Course Content

The Master’s degree programme Musicology constitutes the second stage of a three-tier academic education in musicology (bachelor, master, doctorate) and builds on the methodological and analytical foundations as well as the broad overview of music history acquired in the Bachelor’s programme. In addition, the following areas are covered in the predominantly research-oriented course: 

  • differentiation between methodological and conceptional questions 
  • extension of interpretative approaches and discourse perspectives 
  • in-depth study of music-historical contexts and sources

It is mandatory to choose a minor in combination with this Master programme. For further information please refer to the Examination Rules and Regulations.

Course Structure

The degree programme is a modular programme. In the 75%-option, it consists of compulsory courses, compulsory elective courses and electives.

  • Compulsory modules (SM)
  • Compulsory Elective Modules (FW, ID, IK)
  • Electives (AM)

There are numerous elective options: Students can choose from a wide range of diverse lectures and courses within the specialisation modules (SM) in the compulsory courses as well as in the subject-specific modules (FW) in the compulsory elective courses. The department ensures that the obligatory courses in the compulsory modules can be taken and completed by the end of the 3rd semester. Additional options are provided in the compulsory elective modules (ID, IK) and the elective modules (AM).

The final stage in the major subject consists of compulsory participation in the examination colloquium in the 3rd and 4th semesters, a one-hour final oral examination as well as completion of the Master’s thesis.