Master in Music Studies

Applications for the Sep 2027 intake are due by Apr 1, 2027.

The Master in Music Studies at the University of Amsterdam is a one-year program for students interested in music from historical, cultural, and cognitive perspectives. It's ideal for those who thrive in an interdisciplinary environment. The program is taught in English and combines insights from humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

Students will learn about historiography, cognitive science, and postcolonial theory. They will also explore musicology and have opportunities to take electives and participate in internships. This hands-on approach helps students analyze and understand music in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Graduates can work as Musicologists, Cultural Analysts, or Educators in academic institutions, cultural organizations, or media companies. They can also work as Music Critics or Arts Managers, using their skills to adapt to various roles in the arts and culture sector.

The University of Amsterdam (UvA), founded in 1632 and located in the heart of Amsterdam, is one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious research universities. As a large, internationally oriented institution, UvA offers a wide range of programs across faculties such as humanities, social and behavioural sciences, economics and business, science, law, medicine and dentistry. Its metropolitan setting and historic campus combine with modern facilities to support a vibrant academic community.

UvA enrolls tens of thousands of students and provides hundreds of master’s and bachelor’s options, including many English-taught programs and research opportunities across more than 20 priority areas. The university’s strengths include interdisciplinary research institutes, strong international collaborations and a focus on societal impact. Students can access specialized research centres, internships in Amsterdam’s dynamic job market, and study abroad options via established exchange networks.

International applicants benefit from extensive support services, clear admissions guidance and housing assistance through university and partner residences. Studying in Amsterdam offers cultural diversity, excellent public transport and a creative, innovative urban environment. Graduates from UvA move into careers in academia, public service, business and the arts, drawing on the university’s rigorous training, research reputation and global connections.