Applied Psychology of Music

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in music, psychology or related discipline. We will consider other relevant experience if you can demonstrate a good level of musical understanding or practical experience when you apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Study existing research and theories in the psychology of music while continuing to follow your own musical interests on this course.

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. Multidisciplinary in nature, this course draws influences from fields including psychology, musicology, sociology and cultural studies, and combines both theoretical and empirical approaches.

This course also enables you to develop your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods. You’ll also build your 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 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.

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Information for international students

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).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

Fees and funding

We have a generous range of funding available for postgraduate study. Find out more on the University of Leeds Postgraduate Scholarships database here.