Sacred Music PGCert – online

Entry requirements

• A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree and relevant experience in theology or music. Applications are also considered from applicants who have majored in another subject but who have significant practical or professional experience in music or theology.
• We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have significant relevant practical or professional experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning.

Application requirements

• CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
• personal statement (300 to 500 words)
• two original signed academic references
• academic transcripts and degree certificates

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The PGCert in Sacred Music offers students an opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding of sacred music through distance learning postgraduate study.

The course is taught by academics at Scotland’s oldest university who are also professional practitioners in the field of church music. Students are encouraged during the programme to apply insights gained in teaching to their local contexts and professional practice.

The PGCert is aimed particularly at those in church music roles, paid or voluntary, those in active ministry or ministerial training, and those who simply wish to deepen their understanding of sacred music.

The PGCert in Sacred Music can be taken part-time by distance learning over a maximum of two years. This course is taught through a mixture of video presentations, one-to-one discussions, reflective practice, and guided independent study.

Highlights

• Develop your awareness of how sacred music making has both shaped, and been shaped by, the practice of Christian worship at different times
• Deepen your understanding of the role of the present-day church musician in its different facets and contexts
• Deepen your understanding of the relationship between sacred music making and the wider social, cultural and political life of the eras and contexts that have shaped particular repertoires
• Reflect on how insights and knowledge gained on the course can directly inform your work as a performer, music director, minister or researcher

Careers

The PGCert in Sacred Music will benefit those wishing to pursue a career as a church musician, or those who are already active as church musicians or clergy, who wish to deepen their understanding of sacred music.

Graduates of the PGCert in Sacred Music can bring knowledge and skills gained on the course to enhance their future activities, whether in church music leadership and performing roles, active ministry, or other ministerial and congregational roles.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Fees and funding

The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances. They have postgraduate scholarships and loans available.

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.