1. University of Leeds
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MA Applied Psychology of Music

MA Applied Psychology of Music

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

The MA Applied Psychology of Music at the University of Leeds explores the psychological processes underpinning musical behaviour, performance, and education. It suits students interested in understanding how music influences the mind, emotions, and learning across diverse cultural and professional contexts.

Curriculum Structure:
In the first stage, students develop a foundation in Music Psychology Research Skills, Critical Studies in Music Psychology, and Music and Wellbeing, gaining insight into cognition, emotion, and behaviour in musical contexts. In the later stage, modules such as Music, Mind and Brain and Applied Professional Practice allow students to apply psychological principles to performance, therapy, or teaching. The program concludes with a Dissertation in Music Psychology, where students conduct original research on an applied area of interest.

Focus areas: "Music cognition, emotion and performance, wellbeing, music education, research methods"

Learning outcomes: "Students will understand the psychological mechanisms of music perception and performance and develop research and analytical skills for careers in education, therapy, or academia."

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program aligns with British Psychological Society (BPS) principles and supports career progression in applied music psychology and research.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Leeds is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities (QS, Guardian) for music and psychology research excellence and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the University of Glasgow's MSc in Cognitive Development and Disorders gain hands-on research skills through direct work with specialised child development labs and clinical populations. They have access to the Centre for Developmental Science and its facilities, including eye-trackers and the Babylab. This practical experience is delivered through key components:

  • Software & Tools: Training in E-Prime and PsychoPy for experiment design, SPSS for statistics, and specialist equipment like eye-trackers.

  • Research Projects: A core independent research dissertation, often involving data collection with children or clinical groups.

  • Specialist Laboratories: Direct access to the Glasgow Child Development Lab and the Babylab for infant studies.

  • Clinical Engagement: Visits to and lectures from NHS clinicians, providing insight into real-world assessment and diagnosis of developmental disorders.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Applied Psychology of Music at the University of Leeds develop advanced research skills and apply psychological theories to music education, therapy, marketing, and the music industry. Typical roles include Music Therapist, Music Educator, Arts Researcher, and Music Marketing Specialist. The program combines empirical research training with practical applications in diverse music-related contexts:

  • University careers services provide employability workshops, personalized career mentoring, and access to an alumni mentoring network for industry connections.

  • Graduates have a broad range of career opportunities with varied salary figures dependent on sector and role.

  • Partnerships with music therapy centers, educational institutions, and music technology companies provide internship and project opportunities.

  • The program’s combination of psychology and musicology offers strong long-term academic and professional value.

  • Graduates often progress to doctoral research or specialized roles within music therapy and arts research.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue PhD research in music psychology, clinical music therapy training, or advanced professional roles in music and psychology industries.

Program Key Stats

£28,750 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 31st Jul


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
88
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Consulting Psychologist
  • Operations Analyst
  • Trainee Occupational Psychologist
  • Management Consultant
  • Recruitment Consultant and Crowd Management Consultant

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