Ethnomusicology Postgraduate Courses
Master of Arts (Taught Course)
In this taught master's degree (one year in duration for full-time students, two years part-time), students new to ethnomusicology can acquire a grounding in the literature and research methods of the field, and carry out supervised fieldwork in the Sheffield area. Assessment will be a combination of fieldwork and research exercises, essay work, performance, oral presentation and a dissertation. Students can select further modules from options in music psychology, performance, composition and other departmental specialisms, or can choose a course from another department (area modules at East Asian Studies, folklore modules at the Department of English, etc.). All students are involved in seminars and other training courses, as well as in the broader musical life of the University.
Master of Arts in World Music Studies (Distance Learning)
This two-year part-time taught master's degree covers world music traditions, research methods (including fieldwork and performance), case studies in world music and special topics in ethnomusicology. Assessment includes a dissertation, fieldwork materials, essays, shorter exercises, and options such as lesson plans or sample radio programmes. There are two week-long residentials in Sheffield each year, with support provided by electronic means in between. Residentials concentrate on practical learning, wherever possible, including workshops in world music performance and supervised fieldwork activities.
Master of Music (Research)
Students who already have an established interest can develop it further by taking the one-year MMus (Research) option (one year full-time or two years part-time). Assessment is by two options chosen from: dissertation, folio, composition, performance. The two options may or may not be focused on the same musical tradition. For ethnomusicology students, the main focus is usually on the preparation of a dissertation, most often supported by a folio of research materials such as sound recordings and videos, transcriptions and analyses, but an assessed recital or series of compositions can also be appropriate if it presents the findings of original research. Tuition is by one-to-one supervision, although MMus students are also encouraged to attend seminars and research presentations in the department.
Doctor of Philosophy
Well-qualified and experienced students can embark on a PhD course, which - according to University regulations - normally lasts three years full-time. When extended overseas fieldwork and/or language learning is necessary the course may take longer to complete, but the thesis should be submitted within no more than four years. Regular supervisions, supported by a programme of other academic activities, help the student gather material and write a thesis that breaks significant, original ground in the field of ethnomusicology. PhD students are trained to present research seminars, and expected to take part in discussion with visiting speakers. Performance can be integrated into the programme, and the final work submitted for examination can include performance. All postgraduates are, as appropriate, given advice on locating funding, developing their work for publication and in qualifying themselves for employment.
Special Information for Overseas Students
Other than the standard full-time model of study, the University recognises two special schemes for certain applicants: Joint Location and Remote Location. Joint Location is designed for full-time students who need to spend a substantial amount of time away from Sheffield during the course of their research. A reduction to the usual fees is made. Remote Location is for part-time students who are permanently living elsewhere, and who plan to visit Sheffield only briefly for supervisory contact. The fees in this scheme are considerably lower than those charged to on-site students. Applicants in this category need to be able to satisfy the University that they are able to carry out independent research, and that they have access to all the facilities for research they require. (This scheme is designed mostly for academic staff at other institutions worldwide and experienced researchers seeking formal qualifications.)