Master's Degree Programme in Music and Science

In the Master’s program in Music and Science, students delve into various areas of empirical music research in a international context. The focus is on research methods and the latest research findings. This multidisciplinary program explores intersections between musicology and other fields, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the social impacts and human significance of music. Students can engage with perspectives from music psychology, sociology, cognitive science, music technology, or music therapy. The use of digital technology and research tools is integrated into the program. Students learn to acquire and critically evaluate research in the field and to apply their knowledge and skills to their own research topics as well as to workplace projects or internships.

During the program, students complete a master’s thesis that adheres to the standards and practices of high-quality academic and communication skills, supporting the acquisition of expertise and the development of critical thinking within their chosen research theme. Students also learn to apply scientific knowledge in their field and to work as experts and innovators in professional environments.

In the bilingual Master’s program in Music and Science, the official languages of instruction are Finnish and English. Finnish and international students study together in the same groups, enhancing their internationalization and their skills in multicultural and multilingual communication. The curriculum includes mandatory language and communication studies related to these areas. Students also have the opportunity to apply for internships abroad and to include other foreign-language courses offered by the department and university in their elective studies.

An FM graduate:

- has mastered the key contents and methods of their discipline and deepened their expertise in one or more specialist areas

- knows how to create new knowledge and act as a globally responsible developer in their field

- knows how to use ethical judgment in expert tasks and knows how to evaluate ethical questions at different stages of the research process

- has versatile mastery of project work and communication skills required for expert positions

- values and knows how to develop cooperation in multilingual and multi-cultural environments

- recognizes the strengths of their own competence and has adopted the concept of lifelong learning

- knows how to structure their own competence in relation to their employment goals and has the skills for a scientific postgraduate degree in their field

Musicological skills:

- has mastered the key contents and methods of musicology with an emphasis on empirical methods

- is able to evaluate and apply selected research methods to relevant questions in music and/or art therapy research

- can explain and evaluate musical phenomena through the theories in specialist areas of musicology and applied music research

- understands the interdisciplinary nature of music research

- has a deep knowledge of phenomena in the sub-field they have chosen to focus on and knows how to broadly relate it to other musical phenomena

- understands the psychological, cultural, and social nature of music and can actively discuss these issues in Finnish and English

- can produce and communicate new information related to musical phenomena in Finnish and English, and act as a developer in their own field

- has the skills to further develop their own musical and scientific expertise