MA Music Education*

• Course duration: 1 year
• Course location: Delivered on campus in Brighton and Sheffield
• Suitable for: Music degree graduates and industry professionals
• Course tuition fees: £11,250
• Tuition fee loan available: Yes
• Maintenance loan available: No
• Bursaries available: All students can apply for innovation cash bursaries
• Course entry requirements: An undergraduate degree or via accreditation of prior learning.

We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications or relevant equivalent experience, and a demonstrable interest in the subject. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 session, either in person or by video conference. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements, and career goals.

Ready to apply? Click here

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The College may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. For more information on fees and finance, please visit Falmouth’s tuitions fees page here.

This innovative MA cultivates future-focused educators who can creatively adapt to the changing world. With a focus on innovation, modern infrastructure and curriculum design, graduates become confident, well-rounded and effective music educators equipped to:

• Craft engaging learning experiences.
• Harness innovation for educational progress.
• Lead and inspire within your communities.
• Create inclusive education environments.
• Manage educational programmes.
• Cultivate a growth mindset promoting adaptability.
• Conduct research to improve teaching practices.

The programme aims to empower educators to shape resilient music education professionals.

The 1-year MA Degree is awarded by one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries, Falmouth University.

Who’s It For?

This MA is for:

• Experienced music educators seeking advancement and looking to deepen their knowledge in curriculum design, tech integration, and reflective practice.
• Aspiring music educators with a background in music, looking to transition into teaching and set up and run their own teaching practice.
• Music programme administrators 
• Private music instructors.
• Graduate music students who want to specialise in music education.
• Community music leaders.
• Career changers looking to gain foundational understanding and practical experience for an education career.

This qualification belongs to a suite of qualifications that have been designed to encourage the professional development needed to navigate through a complex landscape of a performing arts career. The unifying element of work within modern creative industries is the expectation for practitioners to undertake a portfolio career. This MA supports this approach and is aimed at educators looking to progress in their career.

Career

It is suitable for candidates who wish to teach:

• one-to-one
• group settings
• as a peripatetic teacher
• in HE settings
• in adult or community settings
• private, voluntary or community organisations

Traditional education settings:

• Curriculum developer/designer: Design engaging and innovative curricula for educational institutions.
• Educational technology specialist: Integrate technology tools effectively into classroom learning.
• Learning support: Support students with diverse learning needs.

Beyond traditional settings:

• Corporate trainer/instructional designer: Create and deliver training programmes for businesses and organisations.
• Museum or science centre educator: Design and deliver engaging educational experiences in non-traditional settings.
• Educational content creator: Develop online learning resources, courses, or educational games.
• Educational policy analyst/consultant: Research and advise on educational policies and practices.
• International teacher: Teach in international educational establishments around the world, fostering global understanding.

Entrepreneurial paths:

• Found an EdTech start-up: Develop innovative educational technology solutions.
• Create your own online tutoring service: Share your expertise and provide individualised support to students.
• Online educational influencer: Create engaging content on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
• Become a freelance educational consultant: Offer specialised expertise to schools, organisations, or individual learners.

Further academic study routes available include postgraduate practice and research (e.g. PhD, Professional Doctorate in Music Education, Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Music Theory or Music Therapy).

Work or Study Placements

You will develop your teaching career:

• Gain hands on experience and mentorship in various educational settings (including WaterBear).
• On-site and online campus opportunities: Assist our education department, shadow experienced teachers, and contribute to college initiatives.
• Network and explore: Seek placements with museums, science centres, or EdTech companies. Choose local or remote experiences to broaden your horizons.
• Design your own project: Tailor your experience to your career goals with faculty support.

How You Will Learn

Our immersive programme blends interactive lectures with collaborative workshops and personalised mentoring. You'll analyse real-world case studies, engage in lively debates and receive constructive feedback on your assignments.

Our VLE provides 24/7 access to materials, discussion forums, and self-assessment tools, empowering you to learn at your own pace. From masterclasses led by industry experts to networking events, we provide ample opportunities to expand your professional network and gain practical insights.

This engaging and supportive environment equips you with the skills and knowledge to not only excel in your future career but also adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving world of education.

You’ll spend around four hours each week in timetabled teaching and learning activities. The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take. You'll also get access to all your module content via WaterBear's dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) empowering you to learn at your own pace.

Teaching and learning activities can include:

Lectures, seminars, tutorials and collaborative workshops
One-to-one mentoring
Assignments, assessments and feedback sessions
Masterclasses
Networking and industry

This MA equips future educators with:

• Tech fluency: AI, modern infrastructure, data analysis.
• Curriculum expertise: Design, assessment, differentiation, tech integration.
• Professionalism: Reflection, communication, collaboration, problem-solving.
• Broad knowledge: Education trends, ethics, learning psychology.
• Research skills: Critical analysis, academic writing, research methodologies and data interpretation.

You will become a future-focused educator, ready to shape responsible and creative professionals.

Learning Environment

This module focuses on creating and sustaining an engaging and supportive learning environment that promotes student success. Educators will learn how to provide tailored learning support to meet the diverse needs of their students, including those with disabilities or learning difficulties. The module emphasises differentiation strategies to cater to varied learning styles, interests and abilities. Participants will gain insights into pedagogical theories and their practical applications to foster effective teaching practices. Whether you are teaching one on one or a group, classroom management techniques are covered to help educators create a positive and conducive learning atmosphere. The module also explores student-centred learning approaches, encouraging active participation and ownership of the learning process. Techniques to motivate and inspire students, fostering a growth mindset and resilience, are also integral components of this module.

Through an exploration of motivation, psychology, safeguarding, collaboration and equity, students will develop the skills to foster student well-being, engagement, and achievement.

The module will include a broad overview of research methodology and postgraduate research skills. We will also encourage you to focus on your creative practice in relation to your future career aspirations and employability.

The Educator’s Toolkit

This module is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive set of tools and strategies essential for effective teaching and administration. Participants will delve into various assessment techniques to measure student progress and inform instructional practices. The module also covers observation methods to evaluate and enhance teaching effectiveness. Safeguarding practices are emphasised to ensure the welfare and protection of all students. Additionally, educators will explore professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and best practices. Effective communication skills are highlighted to foster strong relationships with students and colleagues. You'll gain the expertise to craft compelling learning experiences and design innovative curricula that unlock your students' potential and prepare them for success.

Innovation in Education

The aim of the Innovation in Education module is to inspire and equip educators to embrace emerging technologies and modern teaching methodologies, fostering a vision for an innovative, future-proof music education.

By examining emerging technologies and modern teaching methodologies such as coaching, flipped learning, and gamification, participants will explore how to integrate these approaches into their teaching practice. The module also covers global citizenship and online learning, emphasising the importance of preparing students for a connected and sustainable future. Educators will learn to measure the impact of their practices, promote sustainability and adapt to future trends. By the end of this module, participants will have developed a vision for an innovative music education that is responsive to the needs of the 21st century.

This module delves deeper into the area of critical self-reflection. After identifying an area of innovation to explore, we ask the question – “How can we effectively translate this innovation into practice?” Action research can be utilised here to systematically demonstrate skill development. The module affords an opportunity for significant professional and personal growth in skills, knowledge and confidence. WaterBear also connects you with impactful mentors or work placements within the industry to support your research. This hands-on immersion bridges the gap between hypothesis, theory and practice, equipping you with valuable skills and insights. We remove any obstacles in your way, ensuring you're fully prepared for your final educational project and a successful career beyond.

The Business of Music Education

This module aims to foster leadership and strategic thinking, positioning educators as key drivers of change in music education.

The module is designed to empower music educators with a comprehensive understanding of the business aspects of music education, enabling them to make informed decisions and develop effective curricula that align with governmental policies, governance structures and financial considerations. Participants will gain insights into the broader educational context, particularly in the realm of music education while, developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

The module covers essential areas such as governance, policy, sustainability, leadership, and the creative industries. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex business landscape of music education. It also enables educators to understand how these factors influence curriculum development and business decision-making.

Emphasis is placed on developing a clear vision for music education at both the institutional and individual levels. By understanding the broader context in which decisions are made, educators will be better prepared to create innovative and sustainable curricula that meet the needs of their students and the demands of the education sector. The module seeks to broaden perspectives, enhance leadership skills, promote innovation and empower educators to drive positive transformations in the educational landscape.

Ultimately, this module aims to help educators affirm and refine their vision within the music education landscape, empowering them to contribute meaningfully and sustainably to the field.

Professional Project

This module aims to empower you to develop an ambitious and innovative music education project that aligns with your future career aspirations, positioning you for a sustainable and impactful career in the field.

This final double module concludes the MA programme by integrating all strands of work, reflection, research, and analysis to deliver a major education project. Serving as a bridge to your future, this module is designed to position you for a sustainable and impactful career in music education. You will be encouraged to be ambitious from the outset, with the delivery of the project varying based on its direction. This module emphasises autonomous learning, enabling you to tackle complex issues systematically and creatively, demonstrate self-direction and originality and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

*Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. Any changes affecting students’ expected programme delivery are communicated in advance. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Programme Manager.

Assessments
The assessments are coursework based.
There are many different forms of formative and summative assessments on the programme:
• Coursework
• Practical activities (group and/or individual)
• Oral presentations
• Production and/or technical outputs (for example online teaching programmes with recordings, etc.)
• Digital platforms and formats
• Essays
• Critical evaluations
• Journals/portfolios
• Project reports
• Research projects
• In-class tests
• Live and studio music performances

This 1-year master’s programme consists of five modules. The assessments will be placed throughout the year.

Feedback
There are plenty of opportunities for feedback:
• Informal feedback occurs during seminars, tutorials and workshops and in formative assignment submissions.
• Formal feedback is provided on your assignments three weeks after your submission dates.

By the end of the year, you'll be an innovative educator, with the leadership skills ready to shape the future of education. You will be skilled in crafting engaging lessons and assessments, ready to create engaging learning environments that spark passion for learning in your future students and develop impactful projects that align with your career aspirations.

• Initial applications for the MA Music Education course can be made via the Apply Now button below.

Apply Now

We consider all applications on their own merit and potential. We’ll invite you to a 1-1 session, either in person or by video conference. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to find out all about WaterBear and talk about your music, achievements, and career goals.

Falmouth University Terms & Conditions

This course is also available to international students if they are based in the UK with settled status (no restrictions on how long you can stay). Students based outside of the UK may also study this course via online distance learning.

Language Requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to achieve an equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking. We accept a range of equivalent approved tests too. Visit the English Language Requirements page of the Falmouth University website for more information.

In order to get the most out of the MA Music Education programme, it is essential that you have regular access to the correct resources. Having your own equipment will provide maximum flexibility to support both your college and personal project work. 

Essential basics:

• Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.) (purchase cost around £250-£400)
• Note-taking materials (pens, notepad, etc.) (purchase cost around £20)
• USB memory stick (purchase cost around £10)
• Reliable Internet connection
• If teaching practice is with U18s, there is potential for a DBS check requirement