Program Overview
The Music Theory at McGill University is a MA programme in Arts & Design, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Music Theory programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: USD 765 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 765 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
- Location: Québec, Canada
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Music Theory programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Thesis
- Non-thesis research papers
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
All Applications require:
- Online uApply application and application fee (plus audition fee for performance applicants)
- Transcripts from each college/university-level institution that you have attended.
- Two Letters of Recommendation (exception: curent McGill students applying to a new degree need not submit recommendation letters).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An overview of your experience and other qualifications, including employment, academic credentials, publications, honours, awards, contributions and significant achievements. This can be uploaded to your application (PDF format maximum size 5 MB).
- Samples of most advanced work in harmony (e.g., model tonal composition, melody harmonization, figured-bass realization), and counterpoint (e.g., invention, fugue exposition or other composition.) Please combine essays into one file and upload to Writing Sample in application (PDF format maximum 8 MB).
- Two recent analyses (one treating a tonal work and one a post-tonal work). Please combine analyses into one file and upload to Music Theory Analyses in your application (PDF format maximum 12 MB.)
- One essay (in English or French) on a music history topic. Please upload to Written Work in your application (PDF format maximum 8 MB.)
- If Schenkerian techniques have been studied, one analytic study that includes voice-leading graphs. Please upload to Music Theory Analytical Study in your application (PDF format maximum 10 MB.)
- An interview (campus or via Skype) may be requested.
- Please include in your personal statement: comments on your research interests, your reason(s) for pursuing the MA, your expectations of the program at McGill, and your perception of your own strengths and weaknesses.
Applications may additionally require:
- Research Proposal
- Research Supervisor/Teacher Preference
- Writing Samples/Portfolio
- Thesis Abstract or Summary
- Screening Material
- Audition
- English Proficiency
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 765 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 765 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 765 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 765 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact McGill University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About McGill University
McGill University
Montréal, Canada
McGill University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2001-03-18
- Start Date 2018-09-03
- Language English