University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Music (MA)

Save Compare

Program Information

School:University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Faculty:Graduate Programs
Degree:Master
Field of Study:Music History, Literature, and Theory
Music Performance, General
Music Theory and Composition
Music, General
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
Description:The Department of Music offers MA in Music. There are two streams, one leading to performance, the other to musical research in the fields of musicology or theory. Members of the Department are engaged in research in the following fields: 1) Musicology: Medieval and Renaissance; German and French music; 20th Century (film music); critical theory; performance and reflective practice; music and society; 2) Theory: Analysis and theory of modal, tonal, post-tonal, and popular music; history of theory; critical theory; feminist theory; composition; counterpoint; pedagogy; and 3) Performance: Piano; voice; orchestral instruments; guitar.
URL:Music (MA) at University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa - Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Thesis Based:Yes
Length:2 Year(s)
Careers:Musicians and SingersConductors, Composers and Arrangers

Admission Requirements

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*75
Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    Candidates are required to have one of the following: a BMus; a four-year honours BA in music; a four-year BA with a major in music; or an equivalent degree, certificate, or diploma. A 75 percent (B+) average is required for the undergraduate degree or diploma. If the degree is from a conservatory, it is deemed equivalent if so indicated on the transcript, or if the total course work is equivalent, to a four-year BA, and includes the equivalent of 6 credits in music history and 6 credits in music theory. In addition, applicants must perform an audition or submit an example of writing from undergraduate work in music history or music theory. The choice of evaluation depends on whether the student wishes to pursue the performance stream or the musicology/theory stream. Applicants may be asked to take placement tests in music history, music theory or aural skills. If remedial work is necessary, deficiencies must be remedied by the end of the first year. Candidates are admitted either to the MMus or the MA. A student who has successfully completed the requirements of the MMus degree may, instead of accepting the MMus, become a candidate for the MA with the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.

    The MA with research paper have a second language requirement. To meet this requirement, students must either pass a proficiency test (ESL 1000 or FLS 1000) administered by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), or an equivalent test selected by the department. A pass on this test leads to an "S" on the transcript. In addition, the MA with thesis requires proficiency in a third language. The Department of Music administers the third language test (usually German).
    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 580] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 92-93]
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    Two reference letters; official transcripts of all previous universities attended; a 500-word statement describing specific interests in the program to be; and at least 2 writing samples (one of these samples may be an analysis or a composition) are required.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on October 14, 2022