MA
Music Education
1 YEAR, ONLINE
NAVIGATE THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF MUSIC EDUCATION
This online MA Music Education course is designed for musicians, music teachers and educators looking to develop their teaching practice and improve their understanding of teaching pedagogy. Those who study this course will deepen their knowledge of teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and educational leadership. Digital pedagogy, classroom technology, and the integration of contemporary music practices into education are all included areas of study.
The programme is designed to create opportunities for career progression, supporting your ideas for generating additional income or improving your profile and CV to aid job applications for teaching and learning roles. There will also be the opportunity to apply for membership of various professional bodies, such as Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) from Advance HE. Ultimately, this MA will empower you to establish yourself as a confident professional in the world of music education.
Taught by experienced music industry professionals, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of creatives and benefit from a flexible, hands-on learning experience. You’ll also have access to areas such career development, one-to-one mentoring, academic sessions, live performance, and industry networking and events, all designed to support your development professionally, artistically and academically.
Join us online this September. To find out more, apply today.
Select the links below for individual module study on this course.
Modules
LEVEL 7
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
This MA is tailored to support the development of your personal teaching practice and experience. You course of study will encompass innovation in education, the construction of a teaching ‘toolkit’ and how to foster engaging and supportive learning environments. The commercial realities of crafting a career in music education are also studied in depth.
The course is constructed to focus on three fundamental elements:
- Your teaching practice:
You will learn tools, techniques and methodologies to hone your teaching practice.
- Your business:
You will understand your own personal brand and target market, to sharpen your commercial focus.
- Your career:
You will gain the confidence and knowhow to become a professional educator in the creative sector.
This course is approved and awarded by Falmouth University, one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries.
The MA Music Education has been designed specifically for music practitioners with a keen interest in both music and education, and who are interested in overseeing the musical development of others. The course focuses on how to improve teaching practice to get the best results. Leading music educators will attest to the transformative potential of a great education, and witnessing tangible results can be one of the most powerful and rewarding things educators can experience.
It’s ideal for aspiring educators passionate about using modern approaches in teaching, as well as those more experienced practitioners seeking to improve their practice. It’s also relevant to those interested in a career change into the field of music education.
Anyone passionate about their music and craft who is also interested in becoming a qualified music educator should consider this course of study.
These can include:
- 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.
The 1-year MA Music Education course consists of 3 study blocks, each of 12 weeks. Your timetable of structured activity is made up of seminars, lectures, 1-1 mentoring and support sessions, for both on-campus and online students, throughout the duration of the course. You’ll get access to all content and materials via WaterBear’s dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and you’ll also be able to participate in tutorials, discussions and meetings remotely, or in person.
You’ll get the chance to engage with lots of additional activity going on at WaterBear throughout the duration of your course too. How much you want to get involved with up to you. The Music Industries teams are there to help you with work and career development opportunities, live performance slots, festivals, conferences and industry showcases. There are also social events, clubs and societies, virtual meetups, networking opportunities, development weeks, songwriting camps, masterclasses and various kinds of other activities to explore.
The MA Music Education course also includes an optional free DBS check and organised paid or unpaid teaching experience placements.
In summary, regular teaching and learning activities include:
- Lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops
- One-to-one mentoring
- Assignments, assessments and feedback sessions
- Masterclasses
- Special events and conferences
- Performances and gigs
- Peer collaboration
- Networking and social events
The programme is designed to open opportunities for career progression, supporting you in creating your own ideas for generating additional income streams or in positioning you to go about securing full-time offers in further and higher education institutions. There will also be the opportunity to help you prepare applications for recognition from various professional bodies, such as the Associate Fellowship (FHEA) from Advance HE. Ultimately, this MA will empower you to establish yourself as a confident professional in the world of music education.
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.
This MA is focused on private teaching, as well as Further and Higher Education. It does not provide a direct route into teaching in primary or secondary schools, where Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is typically required. If you are interested in this pathway please find further information at getintoteaching.education.gov.uk.
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.
Please note: On-campus placements are for students with UK visas only.
Initial applications for the MA Music Education (Online) course can be made via the Apply Now button above.
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.
The MA Music Education 1-year master’s course tuition fee is £11,250. UK residents may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan.
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.
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).
This course is also available to international students. If you are based outside of the UK, you will not be able to attend any live on campus workshops, without the appropriate settlement or visa status.
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. https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements.
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
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