Master of Arts - Music (Major Research Paper or Project) (Course-Based) at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-09-11

Program overview

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Program overview

The Master of Arts in Music at the University of Ottawa offers a comprehensive education in music, focusing on both performance and research. This program is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of music through either a major research paper or a project. The School of Music provides a rich environment for students to explore various aspects of music, including performance studies in multiple instruments and collaborative programs in specialized fields such as Feminist and Gender Studies. The program aims to cultivate a strong foundation in music theory, history, and pedagogy, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in the music industry.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in Music program is structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, with a program length of two years for full-time students. The program offers three options: a Master's with a research paper, a Master's with a thesis, and a Master's with a course option. Each option has specific requirements:

Master's with Research Paper: Requires completion of 24 course units, including compulsory and elective courses, along with a major research paper.
Master's with Thesis: Involves 15 course units, a thesis proposal, and a thesis.
Master's with Course Option: Comprises 21 course units, including compulsory and elective courses.

Students are expected to resume full-time studies in September after a summer break. The maximum time allowed to complete the program is four years from the date of initial enrollment. The program emphasizes academic rigor and requires students to maintain a minimum passing grade of C+ in all courses.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Arts in Music program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Collaborative Programs: Students can participate in collaborative programs in Feminist and Gender Studies and Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
Practicum Opportunities: The program includes supervised practicums that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Research Methodologies: Students engage in research methodologies specific to music pedagogy, enhancing their analytical skills.
Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform in various settings, contributing to their practical experience.
Access to Research Centers: The program is supported by state-of-the-art research facilities and centers within the Faculty of Arts.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Music program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Music Educator: Teaching music in schools or private settings, focusing on music theory, history, and performance.
Music Researcher: Conducting research in musicology, contributing to academic publications and conferences.
Performer: Engaging in solo or ensemble performances across various genres and settings.
Music Producer: Overseeing the production of music recordings, managing projects from conception to completion.
Arts Administrator: Working in arts organizations, managing programs, and promoting music events and initiatives.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2025-09-11

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Minimum Requirements

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
An equivalent degree or diploma
A 75 percent (B+) average is required for the undergraduate degree or diploma.

Recommendation Letters: 2

It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and availability.

Transcripts: 1

Upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended using the uoDoc application.
Transcripts must include all courses and programs from any institution attended (completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online/correspondence courses, non-degree or visiting student courses, etc.
If transcripts and degree certificates are not in English or French, submit a certified translation.
Once admitted, any conditions for official documents must be uploaded to uoDoc.

Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript from uOttawa (except for professional rehabilitation programs, which require all transcripts).

Additional Required Documents

At least 2 writing samples
Resume including chronological academic history
Letter of Intent (maximum 500 words, 12-point Times New Roman) addressing:
Research interests and motivations for graduate studies

For the M.A. Major Research Paper: describe research interests and motivations

For the M.A. Thesis (including collaborative programs): describe research interests, field (musicology, theory, pedagogy, feminist/gender studies, medieval/renaissance studies), potential supervisors, and research type

For the M.A. Course Option: describe research interests and motivations

Please check with our team for more details.

Language Requirements

TOEFL iBT: 84 overall (24 Writing, 20 Individual)
IELTS: 6.5 overall (6.5 Writing, 6 Individual)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!