Musicology (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.)
Discover the diversity of music – from classical traditions to pop culture. In the Musicology at Humboldt-Universit?t, you will explore music in its historical, social, and practical contexts.
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The Musicology B.A. degree programme aims to enable engagement with various forms of music using a wide range of content and methodology, taking into account all available academic disciplines. Its essential goal is to present and investigate the various options for the scientific treatment of music. Building on older musicological traditions (such as the musical analysis of a score), the subject matter covers music as a social practice, under the conditions of technological processes, as well as innovative approaches to sound and performance research. At the end of the course, students have the opportunity to undertake in-depth studies in a particular subject area.
Mandatory area (60 CP)
Module I: Introduction to Musicological Work, 10 CP
Module II: Music as Social Practice, 10 CP
Module III: Genres and Canonisation Processes, 10 CP
Module IV: Music Theory/Musical Analysis, 10 CP
Module V: Music, Technologies, Cultural Techniques, 10 CP
Module VI: Interpretation, Performance, Reception, 10 CP
Special features
Prospective students should have a knowledge of musical notation (reading ability at a minimum) and fundamental music history and theory skills at university admission qualification level, and should be interested in the whole spectrum of music (from the traditions of European history of music to the forms of contemporary popular music). Before applying, we recommend completing the online test of music theory knowledge at www.muwi.hu-berlin.de/studium/online-test.
With its three disciplines of Historical Musicology, Musical Sociology / Social History of Music and Popular Music, the subject of Musicology at Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin offers a wide range of teaching and research. Other disciplines available are Systematic Musicology and Music Theory. Berlin is home to numerous cultural institutions (opera houses, the Philharmonie and concert house, the Haus der Kulturen der Welt), its important libraries and collections (in particular the Berlin State Library - Prussian Cultural Heritage, music technology collections at state museums), and companies in the media and music business. This location provides an environment that offers unique conditions for both academic work and cooperation and for gaining initial professional experience through internships, for example.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
You can then apply for the Musicology master’s programme at HU as well as for M.A. Music, Sound, Performance offered jointly with FU.
The course is designed to provide sufficient knowledge to enable entry to a musicological career (e.g. working with concert organisers, journalism, employment at music publishers and record labels) following successful graduation. It also aims to lay a wide specialist foundation suitable for beginning a master’s course in Musicology.
Further information
Study and examination regulations
For subject-specific questions as well as questions regarding classification and recognition of studies and qualification, please contact Dr. Mats B. Küssner, by phone at (030) 2093-65809 or by email.
Contact information for the faculty
Department of Musicology and Media Studies
Institutsgeb?ude, Am Kupfergraben 5, 10117 Berlin