Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Semester fee
78
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
6
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No
The goal of the subject Musicology in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree program is to impart musicological skills in practice-oriented study processes, generally preparing students for music-related professional activities in those areas in which music is written and spoken about, communicated, organized and managed. An important core skill is considered to be the scientifically sound elaboration and presentation of musical facts, which is primarily taught in musicological and music-theoretical areas of study. In the elective area, students also have the opportunity to acquire skills related to music and professional practice.
The subject can be studied in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree program as a major or minor subject in the Aisthesis. Cultural and Media Studies variant or in the flexible variant in the amount of up to 80 ECTS credits, in combination with at least one other subject and/or the Studium Individuale.
What is Musicology?
Musicology deals with music from different perspectives and with very different methods. It knows neither stylistic nor cultural boundaries. Thus, the music of long-deceased composers as well as current music charts or music from other cultures can become the study focus. At the same time, it is not only about the music itself, but also about how to deal with it, for example when listening or making music. For example, the question of how the memory for music functions or how music triggers emotions can be considered just as much as stage fright during a performance or the practice processes of musicians. Musicology pursues its research questions primarily on the basis of theoretical considerations and empirical studies rather than with the help of practical music education.
Within musicology, a distinction is made between three areas of work. These investigate different questions and work with different methods, but also show cross-sections and similarities.
Historical Musicology
- Music history, e.g. origin, notation, tonal reproduction, function and effect of works of Western musical tradition)
- Organology
- Music philosophy and music aesthetics
Systematic Musicology
- Acoustics, e.g. instrument acoustics, room acoustics
- Music psychology
- Sociology of music
- Music informatics, cognitive musicology, mathematical music theory
Music ethnology (also ethnomusicology)
- Music of non-European cultures and peoples
- European folk and popular music
- Music in the context of urbanity or migration
However, only a combination of all these areas makes it possible to understand the complex phenomenon of music with its manifold historical, psychological, sociological, acoustic and cultural interactions in its entirety.
The 3 musicological sections are supplemented by music theory, which deals with the following aspects of music: Harmonics, theory of forms, composition and musical analysis.
Where does musicology leave its traces?
The findings of musicology are not only found in scientific books and journals. Listening to music and making music are popular leisure activities, and often at least indirectly connected with the activities of musicologists.
Examples:
- In concert halls or opera houses: Conception of programs, music and opera dramaturgy, program booklets, music management, sheet music editing, etc.
- In radio and television stations: Music journalistic contributions such as reports, reviews, features, interviews, etc.
- In libraries, archives, museums: Sheet music inventories, maintenance and analysis of musical instruments, etc.
- In music publishing houses: Conception of programs, sheet music editions, songbooks, books about music, etc.
The program in detail
Program structure
Core study components include the fields of musicology and music theory. The study of musicology is a required part of the program. The study of music theory and musicological working techniques are a required field if the Bachelor's thesis is written in musicology, otherwise the corresponding modules are required electives. The required elective area also include music practice and practical professional study contents.
Core study components
Musicology
Basic teaching of topics, methods and working methods of all three sub-disciplines of musicology (systematic musicology / historical musicology / music ethnology)
Music theory
Students will continuously be dealing with the music theoretical foundations of the occidental music tradition as a basis for scientific-analytical considerations as well as for music practice in the field of improvisation and song accompaniment.
Music practice
Students will continuously be dealing with and approaching different forms of practical music-making in various KU ensembles (in german) such as choir, chamber choir, a cappella group, orchestra or big band.
Professional practice
A continuous career orientation through various events offering a good overview of the professional field, short internships, practical projects and a required internship semester. In order to enable graduates from Eichstätt to enter professional life as smoothly as possible, the degree program works closely with cooperation partners from the cultural life and music industry, such as the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation, the Nuremberg State Theater, the Stuttgart State Opera, as well as music publishers and cultural offices for workshops, internships and introductory events.
Required modules
- Overview of Music History
- Systematic Musicology
- Music Ethnology
- Introductory Module Musicological Work
- Fundamentals of Music Theory
- Advanced Music Theory
- Form Analysis
- Writing and Listening Analysis
Required elective modules
- Theory and Practice of Popular Music
- Empirical Research in Musicology and Music Education
- Short internship
- Practice Project
- Big Ensemble
- Small Ensemble
Facilities
Our Eichstätt campus offers attractive and state-of-the-art facilities: KU music students have their own computer music laboratory with special software for music editing and digital music processing as well as a well-maintained pool of recording equipment for audio and video recordings. For their music practice, students are provided with a separate band room as well as various music practice rooms. Through the University Library, you have access to a large and up-to-date stock of current music-related books and periodicals. In addition, you can borrow sheet music. Interesting cooperation partners from cultural life and the music industry, who enrich the degree program with practical seminars, workshops and external internships, make studying in Eichstätt so interesting.
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad
The KU maintains a partnership network with around 300 universities worldwide. The KU International Office supports students in the planning phase and provides information on different financing possibilities for stays abroad.
Practical connection
This degree program has a strong practical connection: Students gain initial insights into possible occupational fields and their requirements through lectures and workshops with professionals from the field, which can be deepened in the context of a 4-week short internship and/or a practical project over 2 semesters. For individual advice and support in finding an internship and financing possibilities, the KU Career Service and the International Internship Service are happy to help.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
Central occupational fields for which students of this degree program are prepared include:
- Music journalist
- Music manager
Other professional fields for which this degree program constitutes an important first step, but which usually require more in-depth study (Master's degree program, volunteer work, etc.):
- Lecturer
- Editor sheet music
- Opera director
- Dramaturge
- Arranger
- Artistic director
- Music therapist
- Music producer
- Agent
Occupational fields for which students are NOT being prepared in this degree program are:
- Musician
- Singer
- Sound engineer
- Composer
These professional goals can partly be achieved by an artistic degree program at a university of music or within the framework of a practical training (e.g. musical performer).
The KU
The KU has two campuses: Eichstätt and Ingolstadt. Seven faculties are located in Eichstätt. The Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) and MIDS (Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science) are located on our Ingolstadt campus.
This degree program is taught on our Eichstätt campus.
Studying in Eichstätt
Study location
The district of Eichstätt and the city of Ingolstadt are located in the heart of Bavaria. This central location also means that the KU is easy to reach. Eichstätt impresses with its unique combination of baroque architecture, modern amenities and the picturesque nature of the Altmühltal natural park.
Campus
Short distances and lavish green spaces characterize the KU campus in Eichstätt. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town.
More than just a degree
Studying at the KU not only provides you with the specialist knowledge you need, but also aims to open up real future prospects for its students. We want to support our students in finding their own personal path to their individual dream future! The question is not "What career do I want to pursue?", but rather "Who do I want to be?"
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
International Office
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No
Application
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.