The Bachelor Musicology is a three-year program at Utrecht Univeristy, which focuses mainly on western music culture, looking at both the historical aspect and media studies. All members of study association Hucbald are (alumni-) students Musicology or have followed some of the studies’ courses.
In the first year, students learn about the history of western music. The entirety of music theory is taught as well. This begins with learning to read notation and ends with being able to make a complete form analysis of a symphony. On top of that, students will also lay a strong foundation in academic skills.
It is not required to be able to read musical notation to begin studying musicology, but it is a big advantage. Click here to read more information for first-year students.
From the second year onwards studens choose a specialisation. This is either 'Historical Musicology' or 'Music and Media'. Historical musicology focuses on Western music culture from approximately the 10th to the 20th century. Older forms of music such as the classical Greek proportions are also discussed. Dutch music culture, early music and postcolonial music are prominently featured in the study. An in-depth study of musical analysis is also part of this package.
In Music and Media, students learn to relate music to media and cultural movements. The period in which this happens is mainly the 20th and 21st centuries, but earlier forms of media are also briefly discussed. In this package you will explore film music, other screen media, subcultures and acting and performance in great depth.
In the third year, students have the opportunity to profile themselves. They can choose to do a minor in the humanities, but also outside of their own faculty. Students can also start an internship or take a few courses abroad. They also have the option to take individual courses at the university, such as some courses from the other specialisation. It is common to take courses in the profile area in your second or third year, but students are not limited to this.
If students complete the nominal course (pass all courses in one go), they will also complete your bachelor's degree this year. First they follow the research seminar in which they prepare for writing their final paper (thesis). Read more about the graduation process here.
Students then have the choice of continuing to pursue a master's degree or going straight to work in the broad field of work of a music scholar, namely the versatile cultural field. Think of positions at radio or television stations, ensembles or concert halls, teaching positions and festival organization. However, experience also shows that Musicology alumni go on to have careers in a very wide spectrum of fields. Click here for more information about the UU's Career Services.
In the first year, students are assigned a peer coach. The peer coach helps you with your study planning and is available for general questions about your program.
In addition to your tutor, you will have a student mentor in your first year who will ensure that you and your mentor group quickly feel at home in the program and in Utrecht. You can contact them with questions about your homework and where the cheapest restaurants are in the city center.
If you have any questions about exemptions and study restrictions, please contact your peer coach or study advisor. They have a good overview of the course and all the options within the course. They can also help you with matters such as an attestation of dyslexia. You can read more about guidance during your studies here.
If you cannot find the answer to your questions on the UU website or from one of the employees, you can always contact Hucbald, as everyone here has had the same questions at some point.
