Entry requirements

The MSc in Music, Mind and Brain is a truly interdisciplinary programme that attracts students from diverse backgrounds who want to complement their knowledge on music research, neuroscience or cognitive psychology. As a general rule, you should have a good background in at least one of these areas and preferably have already carried out a piece of empirical research.

You will normally need a good degree (upper second class or above) in psychology or a related subject (cognitive science, neuroscience) with a research component. If you have a background in music or a related subject you will be required to demonstrate background knowledge and/or experience of psychological and/or neuroscientific approaches. In exceptional circumstances, other degrees and professional qualifications may be considered.

How to prepare for the interview

During the interview, we will ask you about your background knowledge concerning the key areas of the programme. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with some of the music cognition literature and concepts in scientific research before starting the course in September.

Acquainting yourself with some of the recommended reading below will equip you well for the interview and for the course in general.

Music Cognition

Thompson, W.F. (2008). Music, Thought, and Feeling. Understanding The Psychology of Music. Oxford: University Press.

The Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology (2009). Eds. S. Hallam, I. Cross, and M. Thaut. Oxford: University Press.

Lehmann, A.C., Sloboda, J.A., & Woody, R.H. (2007). Psychology for Musicians. Understanding and Acquiring the Skills. Oxford: University Press.

Foundations of Neuroscience

Ward, J. (2006). The student's guide to cognitive neuroscience. Psychology Press.

Experimental Design and Statistics

Field, A. & Hole, G. (2007). How to design and report experiments. Sage.

Field, A. (2005). Discovering statistics using SPSS (2nd ed.). Sage.