Master in History of Art and Archaeology : Musicology

By the end of coursework, graduates with a Master in History of Art and Archaeology, orientation Musicology will have acquired a solid knowledge of musical culture, a critical approach to issues and a genuine ability to summarize, analyze and communicate. This will enable them to apply for jobs in theatres, concerts societies, opera houses, radio, television, newspapers, libraries, institutions promoting cultural heritage, museums, research, and teaching.

Whatever the finalité chosen (Musicologie appliquée or Didactique), at the end of their Master, the students must master the links between the different fields of knowledge, have a critical spirit, be independent and original in their scientific approach, master the techniques of treatment and diffusion of the results of their research.

The aim of the Musicologie appliquée programme is to provide the knowledge and methodological skills needed to analyze, interpret and contextualize in a pluridisciplinary perspective all sorts of musical expression : from the compositional process through to the work's reception and the role of networks of distribution. The knowledge and skills gained will enable participants to write their dissertation in which they are required to show that they have a thorough understanding of the range of research techniques covered during the Master level' coursework.

The Finalité Didactique offers the student knowledge of the pedagogue's profession.

The Master in History of Art and Archaeology : Musicology offers two areas of instruction:

• Finalité Musicologie appliquée (30 ECTS) : prepares research questions related to history, theory, analysis, interpretation, reception, diffusion, and edition ;

• Finalité didactique (30 ECTS) : leads to teaching in elementary and secondary schools

The Master is geared towards the history of western music from the Middle Ages to the present, which it addresses from a number of different standpoints (analysis, study of printed and handwritten sources, notation, study of the development of different genres and forms, the history of institutions such as concert societies, operas and conservatories). It also offers an introduction to the study of popular music.

Contacts developed with European universities (in France, Austria and Italy) as well as in North America (Montréal) mean that students have the opportunity to spend time abroad through, for example, the Erasmus program.

The ULB is ideally located in a city rich in libraries (with varied collections concerning regional history), museums, cinemas, cultural centres, and exhibition and conference spaces. Brussels attracts both musicians and music and art-lovers, particularly due to its Museum of Musical Instruments, numerous concerts, opera performances, etc.