The job market

The programme provides you with a comprehensive understanding of a particular area of musicology and with strong analytical and communication skills. These prepare you for many different roles, for example in:

Cultural and media organisations

• Adviser or manager at orchestras, opera companies and ensembles 
• Roles at concert halls, festivals and cultural centres 
• Planning, programming and policy development for cultural organisations 
• Editorial and production roles for radio, podcasts, online platforms or print media

Arts and cultural policy

•  Project management in arts and cultural institutions 
• Cultural policy and advocacy within public or non-profit organisations 
•  Consultancy for arts funding bodies and cultural agencies 

Research and education

• Academic research (for example via a PhD trajectory) in musicology or related fields 
• Teaching in higher education or specialist music education (depending on further qualifications) 
• Research and documentation in archives, libraries and documentation centres

Through this Master’s you develop a variety of skills such as:

• Advanced skills in critical listening and musical analysis
• The ability to interpret music in historical, social and cultural contexts
• Experience in research methods relevant to music studies 
• Strong writing, presentation and project-management skills applicable in many professional environments 

An academic career

Graduates can also go on to a PhD programme at the UvA, another Dutch university or a university abroad. The Master's in Music Studies prepares you for a research career at universities, schools of professional education, academic libraries, schools of music, conservatories and museums. ​When pursuing an academic career, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of joining a two-year Research Master's programme.

Told by alumni

Freija chose the Master's programme Music Studies. After concluding her studies, she started foundation OverMalbruggen. How did Freija experience the way to the labour market?

Your diploma is not a farewell

After graduating, you don't have to say goodbye to the University of Amsterdam! We are happy to help you develop your career. You can join the young alumni programme, which will assist you in mapping out your career. And as an alumnus, you can also still use the Student Careers Centre.