Skip to content
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Master German Arts & Design

Musicology

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz Mainz · Rhineland-Palatinate

About the Program

The Musicology Master's program aims to deepen understanding of music in all its facets. Students expand their knowledge about the cultural, social, and aesthetic significance of music, studying music from different regions and epochs: from 15th-century European sacred music to Mozart's operas to music of the Chinese Song dynasty or modern Raï. The program explores why certain people created music at specific times and under specific conditions, examining these processes from various perspectives within the tension between tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity. At JGU, musicology focuses on cultural-historical approaches with a broad teaching offering covering European and international music history, as well as specialized areas like film music, music theater, or media communication of music. The program features a particularly outstanding area of Music Informatics, which is almost unique in Germany. Students develop their understanding of musicological questions and methods while sharpening their analytical and critical thinking skills. The Rhine-Main area offers numerous cultural institutions like publishers, media houses, concert halls, and theaters, providing opportunities to expand knowledge through practical experience and develop career perspectives.
▶ Show the original English text
The Musicology Master's program aims to deepen understanding of music in all its facets. Students expand their knowledge about the cultural, social, and aesthetic significance of music, studying music from different regions and epochs: from 15th-century European sacred music to Mozart's operas to music of the Chinese Song dynasty or modern Raï. The program explores why certain people created music at specific times and under specific conditions, examining these processes from various perspectives within the tension between tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity. At JGU, musicology focuses on cultural-historical approaches with a broad teaching offering covering European and international music history, as well as specialized areas like film music, music theater, or media communication of music. The program features a particularly outstanding area of Music Informatics, which is almost unique in Germany. Students develop their understanding of musicological questions and methods while sharpening their analytical and critical thinking skills. The Rhine-Main area offers numerous cultural institutions like publishers, media houses, concert halls, and theaters, providing opportunities to expand knowledge through practical experience and develop career perspectives.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Arts & Design professions "Musicology"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Musicology

Similar Programs

Graphic Design

Merz Akademie Hochschule für Gestaltung, Kunst und Medien, Stuttgart

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Wahlfach Master Ensembleleitung instrumental

Hochschule für Musik Detmold

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Photography Master

SRH University

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Church Music

Robert-Schumann-Hochschule Düsseldorf

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Musikpädagogik mit künstlerischem Kernfach Streich-/Blasinstrument

Hochschule für Katholische Kirchenmusik und Musikpädagogik

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Musikpädagogik künstlerisches Kernfach Viola

Hochschule für Katholische Kirchenmusik und Musikpädagogik

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

How do I apply to Musicology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Musicology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

Is Musicology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in German. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Musicology programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Musicology at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Musicology? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

📬 Get the weekly Germany guide in your inbox

New blog posts, application deadlines, scholarship announcements. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Weekly Germany guide — 1–2 emails/week, no spam.

📬 Weekly Germany guide delivered to your inbox

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.