Musikwissenschaft / Music (B.A.)

The study of music examines historical and contemporary manifestations of music, how it is and has been structured, produced and received, as well as its social function. 

This degree programme gives particular weight to the following areas:

• Systematic Musicology
• Historical Musicology
• Applied Music Theory
• Methods of Music Research

This Bachelor of Arts in Music Education is split into a two-year foundation programme followed by one year of specialisation. It is complemented by two ancillary subjects (30 CP each). Music Education is compulsory and the second ancillary subject can be freely chosen from the range of modules offered by a number of cooperating faculties and departments.
This applies to subjects in the areas of languages, liberal arts, cultural studies and psychology. (Please note that some subjects require a proof of language skills. Make sure that you ask about language requirements well in advance!)

In their first four semesters, students of music as a major subject gain an overview of the themes, issues, methods and research interests of the field and are introduced to the most important principles of academic work. Courses revolve around such subject matter as film music, the history of popular music, music and emotions, musical taste as well as how music and its context have developed in society throughout history. Students are also given a theoretical grounding in notation, counterpoint and harmony, and practice applying this knowledge in simple arrangement and analysis tasks.

In their final year, students consolidate and hone their skills in dealing with issues under discussion in music studies, which requires an interdisciplinary approach and the ability to transfer knowledge between academic contexts due to the interplay within those issues of the aesthetics, psychology and sociology of music. At the same time, seminars on new music and popular music further the Department of Music and Music Education's particular research focus. A seminar with an integrated excursion serves to show students possible careers.

Equipped with their well-founded grounding in theory and their knowledge of methodological practice, graduates of Giessen's BA in Music can be employed in a wide spectrum of jobs. There is a great variety of possible careers for them to choose from, particularly in the cultural sector, communications and further education but also in parts of business and trade. They can help to meet the still-growing need for secondary service provision (e.g. organisation, planning and management; care, consultation, education and publishing; research and development). This degree, depending on which areas students have chosen to specialise and particularly in combination with the follow-up Master's, qualifies them for jobs in

• editing (print media, broadcasting, internet),
• cultural institutions (e.g. museums, archives, theatre),
• education (e.g. private schools, music schools),
• cultural clubs and associations,
• culture departments within companies,
• recording and sound design,
• universities and other musical higher-education and/or research institutions,
• record production, distribution and publishing,
• book and sheet-music production, distribution and publishing,
• music management,
• advertising (both using music to advertise and advertising music),
• tourism and the leisure industry.

Examination- and study regulations

Special regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)  
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the modules is offical and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Study programme flyer

Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 21 August 2007.

Links

Faculty 03 – Social and Cultural Sciences
Faculty's Deanery
Faculty's Examination office
Student representatives

Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 03

Berufliche und Betriebliche Bildung / Vocational Education and Training
Erziehungswissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Außerschulische Bildung / Adult and Continuing Education, Extracurricular Education
Kindheitspädagogik / Early Childhood Education
Kunstpädagogik im Studiengang "Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaften" / Art Education in the course of study "History and Culture"
Musikpädagogik / Music (also possible as subject of study in "History and Culture")
Musikwissenschaft / Music Education (also possible as subject of study in "History and Culture")
Social Sciences

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.