MA Music student, Cristián Díaz, tells us more about his experience studying at the University of Birmingham.
Why did you choose Music at the University of Birmingham?
“I chose to study the Music MA course at the University of Birmingham because of the excellence of its academic staff and the quality of their publications. The music department has high-qualified scholars dedicated to research topics such as nationalism, ethnomusicology and modernism; the same areas that I was interested in going in-depth. For that reason, I regarded that the University of Birmingham was the perfect place to continue with my studies.”
What has been the highlight of your course?
“One of the most brilliant things of the Music MA course is the variety of subjects which you can learn and research. It is divided into different pathways specialised on music performance, composition or musicology. Therefore, the course always encourages you to understand the musical phenomena from different perspectives. Because of this structure, I had the opportunity of being part of superb modules such as Contemporary Music Studies and Fieldwork Methods. Additionally, the programme always encourages you to be part of the academic community. For that reason, the music department organises several research workshops to bring yourself up the date of the latest musicological researches in the English language.”
What have you learnt from your programme?
“The Music MA programme help me to develop critical thinking about music. We usually assume music as something important in our life, but we are not generally aware of the meanings and values that are involved in different musical practices. Thanks to my programme, I had the opportunity to learn about the most relevant musicological theories. Now, I am well prepared to study a variety of musical phenomena and understand the fundamental role of music in the mode that we create our reality.”
What is life like as a student at the University of Birmingham?
“Being a postgraduate student at the University of Birmingham means to be part of a strong and supportive community. As an international student, I was concerned about how it would be my life in Birmingham. But here I found a committed staff that helped me to solve all my doubts and problems. Additionally, the University’s facilities are world-class. Not only did I find beautiful green areas, impressive buildings and well-prepared classrooms, but also one of the best libraries that I have seen. To have access to the catalogue of the Cadburys Research Library has been a privilege. Studying at the University of Birmingham has been one of the best experiences of my life.”
Find out more about our MA Music programme over on our course pages.