Overview

The Musicology programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a comprehensive academic exploration of music within the broader context of the humanities. This degree is specifically designed for undergraduate students who possess a strong musical background but wish to pursue career goals outside of professional performance.

Housed within the prestigious Herb Alpert School of Music, the curriculum provides a rigorous foundation in the historical, cultural, and theoretical aspects of music. Students engage with diverse musical traditions and analytical methods, fostering a deep understanding of how music functions as a social and artistic force. The programme serves as an excellent bridge to graduate-level research or specialised roles in the cultural sector.

Why Musicology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

Studying at the Herb Alpert School of Music provides students with access to world-class facilities and a vibrant artistic community. The school is renowned for its distinctive teaching features, blending traditional scholarship with innovative approaches to music history and industry. Students benefit from being part of a leading research institution located in a global cultural hub.

The faculty consists of distinguished scholars and practitioners who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the undergraduate journey. This environment fosters intellectual growth and allows students to explore unique research interests. Additionally, the school’s location in Los Angeles offers unparalleled proximity to the heart of the global music and entertainment industries.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 53302 per year
National fee: USD 53302 per year
Local fee: USD 15700 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a balanced education in musical history, theory, and cultural analysis. Modules may include:

Musicology
Music History and Industry
Ethnomusicology
Music Composition
Music Education
Music Performance
Global Jazz Studies
Iranian Music

Careers with Musicology

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide variety of professional trajectories beyond the concert stage. Many students progress to prestigious graduate programmes in musicology, library science, or cultural studies. The analytical and communication skills developed during the course are highly valued in several competitive sectors.

Potential career paths include roles in music journalism, arts administration, and archive management. Graduates may also find opportunities in the music industry, working in areas such as music publishing, media production, or consultancy. The broad humanities focus ensures that students are versatile candidates for roles in education and public programming within cultural organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Classical Music

History of Rock and Roll

Film and Music

History of Electronic Dance Music

American Popular Song

Writing about Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

208 alternative credits

between 208 and 216 quarter units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Musicology View 378 other Bachelors in Musicology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete 15 year-long academic courses with a 3.4 GPA

Meet other requirements specific to your country

Take the ACT with Writing Test, SAT with Writing or SAT with Essay by December of your last year at secondary school

Demonstrate English-language Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

53302 USD / year

≈ 53302 USD / year
Out-of-State

53302 USD / year

≈ 53302 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15700 USD / year

≈ 15700 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Musicology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Beverly Hills

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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