Study experience

At the University of Leeds, we offer Music Psychology at undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels. Find out more about our courses by clicking on the respective links below. Scroll down to read our student testimonials and get a taste of what the study experience is like here.

If you're interested in studying with us, and want to know what research you can do here, browse our staff profiles for details on staff research interests. Alternatively, take a look at our projects page to see what our staff and PhD students are currently researching. Here are some example dissertation topics from past MA students:

Everyday listening habits and music as a device for reducing stress and anxiety
The impact of dyslexia on music learning and memory for music
Experiences of attending Vivid Sydney
Individual differences in musical preferences
The perception of emotion in film music
Exploring perfectionism and associations with musicians’ mental health

Student testimonials

Sophie Emptage (MArts Music and Music Psychology, 2017)

Being one of the first people to study on the Integrated Master's course Music with Music Psychology at the University has been very exciting. The course is well planned out and has ample opportunity for you to learn about the staff's specialisms as well as undertake your own research projects in your own areas of interest. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in music psychology.

Rita Haspel (MA Applied Psychology of Music, 2017)

I’m really happy that I got to do a Music Psychology masters after doing Psychology as an undergraduate, as it allowed me to meet many amazing like-minded people, and combine my two main areas of interest. I’m especially interested in the social- and personal psychological aspect of Music psychology, such as music taste, listening habits, and the functions of music.

Claire Castle (PhD Candidate, 2017)

Leeds has offered an extremely friendly, engaging and enthusiastic community in which to develop as a researcher. I cannot speak highly enough of the breadth of knowledge and skill which the Masters course in the Applied Psychology of Music course offered, without which I undoubtedly would not have even considered doctoral study an option. The variety of interests within the field of music psychology of both staff and students at Leeds provides an exciting environment in which to learn.

Kate Blackstone (PhD Candidate, 2017)

Before my PhD, I studied for a part-time Masters in Applied Psychology of Music at the University of Leeds. This mode of study was perfect for me as it enabled me to keep on working as a freelance musician whilst pursuing my academic interests, which I still do during my PhD, albeit on a smaller scale. When I started to entertain the idea of PhD, all of my tutors were incredibly supportive throughout the application process, helping me to write my proposal and encouraging me to think very carefully about the questions I wanted to answer during my project. Even now, two years later, I am always being pushed to do my best work, and that’s one of the things I love about being at Leeds: the whole department is a really supportive crowd of researchers who spur each other on!

Sarah Mawby (PhD Candidate, 2017)

Working towards a doctorate in music psychology at the University of Leeds has been one of the most difficult and yet, at the same time, most rewarding events in my life so far. The department offers exceptional facilities and my supervision is second-to-none. What’s more, the research atmosphere among those of us working in music psychology has flourished over the past couple of years making the department an immensely supportive, social and fun place to work.

Anne-Marie Czajkowski (PhD Candidate, 2017)

Why come to Leeds? Well, I did my Masters in Music Psychology here and I found the support and ethos of the department was excellent. It’s a friendly place but really geared towards work. The modules in the course were absolutely perfect too. Everything is given you to succeed in the Masters course whatever the project is that you want to do and it sets you up with all the skills you need to study at PhD level. However, probably the best things are the people in the Music Department embodied primarily by my two fabulous supervisors, Dr Alinka Greasley and the ever smiling Prof Michael Allis. I simply would have given up ages ago if it hadn’t been for these two. They say a supervisor can be the make or break of a PhD and they’re absolutely right. Leeds have the best people and are really organised (unlike some other places!) It’s a great place to come to study.

Susan Donelly (PhD candidate, 2017)

I decided to apply to study a part-time PhD in Music at Leeds University because of a friend who had recommended Dr Karen Burland (Head of the School of Music) as a good potential supervisor for my area of research. I feel very fortunate to have two excellent supervisors in Dr Karen Burland and Professor Luke Windsor who have the experience and knowledge to guide me through my research.