Fully Online Master's Degree Voice Pedagogy (two-year)
Voice Study Centre is an Associate College of the University of Essex. Our two-year MA Voice Pedagogy is a structured taught pathway that facilitates a deep understanding of the what, the why, and the how of voice teaching and training. It is suitable for voice teachers, performance coaches, and other health professionals who work with voice within a professional context, including spoken voice. You will engage with a range of voice-related theories and practices to develop a critically informed approach to working. The course balances academic research with practical application, beginning with a thorough grounding of Voice Pedagogy and culminating in a dissertation on any area of your choosing.
Now taking applications for September 2024
(Early-bird fee discount of 5% for applications received before 31st July - apply online!)
- New two-year course!
- Fully online and available to study internationally
- Part-time to accommodate students with busy working lives
- Study online with our new Virtual Learning Environment
- Focus on specific research topics to suit your practice
- Enrolled students get additional free full access to all our online short courses.
- Government student finance is available for UK students
See below for more detail
Overview
- Our full Master's Degree Voice Pedagogy enables voice professionals to apply theory to practice within the broad field of Voice Pedagogy (Vocal Pedagogy).
- This innovative postgraduate pathway facilitates the research of new areas of learning, facilitating the design and implementation of new initiatives that contribute to an individual’s practice, organisation, and professional network.
- The course exposes students to a vast range of academic and practitioner resources through pre-recorded and real-time online content.
- The course consists of five distinct modules that allow for the application of theory to practice.
- Live classes are available most weeks, these are all recorded and available to view after the event.
- This online pathway is for both International and UK students.
The qualification is accredited and is a collaboration between the Voice Study Centre and the University of Essex.
Structure & Content
The two-year MA consists of 180 credits and there are five modules in total.
An introductory course and three modules are completed in year one and two modules completed in year two:
Pre-course: Introduction to Academic Skills Required at Master’s Level
Module 1 - Foundations of Voice Pedagogy: Exploring and Evaluating the Research Literature
Module 2 - Developing Research-Based Voice Pedagogy: Applications in Designing Tools and Resources
Module 3 - Coaching, Mentoring and Teaching: Pedagogical Theory and Applications
Module 4 - Research Methods: Understanding and Applying Research Methods in Voice Practice
Module 5 - Dissertation: Completing and Reporting an Original Research Project
All of our classes take place online and you can either join live or watch on catch-up.
The course consists of one non-assessed assignment and five micro-projects (modules), each with a written assignment.
You will also receive step-by-step guidance on how to complete the written assignments and engage in research.
Introduction to Academic Skills Welcome to the beginning of your MA journey. You will bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, providing a comprehensive induction and preparation for the MA pathway. You will meet as a cohort and form small study groups to develop your academic skills. We run multiple live sessions to facilitate connectivity across multiple timezones and where you are unable to attend because of a hectic schedule, you can follow along on catch-up. By the end of this module, you will be able to:
On the left is a provisional timetable that outlines the structure of our sessions (click to expand). Please note that while the dates are unlikely to change, we do occasionally make alterations due to unforeseen circumstances. This timetable is designed to help you plan your time effectively and be prepared for the upcoming sessions. |
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Module 1 - Foundations of Voice Pedagogy: Exploring and Evaluating the Research Literature Welcome to Module 1! After you have completed the introductory academic skills-building course, you will progress onto the first module of the MA. Within this module, you will inform your learning by attending a series of live online structured lectures on voice pedagogy. The aim is to provide an overview of the multidisciplinary influences and core research studies that have shaped our understanding of voice teaching and practice. We will run a series of live sessions where we host visiting lecturers who are leaders in the field. Again, these are all recorded and available for catch-up if you cannot attend live. The syllabus evolves around the following core areas:
On the left is a provisional timetable for Module 1 (click to expand). Please note that timings and personnel may change in the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances. All lectures take place on zoom. If you are unable to attend, you may watch the session on playback. |
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Module 2 - Developing Research-Based Voice Pedagogy: Applications in Designing Tools and Resources The Learning Outcomes for Module 2 are as follows. By the end of the module students will be able to:
These learning outcomes will be accomplished by the end of the module. Assignment Component 1: A) Rationale Devise an evidence-based rationale to support the design and development of a teaching tool/resource (3,000 words). Component 2: A) The Practical Output The practical component will be presented as a finished output. Examples could include: teaching tools, speeches, dialogue, curriculum design, schemes of work, digital media, song writing, compositions, teaching strategies, or creative performances. (2,000 words indicative). B) Reflective Analysis Critically reflect on the design of the teaching aid/resource and analyse future applications, developments and improvements (1,000 words). On the left is a provisional timetable for Module 2 (click to expand). Please note that timings and personnel may change in the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances. All lectures take place on zoom. If you are unable to attend live, you may watch the session on playback. |
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Module 3 - Coaching, Mentoring and Teaching: Pedagogical Theory and Applications The Learning Outcomes for Module 3 are as follows: By the end of the module, students will be able to:
Assignment Component 1: Choose from a range of topics and critically examine how the relevant theories and methodologies will inform your teaching/coaching/mentoring practice (3,000 words). Component 2: Plan and implement a teaching/coaching/mentoring session relevant to a client/group having regard to relevant ethical considerations (2,000) Critically reflect on your coaching/mentoring session (1000 words). On the left is a provisional timetable for Module 3 (click to expand). Please note that timings and personnel may change in the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances. All lectures take place on zoom. If you are unable to attend live, you may watch the session on playback. |
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Module 4 - Research Methods: Understanding and Applying Research Methods in Voice Practice |
The aim of this module is to provide you with a theoretical and practical foundation in qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module aims to support the development of practical skills for conducting qualitative and quantitative research using methods and approaches key to your respective fields of study. It will support and facilitate your research literacy and skills in critiquing and evaluating qualitative and quantitative research. Alongside furthering your practical and evaluative skills, the module aims to support your understanding of the theoretical and conceptual foundations of qualitative and quantitative research.
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Module 5 - Dissertation: Completing and Reporting an Original Research Project |
This module is the culmination of the MA Voice Pedagogy, allowing you to develop and present a substantial dissertation. This module is an opportunity for you to develop theoretical perspectives, ideas and practices that have emerged in your studies within the context of a dissertation. You will synthesise previous learning and develop new perspectives to address a problem within your professional practice. You will hone a research question, scope out appropriate peer-reviewed and practice-based literature and select a research approach to garner valuable data regarding an aspect of your professional practice. You will apply qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods methodologies to execute a research design. Effective methods will be applied and evaluated, having regard to the moral and ethical implications of their processes. You will develop data analysis strategies, present data, and evaluate the relevance and impact of the data on your professional practice and wider field. |
This course strikes a balance between structured learning and individual practice needs. All the assigments allow you to negotiate your chosen topic within the boundaries of that module. We, therefore, offer a flexible learning approach combining taught lectures with independent research. The classes are diverse and act as a stimulus rather than a rigid syllabus. They provide a framework, sparking areas of interest and exploration.
Here's a sneak preview of some of our visiting lecturers:
Please note: we do not expect this schedule to change. However, unforeseen circumstances can arise and therefore last minute cancelations or amendments may occur.
Will I be able to fit my studies around professional work commitments and family life?
The course is designed specifically for practitioners who have multiple jobs and busy working lives.
You will study one module at a time and the deadlines enable students to continue their professional commitments whilst studying.
In a recent survey, the average number of hours spent studying was 12-15 per week.
Tutor Support
Support is pivotal to your development throughout the course.
You will join us on our virtual learning environment (VLE), a collaborative online space where we also post announcements and discussions. Each module has taught content delivered by a wide range of visiting lecturers and you can either join the classes in real time or watch on catch-up. We also have a vast library of pre-recorded content that is easily searchable within our VLE.
Each module is led by a module leader who will guide you through the content. They will host group tutorials and some of the modules require one-to-one supervision. You will also have a support tutor who is separate from the teaching team and will check in with you regularly.
If you suspect that you are neurodiverse, we can assess you as part of the application process and provide advanced support where necessary and make reasonable adjustments to deadlines in accordance with university policy.
With regards to other support, you will have access to the University of Essex online library, as well as our support structures. These include learning support, disability advice, and counselling services.
Applications
Our application process:
If you're interested in being part of our next cohort, please register your interest using the form at the bottom of this page and we'll send you an application form. Alternatively, you can apply online using the link below.
Apply online
Eligibility
a) Standard Applicants
- Degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum 2:2 classification. We also accept ABRSM/Trinity qualifications that carry nationally recognised credit to level 6 or above, providing the qualification contains a written component (20%).
- We also require two years’ teaching experience, post-graduation at the course start date, or three years’ performance experience. We also accept other relevant work experience such as SLT/P, Laryngologist, Physical Therapist or Psychotherapist (2 years).
- Where a student wishes to progress directly from undergraduate study and does not have any formal relevant teaching experience, they must evidence professional performance experience alongside coaching/mentoring work undertaken during their undergraduate studies. The coaching and mentoring work may take the form of working with peers or voluntary/paid work undertaken during the degree, such as coaching younger students or directing a choir.
- A bachelor’s degree with no relevant teaching experience must be evidenced by two years of coaching or mentoring experience within another professional field.
(a) Non-Standard Applicants (those without an existing degree)
- Non-standard applicants should have three years of coaching experience or five years of performing experience. We also accept other relevant work experience such as SLT/P, Laryngologist, Physical Therapist or Psychotherapist. Applicants will need to have completed our Introduction to Academic Skills Course and gained a pass mark of 50.
International applicants may also require English Proficiency (please see our English Proficiency Policy)
Fees & Timescales
| Programme of study | Credits | Length of course |
|---|---|---|
Master's Degree Voice Pedagogy |
180 |
24 months |
We’re now taking applications for our September 2024 cohort.
September 2024 Fees
Early-bird discount of 5% for applications received before 31st July
| Programme of study | UK students | International students |
|---|---|---|
Master's Degree Voice Pedagogy |
£9,995 total cost $15,000 total cost |
£12,995 total cost |
| Programme of study | US Students |
|---|---|
Full MA |
$16,000 |
At the time of writing, the UK Student Loan Company (SLC) will offer up to £12,471 towards postgraduate tuition fees, which will be paid in instalments. For student loan enquiries, please follow this link.
For UK based MA students, do be aware that student finance instalments may not align with the Voice Study Centre tuition fee schedule, though we do try and be flexible where possible. In this case, you will still have to abide by the tuition fee deadlines. This is due to differences in student loan schedules that individual applicants receive and it is not possible to facilitate differing agreements. Therefore there may be a requirement for temporary borrowing, and we would advise you to make sure that you are able to financially commit to this before your application.
The initial £1000 deposit is refundable during a 14-day cooling off period. The instalment schedule is set out below - if you do not complete the course, then you may still be liable for a proportion of the fees. Similarly, if you have already paid the full amount up front then you would be entitled to an appropriate refund when you leave the course. A copy of our Tuition Fee policy and fee liability points is available upon request.
ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
September 2024 – MA Fee Payment Schedule
* discount of 5% applicable if full MA fee is paid up front - this is in addition to any early-bird discount
The installment schedule is set out below.
The initial USD $1000 deposit is refundable during a 14-day cooling off period. The instalment schedule is set out below - if you do not complete the course, then you may still be liable for a proportion of the fees. Similarly, if you have already paid the full amount up front then you would be entitled to an appropriate refund when you leave the course. A copy of our Tuition Fee policy and fee liability points is available upon request.
ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
October 2024 – MA Fee Payment Schedule
* discount of 5% applicable if full MA fee is paid up front
| UK £9,995* | INTERNATIONAL £12,995* |
|---|---|
£1000 – Deposit |
£1000 – Deposit |
£1,665 – 1st October 2024 |
£2,500 – 1st October 2024 |
£1,665 – 1st February 2025 |
£2,000 – 1st February 2025 |
£1,665 – 1st August 2025 |
£2,000 – 1st August 2025 |
£1,665 – 1st October 2025 |
£2,000 – 1st October 2025 |
£1,665 - 1st February 2026 |
£2,000 - 1st February 2026 |
£670 - 1st August 2026 |
£1,495 - 1st August 2026 |
| $16,000 USD* |
|---|
$1,000 – Deposit |
$3,500 – 1st October 2024 |
$2,500 – 1st February 2025 |
$2,500 – 1st August 2025 |
$2,500 – 1st October 2025 |
$2,500 - 1st February 2026 |
$1,500 - 1st August 2026 |
Our Students
We currently have 230 students enrolled on our MA programme, across 32 countries!