The Institute of Musicology - multi-perspectivity and methodological pluralism
At the Institute of Musicology at the University of Cologne, all sub-disciplines of the subject are closely intertwined. Historical musicology, ethnomusicology, systematic/cognitive musicology and sound studies - all these areas aim to research the phenomenon of music/artistic sound from different perspectives. This means that historical, cultural studies, social science, information technology and cognitive science aspects come into play.
The students in Cologne have a wonderful chance to engage themselves scientifically with current musical phenomena from different areas. (Emmanuelle de Freitas, Student)
This variety of approaches and the openness of the study regulations for students to set their own specializations make it possible to orient their studies towards their own research interests.
Everyone is given space for them to individually organize themselves in research interest and study time. This supports independent and scientific work. (Marie-Sünje Schade, Student)
The specific feature of the Cologne Institute is that these perspectives and methods are understood as permeable and mutually complementary. The study regulations reflect this directly in that the individual study modules are designed in such a way that they include content from all sub-disciplines.
The Institute sees itself as a research-oriented institution and therefore takes the connection between research and teaching seriously; the teaching staff pursue the goal of linking teaching to ongoing research projects and critically discussing current research questions with students. Accordingly, scientific theory and method-oriented courses play a central role.
Here you study Music with your own hands in all its facets, from antiquity to the present, from Vienna to Manila. Next to musical history are neuroscience and robotics on the plan. Field Research in the tropics and Musical Dokumentation recording, archiving work and musical philosophy. A splendid place to study musical science. (Linus Eusterbrock, Student)