General Information

The Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University is an academically structured graduate program designed for researchers, educators, and artist-scholars seeking advanced specialization in the field of music education. The program is carried out by a strong academic staff consisting of 1 Professor, 2 Associate Professors, and 4 Assistant Professors, offering comprehensive expertise across theoretical, practical, and research-oriented dimensions of music education.

Established in the 1999–2000 academic year under the Institute of Social Sciences, the program admitted its first cohort in the same year. Following the establishment of the Institute of Educational Sciences in 2011, the program was transferred to the new institute, where it continues its academic activities.

The curriculum is designed to support contemporary theoretical approaches, applied musical studies, pedagogical research, and individual areas of specialization. The following courses are compulsory components of the program:

1. Scientific Research Methods and Publication Ethics
2. Seminar
3. Thesis
4. Special Topics (Area of Specialization)

These courses constitute the core structure supporting students’ research culture, academic ethics, scholarly production, specialization, and thesis development processes.

All other field courses are elective and may be selected flexibly according to students’ individual interests, instrument specializations, research orientations, and professional goals. The elective course pool is extensive and includes:

5. Major instrument (piano, violin, flute, voice, etc.)
6. Music technologies 
7. Sociology of music
8. Pedagogy in music teaching
9. Analysis of educational music
10. Chamber music
11. Voice science
12. Instrument pedagogies
13. Musical forms
14. Notation techniques

The program aims to equip students with the following core graduate-level competencies:

15. Theoretical knowledge
16. Applied musical proficiency
17. Research and analytical skills
18. Artistic expression
19. Critical thinking
20. Scholarly production
21. Development of specialized expertise

The thesis-based structure enables students to conduct scientific research, collect and analyze data, interpret artistic and educational practices through research-based approaches, contribute to the literature, and produce an original academic work through their thesis.

Prominent Academic and Scientific Achievements of the Program

The Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education is distinguished by the quality and productivity of its thesis research. Theses completed within the program have contributed significantly to the production of national and international articles, book chapters, and conference papers, thereby enhancing the department’s scholarly visibility and academic impact.

One of the program’s most notable achievements is the development of an instructional tool within a master’s thesis, which was registered in 2024 as the first patent of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University. This instructional tool also received a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application, gaining international recognition for its innovative character.

In recognition of this achievement, the university awarded the student and the supervising faculty member the following honors within the 2024 NÖHÜ Awards:

22. “Best Master’s Thesis”
23. “Best Supervised Master’s Thesis”

These awards affirm the program’s:

24. Innovative research culture
25. Scholarly productivity
26. High-quality student–advisor collaboration
27. Capacity for national and international impact
28. Vision of cultivating experts who contribute original work to the field of music education

Mission

The mission of the Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education is to educate ethical, responsible, and research-oriented music educators who can generate advanced theoretical knowledge in music education, music theory, arts education, and pedagogical approaches; conduct original research using scientific methods; produce creative and critical applications in performance- and technology-based musical processes; and contribute to cultural heritage and societal development. The program supports students in developing academic writing, scientific communication, research ethics, collaboration, leadership, and artistic expression skills, enabling them to produce high-quality theses that contribute to the scholarly literature.

Vision

The program’s vision is to become a nationally and internationally recognized academic center distinguished by its innovative, research-based, and interdisciplinary approaches in music education; its pioneering work in musical performance, digital music technologies, pedagogical design, and scholarly production; and its commitment to cultural diversity and artistic creativity. The program aims to cultivate graduates who are critical thinkers, productive scholars, ethically grounded professionals, and competitive music educators at the international level.

Aims and Objectives

Program Aim

The primary aim of the Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education is to educate qualified researchers and educators who possess advanced theoretical knowledge, applied musical skills, scientific research competence, and artistic expression; who can contribute original work to the literature; and who demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in the field of music education.

The program aims to enable students to:

29. Analyze contemporary theoretical approaches in music education,
30. Produce original research using scientific methods,
31. Evaluate artistic and pedagogical practices through research-based perspectives,
32. Specialize in their field and assume effective roles in educational institutions, arts organizations, and academia.

In this respect, the program adopts a contemporary graduate education philosophy centered on high-quality education, scholarly production, cultural sustainability, artistic development, and societal contribution.

Program Objectives

1. Scientific Research and Academic Competence

(Related POs: 1, 2, 11, 12, 13)

33. Use scientific research methods at an advanced level.
34. Conduct academic studies in accordance with research ethics.
35. Analyze the literature and develop original research questions.
36. Contribute to the field of music education through thesis research.

2. Musical and Artistic Competencies

(Related POs: 3, 4, 8, 9, 10)

37. Demonstrate advanced performance and interpretive skills in major instrument, chamber music, vocal training, and aural musicianship.
38. Specialize in areas such as musical forms, notation techniques, music technologies, and instrument pedagogies.
39. Evaluate artistic practices through research-based approaches.

3. Pedagogical and Educational Competencies

(Related POs: 6, 7, 11)

40. Analyze and apply contemporary pedagogical approaches in music teaching.
41. Develop advanced instructional skills in instrument teaching, vocal training, and aural skills education.
42. Analyze and evaluate music teaching processes through research-based pedagogical principles.

4. Field Expertise and Professional Development

(Related POs: 1, 3, 8, 11, 12)

43. Specialize in music education research.
44. Evaluate the relationship between music and society from sociological, cultural, and pedagogical perspectives.
45. Sustain professional development through active participation in artistic and scholarly activities.

5. Social Contribution and Cultural Sustainability

(Related POs: 8, 11, 14)

46. Evaluate the cultural, social, and artistic dimensions of music education through research-based approaches and develop awareness in these areas.

Level – Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TQF-HE) and Degree Awarded

Students who successfully complete the Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education are awarded the degree of “Master of Arts in Music Education.”

The program consists of a two-year (four-semester) graduate curriculum totaling 120 ECTS credits. It corresponds to the following qualification levels:

1. Second Cycle within the Bologna Process – Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA)
2. Level 7 within the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TQF-HE)
3. Level 7 within the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF-LLL)

The program fully meets all ECTS requirements defined for these qualification levels.

ISCED and TQF-HE Classification of the Program

4. ISCED Field of Education Code: 14 – Teacher Training and Education Sciences
5. ISCED Program Qualification Level: 7
6. Category (Profile): 74
7. Subcategory: 747 – Academically oriented master’s degree
8. TQF-HE Main Field Code: 14 – Teacher Training and Education Sciences
9. TQF-HE Qualification Type: Academically oriented “Level 7” master’s degree

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the thesis-based master’s program must:

10. Obtain a minimum score of 55 from any score type of the ALES exam (the program does not require a specific score type),
11. Hold an undergraduate GPA meeting the program’s minimum criteria,
12. Score at least 50 on the interview/aptitude examination administered by the program.

The validity period of the ALES score is determined according to the regulations of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Admission decisions are based on a combined evaluation of the ALES score, undergraduate GPA, and interview/aptitude exam score.

For international students, application and admission procedures are carried out in accordance with the relevant university regulations. Detailed information is provided by the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University International Relations Office.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University may recognize courses previously completed at another higher education institution in accordance with the principle of lifelong learning. If the learning outcomes of such courses align with those of the student’s enrolled program, the courses may be exempted from graduation requirements.

Decisions regarding exemption and equivalence are made by the Institute Board in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Program Profile

The Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education is an academic program designed to develop theoretical depth, applied expertise, research competence, and artistic expression in the field of music education. The program aims to enable students to:

13. Develop creativity,
14. Use contemporary music technologies effectively,
15. Participate actively in applied and theoretical research,
16. Advance their musical perception, performance, and pedagogical competencies.

All field courses in the program are elective and may be selected flexibly according to students’ individual interests, instrument specializations, and research orientations.

Compulsory Courses

17. Scientific Research Methods and Publication Ethics
18. Seminar
19. Thesis
20. Special Topics (Area of Specialization)

This structure strengthens both students’ research culture and their specialized areas of study.

The program provides the academic foundation required for advanced professional practice, research projects, and progression to doctoral studies in music education or related fields.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The primary teaching and learning methods used in the program include:

21. Lectures and in-class activities
22. Creative applications
23. Group work
24. Reading and literature review
25. Assignment and project preparation
26. Seminar presentations
27. Applied studies (major instrument, chamber music, vocal training, etc.)
28. Artistic activities
29. Research-oriented applications

Course-specific methods are detailed in the Course Description and Implementation Information section of each course.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates

Graduates of the program may:

30. Apply to doctoral programs and pursue an academic career,
31. Work as music teachers in private schools,
32. Serve as instructors in art centers, private courses, and cultural institutions,
33. Conduct artistic production, instrument instruction, and private lessons in their own studios,
34. Work as researchers, specialists, or project coordinators in the field of music education.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

To graduate from the program, students must: • Successfully complete 120 ECTS credits, including:

• At least 54 ECTS of coursework
• 6 ECTS Seminar
• 30 ECTS Special Topics (Area of Specialization)
• 60 ECTS Thesis
• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50/4.00,
• Prepare and successfully defend their thesis.

Detailed regulations are provided in the Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Graduate Education and Examination Regulations.

Opportunities for Academic Progression

Students who successfully complete the program may apply to doctoral programs in Music Education or related fields. Admission decisions are based on:

35. Graduate Education Regulations,
36. ALES score,
37. Undergraduate and graduate academic performance,
38. Interview/practical examination,
39. Foreign language proficiency (as required by the program).

Examination Regulations, Assessment, and Grading

The primary assessment methods used to evaluate the achievement of program learning outcomes include:

1. Midterm examination
2. Final examination
3. Make-up examination
4. Assignment and project evaluation
5. Thesis presentation
6. Document submission

Semester assessments must include at least one midterm and one assignment. The final course grade is determined by the combined contribution of midterm, assignments, quizzes, final examination, and other assessment components.

The final examination contributes 40–60% to the course grade, while semester work may contribute up to 40%. Applied courses may be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis in accordance with Senate principles.

Grades are evaluated on a 100-point scale and converted to letter grades using a relative grading system.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the program, a student must:

1. Complete 120 ECTS requirements:
2. Minimum 54 ECTS coursework
3. 6 ECTS Seminar
4. 30 ECTS Special Topics
5. 60 ECTS Thesis • Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50,
6. Prepare and successfully defend a master’s thesis.

Mode of Study

The Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Music Education at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University is offered on a full-time and face-to-face basis.