To introduce and develop knowledge on a set of multidisciplinary topics central to the field of music psychology. To allow students to gain a broad understanding of how music influences listeners and performers in everyday contexts, and about the essential physiological and psychological mechanisms and processes involved in different kinds of music-related activities. To appraise existing scholarship in the field of music psychology and be able to argue how the theoretical and empirical issues are connected. To become familiar with research methods commonly utilised by music psychologists.

(LO1) Students will acquire general and specific knowledge about different topic areas in the multidisciplinary field of music psychology, and gain knowledge and understanding of how the human mind processes and responds to music.

(LO2) Students will  become familiar with some important research areas within psychology of music and their links to everyday life.

(LO3) Students will be able to critically evaluate existing scholarship in the field of music psychology.

(LO4) Students will learn how to apply relevant knowledge to construct an argument focused upon answering contemporary questions within psychology of music.

(S1) Critical thinking.

(S2) Academic writing skills.

(S3) Communication, listening and questioning.

(S4) Learning skills online.

(S5) Team (group) working.

(S6) Literacy.

This module provides an introduction to central topics in the interdisciplinary field of Music Psychology. Key topics will include: t he origins of music,  the brain on music,  music and emotion,  musical development,  the effects of music training,  music preferences and personality,  music in Healthcare and m usic in   Eldercare.    Lectures are organized thematically and students will be provided with the slides from each session. During the lectures  students are also expected to make  ind ividual contributions to group discussions.    Seminars are student-led sessions where  students (organised in groups) are expected to organise discussions on tutor- and student-selected readings that explore the topics addressed in each lecture. The aim is to engage students with specific readings, hands-on activities, and discussions. Full instructions on how to prepare for seminar will be provided . A list of set readings will be provided and all items will be accessible through the  module reading list (or through VITAL if not accessible through the library). Students are expected to  read all the resources provided and  marked as "key readings" for both seminars and lectures, and encouraged to engage with the optional readings as much as possible.  As part of the out-of-class activities students are expected to find their own supplementary resources.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Description: Lectures are organized thematically. Each lecture will introduce pertinent key areas, concepts and studies to the study of Music Psychology. They are intended to highlight issues that should be explored in “out of class” study time and via discussion in the seminars. Teaching Method 2 - Seminar Description: In the seminars, students will have a chance to discuss set readings and empirical studies that explore the theoretical issues addressed in each lecture. Seminars are mainly student-led sessions, and the aim is to provide students with working knowledge on empirical methods and analysis tools.