Music, Health and Wellbeing

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MUSI 3014
Course ID icon
Course ID
204360
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course provides an overview of the range of benefits that music can offer to the community. Students will gain an understanding of how music programmes in hospitals, nursing homes and schools utilise the unique qualities of music to improve quality of life and general wellbeing for all age groups, from premature babies to the elderly.
Recent advances in neuroscience continue to expand our understanding of how music affects the human brain and body. Students will become familiar with ongoing research projects focused on the use of music to alleviate symptoms associated with behavioural disabilities and brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Other topics covered include: music and healthy ageing; music and language development; music and memory; music and early childhood development; music and autism; music and emotional wellbeing and music in the hospital setting.
In addition to its health benefits, music also has a valuable role to play in creating community cohesion. The course examines the impact of various participatory music programmes that aim to benefit children from low socio-economic areas; young offenders and prison inmates, and refugee populations.

Course learning outcomes

  • An overview of the benefits of music for the community.
  • Familiarity with specific ongoing research into the impact of music on the brain.
  • Awareness of the ethical and logistical considerations of introducing music into a health care environment.
  • Ability to actively participate in discussions regarding the place of music in society.
  • Increased analytical skills by selecting and reviewing relevant research articles.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A