Having run successfully twice already – in early 2025 and again from September 2025 – Maynooth University’s Writing About Music course is returning for another edition in 2026, commencing in September
The course – a micro-credential called Writing About Music: Criticism, Journalism and Professional Development – is the first of its kind in Ireland. It’s a 12-week part-time industry-led programme run through the Department of Music at Maynooth University, delivered online with two in-person Saturday workshops, featuring online sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30pm to 8pm.
The course involves industry experts both within and outside academia and encourages students to develop closer links with external stakeholders including The Journal of Music, Chamber Choir Ireland, the Contemporary Music Centre and Arts Council Ireland. For those already in employment, it offers an opportunity to strengthen and deepen existing industry and artistic relationships.
Who is this course for?
- Professionals in the music industry wishing to upskill or refresh their craft
- Professionals in related disciplines wishing to move laterally or broaden their knowledge
- Students and academics wanting to learn how to pitch material to the general public and adapt their knowledge to the needs of industry
- Interested amateur writers and musicians
On successful completion, students should be able to:
- Understand and distinguish different types of writing about music in a range of professional scenarios
- Understand and apply diverse writing styles for a range of professionally relevant audiences
- Critically engage with a range of musical artforms
- Become competent in creating and disseminating different types of written work for employment
Course fee: €480
Applicants should hold a minimum 2:2 Level 8 Honours degree. Applicants who do not hold a primary or higher degree but have sufficient and relevant professional experience are also welcome to apply.
Worth noting: on successful completion you receive 10 ECTS credits recognised by Maynooth University as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.
For more information and to apply when applications open, visit maynoothuniversity.ie or email [email protected].
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
