Why study this course?
The PGCert in Sacred Music is an online course which can be taken part-time over a maximum of two years.
The course is taught by academic staff who are church music practitioners. It is aimed at those already active in church music roles, those in active ministry or ministerial training, or those who simply wish to deepen their understanding of sacred music.
Highlights:
- Develop your awareness of how sacred music making has both shaped, and been shaped by, the practice of Christian worship at different times.
- Deepen your understanding of the role of the present-day church musician in its different facets and contexts.
- Deepen your understanding of the relationship between sacred music making and the wider social, cultural and political life of the eras and contexts that have shaped particular repertoires.
- Reflect on how insights and knowledge gained on the course can directly inform your work as a performer, music director, minister or researcher.
Teaching
You will learn through a mixture of video presentations, one-to-one discussions, reflective practice, and guided independent study.
Assessment
Assessment comprises a combination of videoed performance and presentation, written reflection, and group forum discussion.
Modules
The programme consists of two taught modules studied online. The modules shown here are currently proposed for the Sacred Music PGCert online programme.
Through the modules students will use case studies of roles such as choir director, organist, composer and worship ensemble leader to engage critically with different types of church music roles, and explore the technical, organisational and interpersonal skills required for successful church music-making. Insights from case studies and scholarly perspectives from reading are combined with ongoing reflection on students’ own practice in their home contexts.
The course will also explore how an informed understanding of different sacred music repertoires can shape musical practice, active ministry and scholarly research today. Students will explore a range of repertoires stemming from different contexts and confessional traditions. By engaging critically with these, students are encouraged to reflect on how different sacred music repertoires, many of which are rooted in the past, might shape present-day practice.
Students will have the opportunity to reflect on how a critical understanding of different repertoires can underpin their own approaches to issues such as style, authenticity, originality, function, tradition and innovation, which arguably all sacred music practitioners, broadly defined, must grapple with in their work.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Making Music in a Church Context: enables students to develop their skills in such roles as choir director, organist, composer, worship ensemble leader, and music journalism, through specialist small-group teaching.
- Sacred Music Repertoires from Past and Present: invites students to explore how an informed understanding of different sacred music repertoires can shape musical practice, active ministry, and scholarly research today.
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What it will lead to
Careers
The PGCert in Sacred Music will benefit those wishing to pursue a career as a church musician, or those who are already active as church musicians or clergy, who wish to deepen their understanding of sacred music.
Graduates of the PGCert in Sacred Music can bring knowledge and skills gained on the course to enhance their future activities, whether in church music leadership and performing roles, active ministry, or other ministerial and congregational roles.
The programme would also benefit those wishing to pursue further postgraduate study, including the MLitt in Sacred Music.
Why St Andrews?
Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online study at the University of St Andrews combines all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.
Alumni
Whether you join us online or in person, when you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“The course enriched my understanding of the history of Western sacred music, but it always felt relevant to my role as a volunteer church musician. The material and presentations were consistently engaging. Life changing!”
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree and relevant experience in theology or music. Applications are also considered from applicants who have majored in another subject but who have significant practical or professional experience in music or theology.
- We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have significant relevant practical or professional experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement (300 to 500 words)
- one original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates that confirm your current or final marks. If your transcripts are not in English, please provide certified translations. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
Fees and funding
£4,210
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics, email sacredmusic@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 3 September 2026