The Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour – Music Cognition Specialization is unique among North American universities, providing students with a combined background in cognitive neuroscience and music. Such training prepares students for interdisciplinary research into the cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience of music, as well as applied careers in audiology and music therapy.
Coursework builds both a strong foundation in musicology (including music history, harmony, and music analysis) and an equally strong foundation in psychology (including memory, cognition, sensation and perception). The Music Cognition Specialization prepares students for a wide variety of professional careers integrating music cognition, cognitive psychology, and the science of performance.
Program Type
Honours of Bachelor of Science
Degree on Graduation
Limited Enrollment
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program requires Advanced Rudiments (or Grade 2 Rudiments) from the Royal Conservatory of Music (a grade of 80% or above, within the last two years), or MUSIC 1C03 (with a grade of at least B), or a grade of 65% or above on a qualifying music theory exam administered by the School of the Arts (SOTA).
Enrolment in this program is limited.
Admission is by selection but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including:
- 1 course from PSYCH 1XX3, 1FF3 with a grade of at least 7.0 (B-)
- 1 course from MATH 1A03, 1LS3
- BIOLOGY 1A03, 1M03
- 1 course from MEDPHYS 1A03, CHEM 1A03, PHYSICS 1A03, 1C03
- 1 course from MUSIC 1A03, 1AA3
- 3 courses from the Science 1 Course List
Typical Second-Year Courses
PNB 2XA3
Human Perception & Congition
PNB 2XB3
Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology
PNB 2XC3
Animal Behaviour & Evolution
PND 2XD3
Integrative PNB Through Scientific Writing
PNB 2XE3
Description Statistics and Research Methods
PNB 2XE3
Perspective in PNB
PNB 2XTO
PNB Tutorial
MUSICCOG 2MP3
Introduction to Music Cognition
Career Opportunities
Honours Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour – Music Cognition Specialization students develop a range of skills that are easily transferred to a wide range of careers.
Graduates have pursued careers in the following areas:
- Experimental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Data Analytics
- Business Intelligence
- Environmental Research
- Forensics
- Behaviour Therapy
- Respite Care
- Marketing
- Addiction Counselling
- Human Resources