On this programme, the modules vary with some being practical, concerned with musical performance, composition and orchestration, song-writing or creative music technology, although none of these are compulsory. Others focus on music history topics or music analysis and theory. There are also options in areas such as music psychology, audio-visual media (films and videogames), and vocational options.

The remaining modules involve writing about music from a historical, critical, sociological, or philosophical viewpoint. Our studio and performance modules cater for both classical and popular musical styles.

Programme in detail

This degree offers you a great deal of flexibility and allows you to select from both our classical and popular music modules. Some modules are practical, concerned with musical performance, composition and orchestration, or creative music technology. Others entail musical notation in connection with music history, world music, AV or music analysis. The remaining modules generally involve writing about music from a historical, critical, sociological, or analytical viewpoint.

In Years Two and Three you will focus in more depth on fewer selected topics. Specialist topics can be studied alongside advanced level analysis, performance or composition modules. In Year Three there is a particular emphasis on specialism and an extended or independent project (such as a research project, a composition portfolio or a music technology project).

Studying Music opens up many career opportunities. As well as jobs in music (from performance, composition, and production, through to teaching, music therapy and community arts), employers in many sectors are increasingly seeking arts and humanities graduates for their transferable skills. As a music student you will achieve creative flair and imagination, confidence in expressing yourself, an openness to new ideas, a capacity for hard work and an ability to analyse data. You will learn the value of working with others towards a shared, finished product and a whole range of flexible, professional skills.