Music

Single Honours 

• Music 

• Music Technology 

• Music Theory 

Joint Honours 

• Music and Psychology 

• Music and Business Management 

• Mathematics and Music 

• Music and Languages  

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years Foundation years are suitable for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to music studies before starting an undergraduate degree. They can be used to hone music performance abilities, or even improve English language proficiency. 

• Sandwich degrees A ‘sandwich’ year is an additional year of study, usually taken between Years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate course. This year can be used to gain experience in professional music settings such as recording studios or concert venues, and offer networking opportunities. 

• Integrated Master’s An integrated Master’s programme essentially allows you to extend your undergraduate degree by one year, while paying the same annual tuition fee. Upon completion, you’ll emerge with a Master’s degree, saving you considerable money compared with the traditional Master’s degree route. 

• Degree apprenticeships Degree apprenticeships are a great way to study a music degree, while simultaneously earning a wage and getting practical professional experience. Usually lasting three to six years, you’ll gain plenty of on-the-job training and best of all, your employer will pay for your tuition fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

Entry requirements for music degrees vary but often include an A-level (or equivalent) in music, along with evidence of musical proficiency through auditions or performance assessments. 

There are loads of areas within music which you can specialise in, depending on your preferences for study, and career aspirations. Some of these include: 

• Composition This is the craft of arranging musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form to make original musical compositions. Composers use notation or digital software to express their artistic ideas, crafting pieces for everything from one instrument to an entire orchestra, or film soundtrack. 

• Music history This specialisation examines the evolution and cultural significance of music throughout the ages, looking at different time periods and cultures. It explores significant composers, styles, and movements, tracing influences and innovations that shape contemporary musical traditions. 

• Performance Musical artists, such as instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors, bring compositions to life through live and recorded performances. This can take place in a range of settings, from concert halls and theatres to recordings and digital platforms. 

• Musicology Musicologists study music as an academic subject, researching topics such as composers, genres, styles, and public reception, employing interdisciplinary methods to investigate music's role in society. They contribute to understanding music's cultural significance and its impact on the shared human experience. 

• Music technology Music technology is the use of devices to make music. Whether it be through hardware or software, music technologists deal with the creation, production, and manipulation of music, employing techniques like sound synthesis, editing, mixing, and mastering to experiment with sound and arrive at the final product. 

• Composition  

• Creative software skills  

• History of music  

• Genres of music  

• Music industry studies  

• Musical theory 

• Musical techniques  

• Performance studies 

• Studio recording 

Besides having three years of creative support to develop your own personal abilities and musical identity, studying music at university provides a comprehensive background understanding of music theory, history, performance, and technology.  

You’ll develop practical skills in composition, performance, and production, and have a huge number of opportunities to collaborate with other musical talents, while learning about the music industry and how to get a running start on your creative career. 

You’ll also pick up a bunch of transferable skills along the way, such as: 

• Research 

• Attention to detail 

• Creative thinking 

• Hand-eye co-ordination 

• Independent working 

While there is no centralised accreditation body for music in the UK, music degrees may be accredited by any of the following organisations which ensure that programs meet industry standards and provide high-quality training. 

• The Association of British Orchestras (ABO)  

• The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) 

• JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES ) 

• The Music Producers' Guild (MPG) 

• The Association of Professional Recording Studios (APRS) 

If you're passionate about music, bust aren’t sure if studying a degree in it is right for you, then it’s definitely worth shopping around a bit, and researching alternative options. Some of these include: 

• Performing arts  

• Film studies 

• Music therapy 

• Drama studies 

Whether you’re aiming for chart success as a recording artist, work in live performance and theatre, digital sound design, or run your own recording label, a degree in music will give you a great foundation of skills and experience to make it happen.

Graduates are well prepared to find jobs in musical performance, education, production, or administration, and can apply their skills broadly. Music is a universal discipline and can be applied to all kinds of professional fields, such as entertainment, media, marketing, education, and even healthcare. 

Career paths could include:

• Music producer 

• Music therapist 

• Music industry lawyer 

• Music publisher 

• Musician 

• Teacher/lecturer 

• Music journalist 

• Sound engineer 

• Sound technician 

• Artist representative 

• Composer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in music or a related subject.