Course structure
We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.
This is a three-year full-time degree, consisting of 120 credits a year. Each year is divided into an autumn and a spring semester and has a modular structure. Most modules are worth 10 or 20 credits.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
Year one provides the foundation for you to take advantage of the creative and intellectual benefits of higher education.
Entirely optional modules are offered in music theory and analysis, composition (solo instruments and small ensembles), practical musicianship (solo performance), practical portfolio (ensembles, conducting, aural training), and techniques in jazz and popular music. There are also a trio of modules which will provide you with much needed support in historical and stylistic awareness of musical genres and traditions (Western and Non-Western, Popular, Jazz and Film Music, as well as Music Theatre) and developing an ability to write and talk confidently, fluently and critically about music.
You will take a minimum of 80 credits in Music in Year 1 (i.e. four modules). Students of this course can choose to study modules outside of their allocated School’s modules, subject to availability.
To complement your academic study, you are actively encouraged to join the University-led core ensembles if you choose not to formally take them as academic modules.
Year two
In year two, study is more advanced and you will have the opportunity to consolidate your strengths while maintaining activity in a breadth of disciplines, choosing from four groups: Analytical and Critical Skills; Composition and Production; Practical Musicianship; Musicology and Placement.
Our year two Business of Music modules are designed to help you better understand different branches of the music profession and give an opportunity for a short placement in an area related to music or the arts, either in one block or as a series of regular workplace visits.
You will take a minimum of 100 credits in Music in year two, and can choose to study modules outside of Music, subject to availability.
Year three
In year three, you choose again from the four subject groups, and may pursue up to two of the three 30-credit major academic projects: Dissertation, Project in Ethnomusicology, or Project in Music Analysis.
You will take a minimum of 100 credits in Music in year three and can choose to study modules outside of Music, subject to availability.
Unlike BMus students, BA students do not have the options of a 30-credit composition portfolio or public performance, though they may complete a shorter 20-credit composition portfolio (Composition IV) and/or an ‘open’ recital in front of examiners and an invited audience (Practical Musicianship IV).
