BA Music

at Durham University

Year 1
 

In the first year you are expected to follow the same course, designed to introduce a broad range of disciplines and approaches.

The course consists of six modules:

• Historical Studies 1

• EITHER Performance 1: Practice Through History (with Recital) OR Performance 1: Practice Through History (with Essay)

• Historical Composition Techniques

• Composition 1: Twentieth Century Innovations

• Introduction to Ethnomusicology

• Analysis 1: Elements of Tonal Theory and Practice.

Essential topics in music technology are spread over these compulsory modules, as are foundational research skills that will be needed in the later years, such as essay writing skills.

All Combined Honours students taking only one module in Music must take either 'Historical Studies 1' or 'Introduction to Ethnomusicology'. If you take two or three modules in Music, you must take one of these musicological modules, and can add the other and/or one or two of the three ‘practice based’ modules which are the prerequisites for the Year 2 modules in performance, composition,and other practical disciplines.

Year 2
 

In the second year, you will undertake one compulsory module – 'Historical Studies 2' – and choose five modules from a broad menu. As an alternative, you may choose to take a module in another department.

Examples of optional modules are:

• Composition 2: New Directions in Art Music

• Creative Music Technology

• Performance 2: Practice as Research

• Advanced Historical Composition Techniques

• Theory and Analysis

• Orchestration

• Conducting

• World Music Traditions

• Studies in Popular Music

• Studies in the History of Opera

• Music and Science

• Philosophy, Music and Improvisation

• The Music of India.

Year 3
 

The third-year of this course is structured around a compulsory double-weighted independent project, which can take the form of a musicological dissertation, a composition portfolio, a techniques portfolio (pastiche compositions), or a 40-minute solo recital. All students are required to do one of these.

In addition, you will choose four other modules, selecting from the list of third year modules (which in previous years has included the modules below) and the second year menu (above). Other possible options are to undertake a single-weighted project (again, a dissertation, composition, techniques portfolio, or performance) and/or pursue a module in another department.

Examples of optional modules are:

• Contemporary Music Performance

• Music and Politics in France 1789–1815

• The Music of India

• Performance 3: Recorded Performance Project

• Time and Rhythm

• Psychology of Music

• Advanced Ethnomusicology

• Studies in Symphonic Analysis

• Words and Music

• Music Theology.

A level offer – AAB including Music. ABRSM Grade 7 Theory is acceptable in lieu of A level Music.
 

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD plus Music as above.
 

IB Diploma score – 36 with 665 in higher level subjects, including Music requirements as above.
 

• We consider each application holistically. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they have practical music accomplishments or can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.

• We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study and may consider other experience in place of formal qualifications where applicable. Mature applicants may also be interested in our Music with Foundation (W301).

• Grade 7 or 8 in first instrument is advisable but by no means essential.

• Keyboard skills are advisable (but not absolutely essential) since they aid score reading and analysis.

• We accept applications for deferred entry.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Science A levels
 

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

The tuition fees shown for students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

 

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

• 81% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 67% are in high skilled employment

• With an average salary of £18,000.