Music Foundation Year

at Northumbria University

You will work in an environment in which all learning is informed by the academic expertise and research specialisms of our staff.

 

In performance, you will receive individual instrumental/vocal tuition. This is complemented by seminars covering strategies for practice/performing and performance practice, attendance at concerts and open rehearsals, and participation in masterclasses and workshops. This introduces you to the way performance is taught throughout the Northumbria Music degree.

 

Music history combines lectures with seminars based around group discussion of musical texts or broader questions, with seminars often led by students. Music history is brought alive in this module through visits to libraries, archives, houses and other institutions, where you will have the opportunity to engage with the primary source materials of music history, giving you insights into how music research is done.

 

Workshops allow you to develop practical skills and provide a means of putting theory into practice. For example, your theoretical knowledge of harmony will be developed through practical workshops involving the guitar and improvisation on your instrument; you will learn to play the piano in small groups.

 

In preparation for your future career, the Foundation Year has a module introducing you to the music profession in which you will interact with musicians pursuing various career paths, and will take you out into the wider city and community, taking advantage of our partnerships with various musical and arts organisations.

 

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

 

Foundation year

 

• MU3001 -Music in the Home (Core,20 Credits)
• MU3002 -Performance (Core,20 Credits)
• MU3003 -Theory, Harmony and Improvisation (Core,20 Credits)
• MU3004 -Essential Skills in Piano-Playing (Core,20 Credits)
• MU3005 -The Music Profession (Core,20 Credits)
• MU3006 -Music Portfolio: Skills for University (Core,20 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

80 UCAS Tariff points

 

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

 

Subject Requirements:

 

Applicants should be performing at grade 6 level or above in Music Performance, or a recognised equivalent. 

 

Applicants not taking graded music examinations will be considered, and you may be asked to attend an online audition. You should ensure that your musical experience is detailed in your personal statement.

 

GCSE Requirements:

 

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

 

Additional Requirements:

 

Applicants may be asked to submit a video recording demonstrating their performance ability, and have a discussion with academics about their application.

 

International Qualifications:

 

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

 

English Language Requirements:

 

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.

EU Fee in Year 1: £16,500

 

International Fee in Year 1: £16,500

Successful completion of this course guarantees you a place on our BA honours Music degree. The Foundation Year and the Music degree are fully integrated, and have been developed together to allow a seamless transition from one to the other.

 

Music in the Home will furnish you with the intellectual skills you need, fostering critical enquiry and encouraging your curiosity. The dedicated performance strand gets you ready for high-level study in the degree, where your individual lessons will be supported by seminars relating to the act of performance as well as interpretation and performance practice (how repertoire was performed in its time).

 

The Foundation Year introduces the skills required to manage a freelance, portfolio career and work in arts administration, which are later developed upon in the BA (Hons) Music degree. It will allow you to interact with musicians pursuing various career paths, and will take you out into the wider city, taking advantage of our partnerships with various musical and arts organisations.