Music BA (Hons)

at University of Sussex

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2022/23. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown below.

Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Introduction to Music Studies
• Performing and Writing Music

Spring teaching

• Arranging for Songs and Ensembles
• Music and Society A

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer    

30-32 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer    

Overall result of at least 75% - 77%

Additional requirements    

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Home students: £9,250 per year

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,250 per year

International students: £18,500 per year

Whether you choose a career in music or in other fields, we emphasise sustainability of practice to ensure you have a long and fulfilling career. During your studies, you’ll develop:

• a toolkit of music knowledge, and skills in performance, composition, music tech, music for film and games and musicology 
• transferable skills in project management, collaboration, research and analysis, networking, communicating with influence and working to briefs.
• Our masterclass and workshop series ensures you learn from today’s leading music practitioners. Our visiting guest lecturers have included producers, mixing engineers, live sound engineers, performers, film composers and mastering engineers.

Many students use their final-year project as a springboard to launch their careers. Recent graduates have:

• been signed to labels
• made the BBC Radio 6 Music A-list
• gone on to tour professionally
• released albums
• composed music for advertising.