Beyond performing and listening, people involved in music may well find themselves teaching, composing, arranging, recording, reviewing, administrating, marketing, archiving and, of course, studying. Many degree courses aim to cultivate skills in all of these areas. Many of the Music modules on offer develop skills in composing, orchestrating, performing, analysing, conducting, studio use, administration and musicology (the historical and cultural study of music), engaging a broad range of past and present musical forms and styles from diverse cultures. Through their challenging and multi-faceted nature, music degrees foster very diverse skills relating to critical thinking, creative thinking, teamwork, delivering presentations, multi-tasking, administration, cataloguing and archiving, conducting detailed analysis, and much more. These skills are all highly valued by employers in diverse professions.

Whether you're interested in performing, composing, or studying music theory, this subject area gives you the chance to explore your musical passions and become a creative artist.

What qualifications do you need?

Music degree entry requirements vary considerably from institution to institution and course to course. Ideally, one of the grades should be in Music. In most cases, universities require evidence of performance skill, typically accepting ABRSM or RCM Grades – or, more rarely, requesting live performance during an interview.

What degrees can you study?

There are three main types of undergraduate music courses, all of which usually lead to a BA (Hons) degree: Single Honours course (focusing on explicitly music-related modules) Combined Honours course (with a large proportion of modules taken in one or more other department/s) Joint Honours course (also involving modules taken in another department but with closer interdisciplinary links built into the programme) Options differ considerably from institution to institution.

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Study Music, why & how to study

Q: How will you be assessed?

Typically, university Music modules are taught through weekly lectures, small group seminars and workshops, and one-to-one tutorials. Tutorials are particularly associated with independent study projects where you explore your own chosen topics (usually in the final year). Generally, performance modules are assessed through live recital, although pre-recorded and written components are also standard. Composition modules are assessed through submitted scores (for acoustic compositions) and recordings (for pieces created in the studio). These are often with supplementary written commentaries. Analytical and musicological modules are assessed through exercises, essays and seminar presentations. A small minority of Music departments continue to feature timed exams in their degree assessment.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

There are many postgraduate opportunities, both taught and research, for Music graduates. Areas of specialism include opera, musicology, production, composition, popular music and musical theatre.

If composing or making music gives you joy, then you're already a strong candidate for a degree in this subject area.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 24 Aug 2022

Bookmark article

What’s Music?
What Music degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Music degree?
What topics does a Music degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Music?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Music?
What do Music graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Music graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Music
Have any questions?

What’s Music?

A Music degree could develop your skills in composing, orchestrating, performing, analysing, conducting, studio use, administration and musicology (the historical and cultural study of music). It could engage a broad range of past and present musical forms, and styles from diverse cultures.

What Music degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Music include single, combined and joint honours degrees:

Options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement or study abroad.

What do you need to get onto a Music degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for a Music degree at a university are typically 64–165 UCAS points – but talented applicants who don’t meet the advertised requirements will be considered. Qualifications range from:

A Levels: AAA–C
BTECs: D*D*D*–MMP
Scottish Highers: AAAAA– BBC (Advanced Highers: AA–AAB)
International Baccalaureate: 38–28

Universities usually ask for music at A Level (or equivalent) Associated Board/Trinity Grade 7 or 8 (performance and/or theory) may be accepted instead of music A Level
You may be asked to audition or provide a sample of your work.

Good to have

Performance-related experiences, from being in an orchestra to solo performances

Involvement in music competitions, music clubs or societies, student radio, or putting on events
Experience or shadowing in your field of music, such as in a recording studio
Activities that evidence your transferable skills, like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Independent reading into the subject and your particular interests

What topics does a Music degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

Composition: 20th-century innovations
Creative software skills
Folk music studies: resources and research materials
Media composition skills
Music industry studies
Musical techniques
Performance studies
Studio recording technique

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following, depending on the type of module:

Live recital
Pre-recorded performance
Written composition or scores
Written commentary
Essays
Seminar presentations
Timed exams

Why study Music?

Career-specific skills:

Performance or technical production skills
Creativity in performance, composition, or problem-solving

Transferable skills:

Collaboration
Communication
Critical thinking
Entrepreneurial mindset
IT literacy

Organisation
Performing under pressure
Research
Team working
Time management

Professional accreditation and organisations:

Degrees may be accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), representing the Music Producers' Guild (MPG) and the Association of Professional Recording Studios (APRS)

Read more in our five reasons to study Music here.

Music at university allows me to explore what I enjoy about certain pieces and learn about their context. It also gives me the chance to learn about styles I had never come across, in particular the contemporary classical genres and world music.

James, University of Durham

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Music?

Some universities offer music students an arts scholarship, bursary or grant so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees or living costs.

What do Music graduates earn?

Music graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £17,000–£22,000. As your career progresses, your salary will depend on the field you work in. For example, a concert promoter could earn £30,000–£50,500 with experience and a music therapist earns from £32,300–£45,800 in the National Health Service (NHS).

Read more on what graduates do and earn here.