Undergraduate course
BA (Hons)
Music
Develop your musical talents through links with local venues, expert tuition, and access to practice rooms, studios, and award-winning theatre. Gain practical and technical skills, explore global music, and support disabled performers in composition.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
Diverse and practical curriculum
Explore performance, composition, sound recording and music therapy through modules that blend theory with hands-on experience – giving you a well-rounded and immersive musical education.
Immersive experiences
Access top-tier rehearsal and recording spaces, from grand pianos to digital audio workstations, and gain real-world experience through placements, performances and collaboration with postgraduate music students.
World-class teaching and research connections
Learn from acclaimed tutors with industry and research expertise, and gain unique insights through our research links – positioning you at the forefront of innovation in music.
About
I chose because the course seemed very open minded, full of opportunities and perfect for self-discovery and further exploration within the world of music. This course offers a freedom of self-exploration within a diverse, nurturing environment which both worked on the students' strengths and also introduced new, mind-opening concepts within music.
10 January 2026, 09:00–15:00
Come along to our Creative Futures taster day
Experience a day of creative workshops, inspiring talks, campus tours, portfolio advice, exhibits, games, and pop-up shops with students, alumni, and staff.
Whether you want to kickstart your future in the creative industries, or just enjoy embracing all things creative, we can’t wait to welcome you.
This course is for you if...
you are passionate about music and want to deepen your understanding of sound and creative expression
you want to develop both the practical and creative skills needed to flourish in the arts sector
you are excited to explore professional-grade equipment and rehearsal spaces
you enjoy the freedom to explore your creativity, experiment and push boundaries
Details
Year 1
In your first year, you'll lay the foundations for an intelligent engagement with creative practice and the world of music through studies in developing musicianship, Western music tradition, the music of diverse cultures, composition and music technology. You will also be involved in group musical activities designed to develop your performance skills.
Core modules
MUS4002
Music Theory
20 credits
This module solidifies students’ understanding of music theory concepts and explores its practical applications.
75% Coursework
25% Tests
MUS4003
Exploring Ethnomusicology
20 credits
This module introduces students to ethnomusicology and the study of music in culture. They will explore key theoretical concepts and be introduced to research methods. The module includes lectures, seminars and workshops that explore the topic from a theoretical and practical perspective.
100% Coursework
MUS4004
Illustrating Music History
20 credits
This semester-long twenty-credit module allows students to gain an overview of the history of Western music. The module provides a narrative of Western music from medieval times to the 20th century, while also discussing genres, forms and idioms. This module introduces students to musical analysis and how it intertwines with the historical study of music.
100% Coursework
MUS4005
Composition
20 credits
This module generates an overview of a variety of compositional forms and starting points for creating music. Through a combination of taught sessions, workshop sessions and autonomous student creative activity, these ideas are explored in a hands-on fashion, laying a foundational facility with some compositional strategies, devices and practices.
100% Coursework
MUS4006
Audio Engineering
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamental skills and techniques they need to become an effective audio engineer. Students will learn how to relate subjective and objective measures of sound to inform their practice. Taught sessions will explore topics such as psychoacoustics, small room acoustics, digital and analogue recording consoles, signal flow, microphone concepts and positioning, and advanced use of professional software platforms. This module will include 2, 2 hour talks that introduce our School and programme level employability related opportunities and support, including details of the optional placement year.
100% Coursework
MUS4007
Performance 1: Introduction to Performance
20 credits
This module introduces learners to performance practices and the theory behind their instrumental and vocal practice. Students will develop musicianship skills and their practice as solo performers. The teaching will combine individual tuition with specialised tutors and a series of lectures and workshops.
75% Practicals
25% Coursework
Year 2
Year two broadens your musical horizons; this prepares you to engage wholeheartedly toward your final year and embrace a specialism you enjoy (e.g. music as therapy).
For students entering Level 4 of their programme in academic year 2024/25 optional non-credit rated modules SSC500 and SSC600 will not be available in 25/26 and 26/27 respectively.
Core modules
MUS5001
Twentieth Century Music
20 credits
Students will develop an understanding of the key strands of twentieth century music history (Classical, electroacoustic, popular). The impact of contextual and historical factors on musical developments will be explored, and important styles, composers/artists, and musical features will be examined. Students will continue to develop their analytical skills.
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
MUS5002
Songwriting
20 credits
Students will explore songwriting from a contextual and practical perspective, equipping them with the skills to write songs in a variety of genres. Lectures and tutorials will encourage students’ understanding of songwriting through listening, writing and reflection.
100% Coursework
MUS5004
Independent Study
20 credits
This module allows students to further develop their musical understanding in an area of their own choice. Students will be encouraged to negotiate a programme of study and assessment mode related to a musical topic of interest. There is scope in this module for students to put an emphasis on practical and/or theoretical engagement with the chosen topic.
100% Coursework
MUS5005
Performance 2: Ensemble Performance
20 credits
This module continues to develop the students’ instrumental or vocal practice through specialised tuition. Students will gain an understanding for theoretical and practical issues pertaining to ensemble performance. They will explore the conventions and practices of ensemble performance in a variety of genres and contexts through lectures and workshops.
75% Practicals
25% Coursework
Optional modules
MUS5003MX
Psychology of Music
20 credits
This module introduces students to concepts in psychoacoustics, psychology and music therapy within a musical context. Students will critically engage with related topics through a series of lectures and workshops, which place theory within musical and creative practice.
100% Coursework
MUS5006MX
Recording Sound and Music
20 credits
Students will learn how to combine their technical recording abilities with their creative skills in music production. They will be introduced to a variety of recording contexts from a practical and theoretical perspective.
100% Coursework
Optional placement year
Undertake an optional placement year where you can build a number of key employability skills. Put theory onto practice, get a taste for your chosen career and expand upon your professional network.
For students entering Level 4 of their programme in academic year 2024/25 optional non-credit rated modules SSC500 and SSC600 will not be available in 25/26 and 26/27 respectively.
Optional modules
SSC601
School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Placement Year
Students have the opportunity to gain work experience that will set them apart in the job market when they graduate by undertaking an optional flexible placement year. The placement must be a minimum of 24-weeks (which can be split between a maximum of two different placement providers) and up to a maximum of 48-weeks over the course of the academic year. The placement is flexible and can be undertaken virtually, part or full time and either paid or voluntary. Students will have the option to undertake their placement year abroad. This year allows them to apply and hone the knowledge and skills acquired from the previous years of their programme in the real world.
Final year
In your final year, you'll gain independence in your creative musical practice as you explore performance, ethnomusicology, composition for screen, electroacoustic and electronic music, and community music. You will be able to specialise in a music-related area of your choosing in negotiation with your dissertation supervisor.
Core modules
MUS6001
Negotiated Dissertation Project
40 credits
This module provides a structured learning environment in which to build on personal subject specific specialisms, culminating in either a practice-based portfolio with a substantial critical underpinning or a written dissertation.
100% Coursework
Optional modules
MUS6003MX
Music in the Community
This module will introduce students to practical applications of music to encourage and expand their understanding of the ‘real-life’ uses of musical skills. A series of lectures will cover the concepts and skills required to carry out music work, before students apply these in practical situations.
MUS6004
Electroacoustic and Electronic Music
20 credits
This module will introduce students to the history and repertoire of electroacoustic and electronic music. They will acquire the compositional skills to create music in these genres through practical workshops. The module will encourage students to combine their critical and creative skills to produce pieces in their chosen genre.
100% Coursework
MUS6006
Sound and Vision
20 credits
This module explores the creation of sound and music for moving image. It investigates historical and contemporary theories and models of interaction between music, sound, action and image, drawing a range of media genres. Participants will explore their own responses to the challenges of creating music for images and live action through practical workshops and individual coursework.
100% Coursework
PER6004
Festival Practices
20 credits
This module will support students’ entry into the wide field of the creative industries through the planning and development of a professional quality performance product, commensurate to professional practice. Working solo or in small companies, students will engage with mentoring and feedback processes and locate their practice within the context of the contemporary performance practice and Festival platforms.
100% Practicals
MUS6005
Performance 3: Performance Identity
20 credits
This module aims to develop students into professional performers with a defined musical identity. Students will continue to receive specialised tuition. Lectures with invited speakers and workshops will encourage them to think holistically about their identity as a performer, and design their performance accordingly.
100% Practicals
Module in focus: Music in the Community
Learn the necessary skills to facilitate music in community settings through placements, working alongside experienced music professionals. By engaging with groups such as children, disabled people, refugees and dementia patients, you will gain real-life experience in using music to make a meaningful impact.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Turn your passion into practice
We provide a unique professional development programme for our music students, providing tailored opportunities, industry advice and contacts in music and education. It aims to help you treat your musical passion as a viable career path, integrating vocational experience throughout the degree so that you graduate career-ready.
Your creative home
All our music, audio, music technology and sound production students benefit from access to a diverse array of professional facilities. These include rehearsal rooms, a performing arts centre, a fully equipped recording studio, computer labs and a dedicated live performance space. All are outfitted with industry-standard and specialised audio equipment to support both creative practise and technical development.
Building confidence with an internship
My internship has been eye opening and just a brilliant experience. Even if you don’t have a full interest in doing studio work, I just feel like as musicians the people who work there have so much knowledge about the music industry. I don't think I would have learned as much as I did choosing any other internship, because they all have their own skills that they bring to the table and they're so ready to share it all with you.
Natalie, BSc (Hons) Music student
As part of the professional development programme, I have been teaching singing and piano lessons at Tor Bridge Secondary School. These lessons are one to one and have helped me to gain confidence in my teaching ability, by seeing the progress made in the students and the enjoyment they get from the lessons.
has also given me the opportunity to meet many other musicians and from that have formed a band which has been great fun. We have had many gigs and performed in the SU. Being part of the band has pushed me as a musician and allowed me to extend my repertoire, whilst getting the opportunity to perform around .
Molly, BA (Hons) Music student
I taught drums at Sir John Hunt Community Sports College for three months and in this time, I saw exceptional progress in the students. Seeing a concept 'click' for the first time with a student provided a me with sense of satisfaction that made me appreciate drumming to a greater level.
I found that the teaching of beginner and intermediate concepts to the students not only enhanced the student’s knowledge, but my own as well. It was very enjoyable being able to spend a few hours each week completely engrossing myself in something that I am very passionate about, while imparting this passion to budding musicians. Overall, the experience was very fulfilling and I found that the experience provided me with a wealth of skills for my career as a musician.
Sam, BA (Hons) Music student
This course was refreshing and relevant for the modern musician: it focuses on developing a multitude of aspects as a musician, introduces you to new, exciting avenues in music such as ethnomusicology, music psychology and music technology, and aims and succeeds in developing its students as well-rounded musicians. The staff are passionate about what they teach and support you above and beyond your academic journey.
Jessica
BA (Hons) Music graduate
BA (Hons) Music graduate
Learn from experts in their field
Dr Nuria Bonet
Lecturer in Music
Professor Eduardo Miranda
Professor in Computer Music
Mr Arron Tyler
Senior Technician (Music)
Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR)
World-leading research combining music, science and technology
Involving staff and collaborators from across the University, the ICCMR is where science, technology, music and design overlap to shape the future of creative industries.
From brain–computer interfaces that enable people with severe disabilities to make music, to AI broadcasting tools to support those with dementia, the ICCMR is championing new technologies and redefining how music impacts health and wellbeing.
Start your musical journey early with our Music Junior Academy
Our Junior Academy provides instrumental music lessons and theory tuition from the most experienced teachers in the South West of England.
Membership is free and we welcome young musicians within the South West region who have aspirations to study music at degree level.
Do more of what you love – join Live Music Collective
The Live Music Collective society welcomes musicians of all backgrounds and abilities – from solo performers to full bands, beginners to experts – to come together and share their sound. Focused on building a vibrant music community in , the society offers jam sessions, gigs, workshops and collaborative opportunities in a relaxed, inclusive environment. No perfection required – just passion, creativity and a love for live music!
Explore more musical societies
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@Orchestra
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@West African Drumming
Life in
's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Studying at allowed me to develop as a musician and to learn more about a subject I love. The professional development programme, alongside other opportunities, helped me develop a wide range of skills and disciplines – including performance and teaching. There is no doubt that these opportunities, such as running school workshops, helped me to secure a place on a teacher training course.
Sam
BA (Hons) Music graduate
BA (Hons) Music graduate
Compose your career journey
A degree in music opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Many of our graduates go on to work in music-related roles such as singing teachers, performers, musicians, music educators and music therapists. Others find rewarding careers in publishing, media, and the performing arts, as well as in education, healthcare and information services.
The transferable skills developed throughout the course – such as creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking – also prepare graduates for roles beyond the music industry, including careers in management, administration and other graduate-level professions.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
£17,600 per year
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
£18,150 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at , there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DMM.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T level
Pass (with Grade C in core) in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
26 points.
Other qualifications
Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
W300
W300
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
W300
W300
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the .
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.