Study Music, why & how to study
If composing or making music gives you joy, then you're already a strong candidate for a degree in this subject area.
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CONTENTS
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What鈥檚 Music?
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What Music degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Music degree?
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What topics does a Music degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Music?
- Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Music?
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What do Music graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Music graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Music
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Have any questions?
What鈥檚 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.
Take a look at the university league tables for Music along with the Arts, Drama & Music league table.
What Music degrees can you study?
Undergraduate degrees in Music include single, combined and joint honours degrees: Some examples include:
Songwriting BA
Courses focus on developing the range of techniques, skills and approaches required to be a songwriter. You鈥檒l also get the opportunity to work alongside musicians and sound, video and lighting technicians.
Find Songwriting courses.
Folk and Traditional Music BA
If you鈥檙e interested in the traditional songs of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland this specialist course could be for you.
Search for Folk and Traditional Music courses.
Music Technology BSc
Explore how modern technologies are revolutionising the music industry and develop your technical skills in digital and audio software.
Look for Music Technology courses.
Music and History BA
Studying Music with History prepares you for a range of careers both inside and outside of the music industry.
Discover Music and History courses.
Music Production BA
This type of degree will prepare you for a career as a highly skilled music and audio producer. Explore music for different types of media such as film, television, games and virtual reality (VR).
Search for Music Production courses.
Music BA
Be exposed to music of all kinds, in all contexts and investigate these in terms of their history social context and psychology.
Explore Music courses.
Other options
You鈥檒l also find Music on offer with various other subjects such as mathematics or languages.
Some degrees may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement or option to 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鈥�165 UCAS points 鈥� but talented applicants who don鈥檛 meet the advertised requirements will be considered. Qualifications range from:
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A Levels: AAA鈥揅
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BTECs: D*D*D*鈥揗MP
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Scottish Highers: AAAAA鈥� BBC (Advanced Highers: AA鈥揂AB)
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International Baccalaureate: 38鈥�28
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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
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You may be asked to audition or provide a sample of your work.
Good to have
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Performance-related experiences, from being in an orchestra to solo performances
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Involvement in music competitions, music clubs or societies, student radio, or putting on events
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Experience or shadowing in your field of music, such as in a recording studio
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Activities that evidence your transferable skills, like the Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 Award
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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
See the Top 10 Creative Arts Universities.
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
Read about famous bands that met at university.
Why study Music?
Career-specific skills:
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Performance or technical production skills
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Creativity in performance, composition, or problem-solving
Transferable skills:
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Collaboration
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Communication
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Critical thinking
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Entrepreneurial mindset
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IT literacy
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Organisation
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Performing under pressure
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Research
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Team working
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Time management
Professional accreditation and organisations:
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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)
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
Some universities offer music students an arts scholarship, bursary or grant so it鈥檚 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 £18,000鈥�£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鈥�£50,500 with experience. A music therapist employed by the National Health Service (NHS) earns between £35,400鈥�£43,000.
What jobs can you get as a Music graduate?
Due to the wide range of skills attained, Music graduates find success in a vast array of professions, both music-related and non-music related.
- Arts administrator
- Editorial assistant
- Composer
- Music publisher
- Music teacher
- Music journalist
- Music therapist
- Performer
- Producer
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Examples of postgraduate courses include:
- Music MA/MPhil/PhD
- Composition of Music for Film and Television MA
- International Music Management MA
- Music Industries MSc
Similar subjects to Music
If you鈥檙e interested in music but aren鈥檛 sure about studying it as a single honours, you could also consider:
Search undergraduate Music courses now!
Have any questions?
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