Studying music at university
Example course modules
- Techniques of tonal music
- Composition and theory
- Instrumentation, harmony and analysis
- Survey of western music: 900D AD to the present day
- New directions
- Musicianship
- Music composition
- Popular music studies
- Free improvisation
- Jazz studies
Teaching hours / week
Average for this subject
Average for all subjects
Average hours for this subject: 10 (Low 8 - High 13). Average hours for all subjects: 14.
The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.
Who studies this subject
What students say about music
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- Music
- Grade VII / VIII for your main instrument
Useful to have
- English
- history
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Personal statement tips and advice
Career prospects
Six months after graduating
- Artistic, literary and media occupations
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Musician (self-employed or contracted)
- Music tutor
- Music producer
Other real-life job examples
- Arts officers
- Multimedia designer
- Sound technician
What employers like about this subject
Studying music can help you to develop subject-specific skills including the history of music and performance, a thorough knowledge of composition and a practical grounding in music performance - music degrees tend to have a strong practical element. Useful transferable skills you can gain from a music degree include communication, time management, project management, team-working, planning, performing under pressure and commercial awareness. The performing arts, education (both private tuition and in schools), events management, social and welfare, film and TV, advertising and computing industries all recruit music graduates.
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