B.A. Music (including Foundation English)

This programme is intended for applicants whose first language is not English. You will study a total of six modules over your foundation year, including Making Music (performance), Music Theory, and English for Academic Purposes.

In the following year of the degree, you take core modules in: Music, Criticism and Culture; Music History and Society; Music Practice I and II (theory); Creative Music Skills I and II (performance, composition, technology).

In the final two years, you can choose to take modules in different pathways, including: Performance (solo/ensemble; directing/conducting; session playing); Composition (instrumental; songwriting; electronic; audiovisual; film); Musicology (jazz studies; nineteenth-century music; new music; rock and popular musicology); Technology (studio techniques; music technology applications; film & game audio; interactive technologies); Specialist modules (psychology of music performance; film music; orchestration; arranging; Shakespeare music; Handel’s dramatic works; music industry studies; global pop)

Note: Applicants with suitable skills may have the option of transferring to one of our other programmes after the Foundation year. Requirements for progression to the first year of the degree programme: At Foundation level, 60% or higher overall module mark for music modules (40 credits) and 50% or higher overall module mark for all other modules (80 credits). During the year of study students will be encouraged to pass external qualifications e.g. ABRSM grade 7 (or higher in performance) and grade 7 theory (or higher), though these do not constitute a requirement for progression.

Available progression routes:

1) Automatic route onto BA Music with option for transferral to BMus;

2) Progression onto the following programmes subject to demonstration of the requisite specialist skills: BA Creative Music Technology; BA Jazz and Popular Music; BA Popular Music; BA Music and Theatre; or BA music joint with another subject.

If intention to progress into one of these areas is known prior to entry then the applicant must ensure that, where appropriate, the requisite specialist skills/experience for entry onto the first year of the degree programme are already achieved. In order to be advised on the feasibility of these options, applicants should state their preferred routes on the application.