Music

BA Music

Full-Time Programme

The course requires students to explore fundamental questions about the nature and meaning of music by analysing and critiquing musical texts, and by considering their social, cultural and political contexts. In your final year you will have the opportunity to explore in depth an area of particular interest to you in the major project.

Teaching and Learning

The music staff includes some of the country's leading composers and performers, with teaching and research strengths in composition (both acoustic and studio-based), performance, musicology and socio-critical musicology. Modules on the course reflect the expertise of the staff and focus on technique and interpretation in contemporary music performance, as well as relevant cultural and historical issues.

Careers

A high proportion of our Music graduates have either progressed to postgraduate study at a university or conservatoire or have entered the music profession as performers, composers, teachers and technicians. Others have entered arts administration, publishing, the media and management. Brunel music courses also help develop a wide range of vocational, collaborative and transferable skills that are highly attractive to employers in industry and commerce.

Brunel music courses also help develop a wide range of vocational, collaborative and transferable skills that are highly attractive to employers in industry and commerce. Students have the opportunity, for example, to develop IT and highly sought-after presentation and communications skills during the course.

Objectives

This programme provides a thorough knowledge of the development of Western music in the 20th and 21st centuries, informed by a broad understanding of earlier music history. It introduces important methods of analysis commonly applied to music of this period, as well as ideas in aesthetics, music sociology, music psychology, and critical theory.

Upon successful completion, you will have a broad basis of knowledge and understanding from which to pursue careers and/or further training in areas such as contemporary musicology, music education, criticism, broadcasting, music psychology, or arts management.

Requirements

• GCE A and AS-level Tariff points typically from 3 A-levels together with either 1 AS-level or Extended Project Qualification (typical offer BCC, including Music, plus a C in either an AS or EPQ). Candidates without either Grade C in Music or Grade 8 ABRSM will be required to pass a brief entrance test, details of which will be provided upon application. General Studies/Critical Thinking may be accepted.
• Irish Tariff points from 5 subjects, including Music. Students without Grade C in Music will be required to pass a brief entrance test, details of which will be provided upon application.
• Scottish Tariff points from 3 Advanced Highers, including Music, plus 1 Higher. Applicants without Grade C in Music or Grade 8 ABRSM will be required to pass a brief entrance test, details of which will be provided upon application.
• Advanced Diploma Tariff points in Creative and Media, including an A-level for Additional and Specialist Learning. Students without Grade C in Music will be required to pass a brief entrance test, details of which will be provided upon application.
• BTEC ND DDM. BTEC NC is accepted alongside other Level 3 qualifications - please contact the Admissions Tutor for more information. All BTEC candidates will be required to pass a brief entrance test, details of which will be provided upon application.
• IB Diploma 31 points. Candidates without either IB in Music or Grade 8 ABRSM will be required to pass a brief entrance test, details of which will be provided upon application.
• Practical ABRSM, Guildhall, LCMM or Trinity Grade 8 in an instrument or voice is normally required for performance modules. Other applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants without Grade 8 may be asked to attend an interview and/or audition.

For all of the above, 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English.