Modern Languages and Music BA

Please note: You will take 120 credits of modules in each year of study. The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Every degree programme at the University is divided into 120 credits of study for each year of the programme. In the first year of a Joint Honours programme, you will study 60 credits in each subject as you learn the core elements of the disciplines. We recognise that students on Joint Honours programmes might come to favour one subject slightly more than another. To account for this, we have added more flexibility into the second and final years of our programmes. In the second year, you can stick with the 60-60 split between the two subjects or shift to a 80-40 credit weighting, effectively a major/ minor combination. You can either go back to 60-60 in the final year, maintain the same 80-40 split or reverse the major and the minor and go to a 40-80 weighting.

During your years of study you will take compulsory language modules depending on your language proficiency. You will then choose amongst a wide range of optional modules depending on the number of credits you are taking in the language. We advise that you take look at our prohibited combinations webpage before submitting your application.

You can find out more about the available modules dependent on your credit weighting for your chosen language(s) via the My Choices website.

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

• Music History I (20) and II (20)
• Tonal Harmony and Counterpoint I and II (20)

Detailed descriptions of Year 1 compulsory modules

Optional unassessed Instrumental or Vocal Performance (10 hours) is also available.

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

• 80 credits - Critical Musicology (20); Analysis of Music (20)
• 60 credits - Critical Musicology (20) OR Analysis of Music (20)

• 40 credits - Critical Musicology (20) OR Analysis of Music (20)

Detailed descriptions of Year 2 compulsory modules

You will also take 40 or 60 credits of optional modules

Year 3

The degree programme is four years in length, and you will spend your third year abroad studying, teaching or working before returning to Birmingham for your final year.

Final year

Compulsory Modules

• 80 credits - Independent Study Module (20)
• 60 credits - Independent Study Module (20 - if not taken in Modern Languages)
• 40 credits - No compulsory modules, students will use their Music credits in optional modules

Detailed descriptions of Final Year Music compulsory modules

You will spend your remaining Music credits on optional modules