Music and Wellbeing

Musical Wellbeing at the University of Leeds is an innovative interdisciplinary programme designed to explore the profound connection between music and mental health. This course combines the fields of music, psychology, and healthcare to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how music can be used as a tool for promoting emotional wellbeing, reducing stress, and supporting mental health recovery. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a diverse range of subjects, including music therapy techniques, psychological theories related to music perception and cognition, and current practices in health and social care settings.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to critically analyze research in music and wellbeing as well as to develop their own interventions and therapeutic strategies. Students will benefit from lectures, seminars, and practical workshops led by experts in music therapy, psychology, and healthcare. They will have opportunities to participate in live music sessions, conduct independent research projects, and collaborate with local communities to deliver music-based wellbeing initiatives.

By combining academic insight with hands-on experience, the programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in music therapy, community music projects, mental health services, and related fields. The course also emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and personalized approaches in wellbeing practices, encouraging students to develop sensitivity and adaptability in their professional roles. Graduates will be equipped with a unique skill set that integrates musical expertise with a deep understanding of psychological and health sciences, positioning them to make meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of individuals and communities through innovative musical interventions.

Your degree is built around three core subject-area modules exploring Music, Wellbeing and its Evaluation, Applied Professional Practice, and Empirical Research Techniques.

Through these modules you'll expand your understanding of the relationship between musical engagement and wellbeing, learn to identify the methodological and ethical challenges of researching in real-world settings, and develop the empirical skills you need to conduct independent research.

You'll also have the opportunity to pursue a module in an area such as music psychology, musicology, performance, or arts management.

The Applied Professional Practice module will provide you with opportunities to take a proactive and self-reflective role in your work, developing professional relationships with our partner organisations e.g. North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre.

Your major submission will be a dissertation on an aspect of music and wellbeing of your own choosing, and you will also choose an optional module to complete your degree. This might be in an area of music such as music psychology, musicology, or performance, or in a related area such as arts fundraising or arts management.

If you choose to study part-time, you will study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in music, psychology, healthcare, arts therapies, sociology, or a related discipline.

We will consider other relevant professional experience if you can demonstrate a good level of musical understanding or practical experience when you apply.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Music admissions team.

English language requirements

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) an overall band of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component skill
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of 92 with no less than 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing
• Pearson (Academic) of 64 overall with no less than 60 in any component
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), or C1 Advanced, of 176 overall with no less than 169 in any component
• Trinity College Integrated Skills in English of a Pass in ISE II or above (if taken in the UK)
• GCSE English Language or Cambridge IGCSE English as a First or Second Language at grade C

How to apply

We will consider applications from 1 October – 1 September.

However, we recommend you apply as early as possible, especially if you are planning to apply for external funding. You will usually be expected to have an offer of a place on a programme before you apply for funding. You may also need to leave time to make arrangements such as visa applications or relocating to Leeds.

Documents and information you need

• Your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying.
• Two academic references.
• If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language qualification.
• A copy (or draft) of an undergraduate dissertation, or an essay in English of a minimum of 2,000 words (preferably 4,000). Your example of academic writing should preferably provide evidence of engagement with an aspect of music and wellbeing if possible.
• If you want to take performance as your specialism in music, we need to see evidence of your performance standard. You can either audition in person or submit a recording on DVD, or a link to a video of your performance online.
• If you wish to take Composition for your Music specialism, please submit one recent composition (if score, no larger than A4, reduce if necessary) with recordings. These can include links to websites, Dropbox, Soundcloud, or similar.
• Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Leeds offers various financing options to support students enrolled in the Music and Wellbeing programme. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the availability of undergraduate and postgraduate funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages. Scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, departmental awards, or specific criteria related to the field of study, such as music and wellbeing. Bursaries are available for students demonstrating financial need, and these are often awarded upon application and assessment of individual circumstances. The university also participates in government-funded student loan schemes, allowing eligible students to borrow tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to cover living expenses and academic costs. International students may have access to different funding sources, including regional scholarships, government sponsorships from their home countries, or specific international trust funds. Additionally, the university provides advice and guidance on external funding sources, such as private grants and charitable foundations that support studies in arts, music, and health. Students are advised to check the specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each funding opportunity through the university’s financial aid office or dedicated scholarship portal. Payment plans may be available for tuition fees, spreading the costs throughout the academic year to ease financial burden. Work opportunities, including on-campus jobs and part-time employment, can also help finance studies while gaining valuable experience. Overall, the University of Leeds aims to provide comprehensive financial support options to ensure that students pursuing the Music and Wellbeing programme can focus on their academic and personal development without undue financial stress.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of different teaching methods such as seminars, tutorials, workshops and lectures in some modules, as well as instrumental or vocal lessons with our expert tutors if you select performance modules.

Independent study is also vital to this course, allowing you to develop your skills and pursue your interests at your own pace.

Assessment

You'll be assessed using a range of methods, including presentations, essays and project work. Specialised music modules will use relevant assessment methods, such as recitals, critical editions and commentaries on musical sources.