Music

The Bachelor of Music at the University of Southampton offers a comprehensive and immersive education in the art and science of music, designed to develop students’ technical skills, creative abilities, and critical understanding of musical practices. This programme provides a balanced curriculum that combines practical performance, composition, and music technology with rigorous academic study of music history, theory, and analysis. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse musical genres and styles, fostering a broad and inclusive perspective on music’s role in society and culture. The programme encourages active engagement through individual and group performance work, composition projects, and technological innovation, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty. Students can tailor their degree to their interests, choosing from optional modules across various disciplines, including world music, jazz, electronic music, and musicology. The programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in performance, teaching, composition, music production, music journalism, and other related fields. Throughout their studies, students develop essential skills such as critical listening, technological proficiency, collaborative working, and professional practice, enabling them to succeed in a dynamic and competitive music industry. The university’s vibrant musical community provides numerous opportunities for concerts, workshops, and competitions, enriching students’ educational experience and professional development. Equipped with a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of music, graduates leave the programme well-prepared for postgraduate study or entry into music-related professions, contributing innovatively and ethically to the artistic and cultural landscape.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14660 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

In your first year a core programme of musical studies provides a broad grounding in the fundamental elements of music performance, composition and academic musical study.

In your second and third years a free choice is available from a wide selection of courses in range of subjects. You may also choose to take up to 25% of your programme in subjects from other disciplines throughout your degree programme.

Most subjects offered by the Music department come under three main themes:

• History and Criticism: introduces historical, analytical and repertory studies, ethnomusicology and sociological topics, from the Middle Ages to the present.
• Performance: supports instrumental and vocal performance (solo or ensemble) in classical, jazz and pop styles, with 20 hours of fully funded individual tuition per year for solo performers, plus fortnightly master classes, professional workshops and group coaching.
• Composition: includes extensive project work and advanced studio techniques, leading to the submission of a collection of original compositions, either classical or commercial.

Requirements

A Levels:

ABB, including grade B in Music

Candidates wishing to pursue performance component, which is not a requirement of the degree, will normally have attained or be working towards Grade 8 (ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool, LCM), or be able to demonstrate an equivalent standard. Candidates with questions about the level of their practical music skills are urged to contact the Music admissions team for advice.

orBBB, including grade B in Music and A in Extended Project Qualification

Candidates wishing to pursue performance component, which is not a requirement of the degree, will normally have attained or be working towards Grade 8 (ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool, LCM), or be able to demonstrate an equivalent standard. Candidates with questions about the level of their practical music skills are urged to contact the Music admissions team for advice.

IB:

IB: 32 points, 16 at higher level, including 6 in higher level music

Candidates wishing to pursue performance component, which is not a requirement of the degree, will normally have attained or be working towards Grade 8 (ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool, LCM), or be able to demonstrate an equivalent standard. Candidates with questions about the level of their practical music skills are urged to contact the Music admissions team for advice.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not currently meet our entry requirements may be able to join this course on successful completion of our International Foundation Year. For more information visit the IFY course page

Selection process:

Intake: 75 Average applicants per place: 6

Selection process: UCAS application. Those offered places are invited to attend a visit day, which features a range of talks and other events, and multiple opportunities to ask questions.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Southampton.

The University of Southampton offers a comprehensive and engaging Music programme designed to foster both practical skills and academic understanding of music. The programme encompasses a wide range of disciplines including performance, composition, musicology, and technology. Students have the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive environment, with access to modern facilities such as recording studios, practice rooms, and concert venues. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical application, encouraging students to explore diverse musical genres and styles. Additionally, students participate in ensembles, workshops, and recitals, gaining valuable performance experience. The programme also emphasizes the importance of research and critical thinking, enabling students to analyze and contextualize music historically and culturally. The department regularly invites guest lecturers and hosts concerts, seminars, and masterclasses to enhance the learning experience. Students can tailor their study pathways according to their interests, choosing modules that focus on areas such as ethnomusicology, music technology, or contemporary composition. The university’s strong links with industry and cultural institutions provide pathways for internships and collaborative projects, facilitating professional development and networking opportunities. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in performance, composition, teaching, music production, and arts management. The university supports students in developing independent research projects, culminating in a dissertation or portfolio. Overall, the programme aims to nurture creative, analytical, and technical skills, preparing students for a diverse range of careers in the music industry or further academic study.