Music

If you have a broad range of musical interests and would prefer not to specialise in any one particular area, this course is ideal for you. There are fewer core modules than on the more specialised pathways so you can choose more optional modules from our extensive list, including modules taken from the specialised pathways.

The course aims to:

• develop a broad range of musical and critical skills and knowledge;
• stimulate an inquiring mind;
• encourage initiative, creativity, critical evaluation and independence of thought;
• develop a systematic understanding of relevant musical knowledge and a critical awareness of contemporary issues in music; and
• provide knowledge of research practices in music, enabling you to undertake a substantial individual research/composition project.

What will you study?

The core modules concentrate on research methods and colloquia, which introduce you to a broad range of issues in music. You can then choose from a large range of modules, which include those based in performance, composing, music education and popular music.

The major project offers you the opportunity to focus on an area of your own choice and to specialise through written work or composition. You can choose from a wide range of possible topics relating to your own interests. In addition you can join any of the wide variety of University ensembles or form your own ensemble.

Core modules

• Colloquia
• Major Project
• Researching Music

Optional modules

• Advanced Production of Popular Music
• Comparative International Music Education
• Music Education in the UK: Theory and Practice
• Popular Music Composition
• Psychology of Musical Learning, Communication and Expression
• Recording Techniques
• Sound Design
• Techniques and Technology for Composing for Film and Television
• The Aesthetics of Musical Performance
• The Marketing of Popular Music
• Applied Musical Skills
• Conducting
• Creating Music and Sound for Image 2
• Ensemble Projects 2
• Jazz Studies 2
• Live Electronics
• Music in Context
• Special Study
• Those Who Can, Teach: Contemporary Issues in Music Education
• British Cinema 1960-1990
• Gender and Sexuality in European Cinema
• Mapping World Cinema
• New Hollywood: from the mainstream to the margins
• Place and Identity in European Cinema(s)

A second class degree or above in music and/or relevant experience.International students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalentSamples of workProspective students need to send in an essay of around 1,500 words on a music topic.InterviewsAdmission depends upon a satisfactory interview and submission of relevant work. International students based overseas can arrange for an interview by email or telephone.Prior learning - AP(E)LApplicants with prior qualifications and learning may be exempt from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with the University's policy for the assessment of prior learning and prior experiential learning. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)