About this course
If you have a passion for literature, music and experiencing new ideas, this joint honours degree is for you. We will introduce you to a wide range of texts, topics and musical styles. Our course will help you explore the connections between English and Music, like lyrical poetry, opera, musicals and film.
Our English modules cover writing from around the world and its connection to politics, the arts, identity and more.
In Music, you can study everything from Italian opera to global hip hop, while developing your own musical practice.
With our advice, you can shape your degree to suit your own development. For example, you might learn about the literature of the Harlem Renaissance, while exploring jazz theory in Music.
As part of this course you can:
join one of 40 student-led performing arts groups
spend a semester at one of our global partner universities
take part in writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
use a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
learn a modern language at any level
explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
get one-to-one tutorials on writing from our Royal Literary Fund Fellows
To explore your passion for Music you can:
attend an extensive series of professional concerts and workshops in our acclaimed Turner Sims concert hall
join a band, orchestra or choir and take part in a thriving local music scene
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 279.29 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Avenue campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
**Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of a Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 at Higher Level in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
**Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Music plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in Music plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Music plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in one further A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
OR
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
BTEC additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
**Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Other qualifications
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music, and grade A in the EPQ, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Music plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in Music plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in one further A level and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
OR
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A level English Literature (or a related subject*) and A in A level Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Pass in Grade 6 Music Theory, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Access to HE Diploma additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
**Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 including English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music at A2 and B1, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
**Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three principal subjects including English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
**Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Grades AB in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
or
AA from two A levels including English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *English Literature related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies. **Equivalence to grade 8 is ascertained via audition. This can be done in person or by sending a video. We welcome students onto our programmes who are not at this level if their interests focus on other areas, such as composition, music technology and/or music history and ethnomusicology.
We do not accept Music Technology in lieu of Music Level 3 qualification (A level, BTEC etc). We can accept a pass in Grade 6 Music Theory where Music is not studied as a Level 3 qualification.
We recognise Music practical and theory exams from ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and LCM.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8.5 and 8 in English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6
- writing
- 6
- speaking
- 6
- listening
- 6
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
Typically, you’ll take a similar number of modules in English and Music. You can complement your degree with modules in other subjects, such as anthropology or psychology. Your personal academic tutor can help you plan your course.
English at Southampton covers poetry, prose, drama and film from the medieval period to the present day. You’ll explore the connections between literature and areas such as visual culture, science, performance and politics.
In Music you'll:
study Western tonal music, including harmony and counterpoint
take individual tuition on instruments or voice
attend workshops with professional performers
submit your own compositions
Year 1
You'll have a free choice of any of our English and Music options, but you’ll keep a roughly equal balance between the subjects. You’ll gain a foundation in critical thinking, essay writing and joint research. This will help you develop your own views and approaches in the study of literature.
You’ll take 8 modules, which usually include:
Poetic Language
a group research project, including options such as City Writing in the Nineteenth Century, Literature to Save the Planet, or Decadence and Decay at the Fin de Siècle
The Novel
The Act of the Essay
Year 2
You'll take any 4 Music modules from a wide selection, including:
Jazz Theory
Operas of Benjamin Britten
American Musicals
Digital Sound and Songwriting
Conducting
English modules include:
African Worlds
Victorian Feelings
Sweatshops, Sex Workers and Asylum Seekers: World Literature and Visual Culture After Globalisation
Women Writers Remixed
Scriptwriting
Year 3
You’ll either write a dissertation on a topic of your choice in English, or complete a composition or research project in Music.
In Music you can choose from modules including:
Orchestral Arrangements
The American Musical
Commercial Composition
From Teddy Bears to Drag Queens: Music and Subculture
Global Hip Hop
You’ll also choose from English modules, including:
Sex and the City in Stuart Drama
Fantasy Film and Fiction
Utopias and Dystopias
Animal Forms: Poetry and the Non-Human
Literature of Islands and Oceans
Narrative Non-Fiction
Year 4
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 1:
- Exploring Music 1
- Exploring Music 2
- Transformations in Twentieth-Century Music: Pop, Jazz, Art Music and Beyond
- First Year Performance Tuition, Joint Studies
- First Year Performance Tuition (single module)
- The Novel
- Composition Fundamentals
- Poetic Language
- Group Research Project
- The Act of the Essay
- Fundamentals of Analysis, Counterpoint and Harmony
- Theory & Criticism
Modules year 2
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 2:
- Music Therapy 1: Fundamentals
- Children's Literature
- Women, Writing and Modernity, 1770-1830
- Composition Workshop
- Victorian Feelings
- Ensemble Performance 1
- Images of Women
- How the Arts Work: a practical introduction to cultural economics
- Women Writers Remixed ca. 1850-1915
- From Black and White to Colour: A Screen History of Race, Gender and Sexuality in Post-War Britain
- Conducting
- The American Musical
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
Modules year 3
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
- Ensemble Performance I
- Jane Austen and the Regency World
- The American Musical
- Studio Techniques 2
- Commercial Composition
- Composition Portfolio
- Fantasy Film and Fiction
- Radical England: From Shakespeare to Milton
- Composition Workshop
- Music Therapy 2: Beneath the Surface
- Literatures of Islands and Oceans
- Inventing America
- Performance Tuition (Single Study)
- Victorian Bestsellers
- Writing the Novel
- Creative Writing in Schools
- Ensemble Performance II
- Research Project
- Narrative Non-Fiction: The Interdisciplinary Art
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You’ll have your own personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies.
You’ll have 3 to 4 learning support hours per week. Depending on your needs, they can include:
group work
one-to-one tutorials
practical workshops
specialist skills training
supervised study or conversation with your tutor
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 14%
- Independent study
- 86%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 15%
- Independent study
- 85%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 13%
- Independent study
- 87%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Mary Hammond is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- assessed performances
- blogs
- compositions
- composition portfolios
- creative projects
- dissertations
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- module journals
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 6%
- Practical exam
- 31%
- Coursework
- 63%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 25%
- Practical exam
- 13%
- Coursework
- 62%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 0%
- Practical exam
- 4%
- Coursework
- 96%
Careers
English and Music at Southampton gives you a strong foundation in:
research
presentation skills
project management
critical thinking
writing
You'll develop skills that are essential for any employer looking for driven, articulate individuals with a passion for learning. You’ll learn how to tell a story - a crucial skill whether you want to write a press release or funding application, or edit a book or podcast.
Our English and Music graduates have gone on to careers in:
broadcasting
composition
creative writing
journalism
management
music production
performance
song writing
teaching
We offer a series of lectures and seminars given by experts, employers and alumni, which take you through career planning. These are designed for humanities students and cover:
careers opportunities graduates, including digital jobs
entrepreneurial and start-up options
skills self-assessment to help you discover hidden talents
CV and application form writing
Your personal academic tutor can write a reference based on knowledge of you as a student over the 3 years.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can take work placements through our Excel internship scheme or Year in Employment scheme. Placements may include those in art galleries, publishing houses, schools and performing arts organisations. We can help you get placements and employment with local, national and international employers.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
You will be responsible for paying certain costs not covered by the tuition fee. These include:
maintenance and insurance of musical instruments
extra musical tuition or rehearsals
hiring session musicians
personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
equipment and materials used in projects
costs related to modules from different courses
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Textbooks
- Computer discs or USB drives
- Stationery
- Instruments and Equipment
- Vocal and Instrumental Lessons
- Hardware
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 279.29 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
Life at Southampton
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: QW33
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
You'll need to show you're proficient to grade 8 or equivalent, either by auditioning or sending a video.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.