About this course
If you have a passion for literature, music and experiencing new ideas, this joint honours English and Music 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:
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join one of 40 student-led performing arts groups
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spend a semester at one of our global partner universities
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take part in writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
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use a unique collection of rare books at the Chawton House Library
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learn a modern language at any level
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explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
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get one-to-one tutorials on writing from our Royal Literary Fund Fellows
To explore your passion for Music you can:
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attend an extensive series of professional concerts and workshops in our acclaimed Turner Sims concert hall
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join a band, orchestra or choir and take part in a thriving local music scene
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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.
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
applicants 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 English Literature (or a related subject*) and Music, and Grade 8 Music Practical or demonstrated equivalent standard**
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.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
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**
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 requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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study Western tonal music, including harmony and counterpoint
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take individual tuition on instruments or voice
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attend workshops with professional performers
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submit your own compositions
Year 1 overview
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:
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Poetic Language
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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
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The Novel
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The Act of the Essay
Year 2 overview
You'll take any 4 Music modules from a wide selection, including:
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Jazz Theory
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Operas of Benjamin Britten
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American Musicals
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Digital Sound and Songwriting
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Conducting
English modules include:
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African Worlds
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Victorian Feelings
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Sweatshops, Sex Workers and Asylum Seekers: World Literature and Visual Culture After Globalisation
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Women Writers Remixed
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Scriptwriting
Year 3 overview
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:
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Orchestral Arrangements
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The American Musical
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Commercial Composition
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From Teddy Bears to Drag Queens: Music and Subculture
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Global Hip Hop
You’ll also choose from English modules, including:
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Sex and the City in Stuart Drama
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Fantasy Film and Fiction
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Utopias and Dystopias
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Animal Forms: Poetry and the Non-Human
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Literature of Islands and Oceans
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Narrative Non-Fiction
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Mary Hammond is the course leader.
Careers
When you study English and Music at Southampton you'll gain a strong foundation in:
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research
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presentation skills
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project management
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critical thinking
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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:
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broadcasting
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composition
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creative writing
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journalism
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management
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music production
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performance
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song writing
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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:
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careers opportunities graduates, including digital jobs
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entrepreneurial and start-up options
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skills self-assessment to help you discover hidden talents
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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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
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:
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maintenance and insurance of musical instruments
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extra musical tuition or rehearsals
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hiring session musicians
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personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
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equipment and materials used in projects
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costs related to modules from different courses
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
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.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
